83nd Sturgis Rally Events Schedule - 2023!
Full Throttle Magazine Official Rally Kickoff Show Featuring Tony Cianci
Bike Shows
Full Throttle Magazine Official Rally Kickoff Show Featuring Tony Cianci See Customs of All Kinds Battle It Out Ride into Full Throttle Magazine’s Official Rally Kickoff Show at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads, and you could ride home a winner! Who: You! What: Full Throttle Magazine Official Rally Kickoff Show When: Friday Aug. 4, 2023 Registration – 11 – 3 p.m. Judging – 3 p.m. Awards – 4 p.m. Where: Big Engine Bar Pavilion at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads Why: These customs sound too good to be true…but they’re the real deal! How: FREE to view. Entry fee – $30 per…
Full Throttle Magazine Official Rally Kickoff Show Featuring Tony Cianci
See Customs of All Kinds Battle It Out
Ride into Full Throttle Magazine’s Official Rally Kickoff Show at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads, and you could ride home a winner!
Who: You!
What: Full Throttle Magazine Official Rally Kickoff Show
When: Friday Aug. 4, 2023
Registration – 11 – 3 p.m.
Judging – 3 p.m.
Awards – 4 p.m.
Where: Big Engine Bar Pavilion at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads
Why: These customs sound too good to be true…but they’re the real deal!
How: FREE to view. Entry fee – $30 per bike
This show welcomes all brands and awards prizes in 15 classes, giving guests a huge variety to view and participants a greater chance of winning!
Prizes
Full Throttle Magazine offers custom trophies, and a cash prize for “Best in Show.” The Best in Show winner will then go on to compete against the winners of the other shows in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Custom Series for the title of Custom Series King. All Best in Show winners will be invited onto the Buffalo Chip’s legendary Wolfman Jack Main Stage where celebrity judges will crown the winner of this prestigious award.
How to Enter and Win
Registration fee for showing your ride is $30 per bike, but if you want to see all the bikes, it won’t cost you a dime! Registration begins at 11 a.m. with awards presented at 4 p.m.
With tons of prizes to award, the Full Throttle Magazine Bike Show is sure to draw some of Rally’s finest. Don’t miss your chance to experience some of the most unique bikes you’ll ever see and head to the Full Throttle Official Kickoff Show at the CrossRoads!
Meet Tony Cianci “Chief Cupcake”
Tony Cianci grew up in Toledo, OH and moved to the West Coast of Florida after high school graduation. He received his AA from St. Petersburg College. He worked a few odd jobs in Florida until he started working for the family business, magazines and advertising, PAC Publishing.
Tony bought Full Throttle Magazine in 2013 from his father and started to bring it to a larger scale rather than just the state of Florida. They focus on events, bike nights, concerts, poker runs and bike shows. They have judged thousands of bike shows over the years and consider themselves some of the few professional judges out there. Almost all Full Throttle shows are professionally judged, not peer judged or people’s choice.
Tony has taken Full Throttle Magazine of Florida from a one-state magazine to doing bike shows all over the United States, including Las Vegas, Laconia, Sturgis, Wisconsin and many others! They can handle a top-end bike show from soup to nuts. They have judging forms, advertising, judges, classes, trophies and emceeing the awards.
“We are honored to be one of the Buffalo Chips Bike Shows for the past 8 years!” Tony says.
School’s Out Chopper Show Presented by Motorcycle Knuckle Busters
Bike Shows
School’s Out Chopper Show Presented by Motorcycle Knuckle Busters – Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 Custom Series’ Show Features $2500 Cash to Best of Show Winner plus $500 Cash to All First Place Winners The first campers to ever pass through the Buffalo Chip gate in 1981 rode in on choppers, so it’s only fitting that the Custom Series includes a show for chopper lovers. Who: You! What: Buffalo Chip School’s Out Chopper Show When: Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 Registration: 11 a.m.. – 1 p.m. Judging: 2 p.m. Awards: 3:00 p.m. Where: Free-Access CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip Why: Celebrate choppers, &…
School’s Out Chopper Show Presented by Motorcycle Knuckle Busters – Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023
Custom Series’ Show Features $2500 Cash to Best of Show Winner plus $500 Cash to All First Place Winners
The first campers to ever pass through the Buffalo Chip gate in 1981 rode in on choppers, so it’s only fitting that the Custom Series includes a show for chopper lovers.
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Who:
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You! |
| What: | Buffalo Chip School’s Out Chopper Show |
| When: |
Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023
Registration: 11 a.m.. – 1 p.m. Judging: 2 p.m. Awards: 3:00 p.m. |
| Where: | Free-Access CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip |
| Why: | Celebrate choppers, & win valuable prizes |
| How: |
Ride in and register or pre-register online! It’s free to enter, free to attend.
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Old school, new school and everything in between will be on display during the 6th annual Buffalo Chip School’s Out Chopper Show on Saturday, Aug. 5. And thanks to show partners, Motorcycle Knucklebusters, Paughco, Johnny Mac’s House of Choppers and Bikerpics, this show and shine will give you the chance to meet some of the biggest stars in chopper building, and win cash to get you going on your next chopper build.
Classes
Radical
Chopper (Pre-Evo)
Old School Original (Chopper or Bobber, Pre-Evo)
Metric
Modern Bobber (Evo & up)
Modern Chopper (Evo & up)
Best in Show
Best Paint
How to Enter and Win
Ride in and register FREE on site at the Buffalo Chip’s free-access CrossRoads Saturday, Aug. 5 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and get ready to school the competition! You can also pre-register online ahead of time.
Bikes will be placed in classes by show staff day of show. The owner accepts all responsibility for any damage or theft to the motorcycle during the above-mentioned event and does hereby waive and release Sturgis Buffalo Chip, their agents and assigns, and all other persons who might be claimed to be liable, from any and all damages, expenses, or liability including attorney’s fees for above mentioned motorcycle and all other personal effects. By entering the School’s Out Chopper Show, owner gives Sturgis Buffalo Chip permission to publish photos of owner or motorcycle for advertising and/or promotional purposes.
Over $10,000 in Cash and Prizes
In addition to your autograph from the celebrity judges, you could be going home with one of these valuable prizes for winning in your class:
Best in Show Show
Best Paint
1st place in all classes:
$500 Cash
In addition, the Best in Show winner will go on to compete against the winners of the other shows in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Custom Series for the title of Custom Series King. All Best in Show winners will be invited onto the Buffalo Chip’s legendary Wolfman Jack Main Stage where celebrity judges will crown the winner of this prestigious award.
The Wango Tango Custom Gold Wing Show Presented by Snap Fabrications and CROIG
Bike Shows
Join the Wang Gang at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Honda Gold Wing Custom Show If you’ve got a Wang, show off that thang at the Wango Tango Custom Gold Wing Show! This bike show will be setting up shop at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip CrossRoads to showcase Honda’s luxurious Gold Wing touring motorcycles on Saturday, Aug. 5. Honda’s development of the Gold Wing changed the face of two-wheeled touring back in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Now, it’s about to change the face of America’s greatest V-twin rally as it fills the no. 1 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally destination with a sea…
Join the Wang Gang at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Honda Gold Wing Custom Show
If you’ve got a Wang, show off that thang at the Wango Tango Custom Gold Wing Show! This bike show will be setting up shop at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip CrossRoads to showcase Honda’s luxurious Gold Wing touring motorcycles on Saturday, Aug. 5.
Honda’s development of the Gold Wing changed the face of two-wheeled touring back in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Now, it’s about to change the face of America’s greatest V-twin rally as it fills the no. 1 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally destination with a sea of vintage and modern metric customs. Come see what makes these bikes an emerging favorite among the custom motorcycle scene!
This event is free to attend and all-inclusive, welcoming riders and fans of all ages and from all walks of life.
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Who:
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You! |
| What: | The Wango Tango Custom Gold Wing Show |
| When: | Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023 |
| Where: | The Crossroads at the Buffalo Chip |
| Why: |
Check out unique and vintage custom Gold Wing motorcycles.
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| How: |
Bring your smiling face! The show’s free to attend.
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Awards
More info on awards prizes will be coming soon, but here’s a big one that’s guaranteed
The Best in Show winner from the Wango Tango Show will advance to compete with those from the other Buffalo Chip Custom Series shows for the title of Custom Series King. All winners will be invited onto the Buffalo Chip’s legendary Wolfman Jack Main Stage where celebrity judges will crown the winner of thisa prestigious award crafted by the Wango Tango’s very own Joe Mielke.
Meet the Minds Behind the Show:
About Joe Mielke
Joe Mielke has 17 years in the motorcycle industry as a designer, builder, fabricator, and promoter. He is the owner and operator of Snap Fabrication, a company that designs and installs fabrication of custom motorcycles as well as parts and accessories. On top of that, he has produced the FXR show, which has been a staple at the Chip for 10 years. Joe knows motorcycles and the Wango Tango show is another way for him to show his immense expertise.
About David Chang
David Chang is the founder of @caferacersofinstagram and @croig.co. Both of these accounts showcase David’s love for the custom motorcycle scene. His 1.2 million followers are just as passionate as he is. David has an impressive career with content creation as well. He has worked with a number of major motorcycle brands to promote and create their content.
FXR Show & Dyna Mixer Featuring Joe Mielke of Snap Fabrications
Bike Shows
Custom Series’ Show Includes Hanging Out, Talking Motorcycles and Supporting a Good Cause during the Sturgis Rally at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads Ride in and register for free for this no-nonsense motorcycle event coordinated by Joe Mielke that brings together motorcycle riders to have fun and show and talk motorcycles. The show is all about the riders, their stories and their ride. Tons of great prizes will be awarded based on popular vote thanks to the support of many of the biggest names in the motorcycle world and aftermarket parts industry. One hundred percent of the revenue generated from donations and t-shirt…
Custom Series’ Show Includes Hanging Out, Talking Motorcycles and Supporting a Good Cause during the Sturgis Rally at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads
Ride in and register for free for this no-nonsense motorcycle event coordinated by Joe Mielke that brings together motorcycle riders to have fun and show and talk motorcycles. The show is all about the riders, their stories and their ride. Tons of great prizes will be awarded based on popular vote thanks to the support of many of the biggest names in the motorcycle world and aftermarket parts industry. One hundred percent of the revenue generated from donations and t-shirt sales at this show go directly to LifeScape of SD.
Classes
The classes are straightforward
FXR
Dyna
How to Enter
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Who:
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You! |
| What: | FREE FXR Show & Dyna Mixer |
| When: | Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023 Registration – 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Show – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Awards – 2:00 p.m. |
| Where: | Buffalo Chip CrossRoads |
| Why: | See the biggest and baddest collection of FXRs and Dynas anywhere during the Sturgis Rally, and have a great time for a great cause with fellow enthusiasts. |
| How: | FREE to see. FREE to enter. |
Ride your FXR or Dyna into the FREE REGISTRATION underneath the big orange sails at the Big Engine Bar pavilion in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip CrossRoads. Registration takes place from 9:30 – 11 a.m, and awards are at 2 p.m.
Prizes
The FXR Show & Dyna Mixer is more of a charity event and motorcycle hangout than your conventional bike show, however that doesn’t mean you’ll go home empty-handed. The who’s who of the aftermarket motorcycle parts industry kicks in prizes for the top entries in each class.
The Best in Show winner will also go on to compete against the winners of the other shows in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Custom Series for the title of Custom Series King. All Best in Show winners will be invited onto the Buffalo Chip’s legendary Wolfman Jack Main Stage where celebrity judges will crown the winner of this prestigious award.
Details are still coming together on the prizes for this year. For updates, follow along on Instagram at @fxrshow, @fxrfriday or @sodakbigjoe.
Meet Joe Mielke
Joe Mielke is a true jack-of-all-trades– Designer, fabricator, artist, event coordinator, assistant zookeeper, a genuine motorcycle enthusiast/mechanic/builder and occasional minibike-riding nudist, among other things.
As the founder and chief organizer of the FXR Show & Dyna Mixer, entering its 11th year, Joe has created one of the best-attended bike shows of the Sturgis Rally while raising significant funds for worthy charities.
Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of Sturgis Rally for FREE. Hang out, kick tires, enjoy a cold drink and some shade with fellow FXR and Dyna enthusiasts at the Best Party Anywhere.
Hardcore Cycles Performance Motorcycle Show Featuring John O’Brien
Bike Shows
Custom Series’ Show Pins it during the Sturgis Rally at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads Burn rubber and haul ass to one of the most badass bike shows to ever set up shop during the Sturgis Rally. Hardcore Cycles and John O’Brien are throttling into the Hardcore Cycles Performance Show at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads on Monday, Aug. 7. The Hardcore Cycles Performance Show rounds up the industry’s top performance builders to go head-to-head where it counts: getting power to the pavement. Who: You! What: FREE Hardcore Cycles Performance Show When: Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 Registration – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00…
Custom Series’ Show Pins it during the Sturgis Rally at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads
Burn rubber and haul ass to one of the most badass bike shows to ever set up shop during the Sturgis Rally. Hardcore Cycles and John O’Brien are throttling into the Hardcore Cycles Performance Show at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads on Monday, Aug. 7.
The Hardcore Cycles Performance Show rounds up the industry’s top performance builders to go head-to-head where it counts: getting power to the pavement.
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Who:
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You! |
| What: | FREE Hardcore Cycles Performance Show |
| When: | Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 Registration – 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Judging – 2:00 p.m. Awards – 3:30 p.m. |
| Where: | Buffalo Chip CrossRoads |
| Why: | See the most badass performance V-Twins of the Rally and potentially win cash and other prizes! |
| How: | FREE to see. $20 to enter. Ride in to win! |
Prizes
Winners in seven classes will receive handmade welded plaques and prizes compliments of the sponsors
The Best in Show winner will win a cash prize and also will go on to compete against the winners of the other shows in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Custom Series for the title of Custom Series King. All Best in Show winners will be invited onto the Buffalo Chip’s legendary Wolfman Jack Main Stage where celebrity judges will crown the winner of this prestigious award.
How to Enter
Ride your souped-up V-Twin into the FREE REGISTRATION underneath the big orange sails at the Big Engine Bar pavilion in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip CrossRoads. Registration takes place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m, and judging is at 2 p.m
Meet John O’Brien
HARDCORE CYCLES was started in the Greater Philadelphia area by John O’Brien and a group of tight friends with a passion for V-Twin performance aftermarket parts. They would sling parts at local swap meets or trade with friends all while wishing there was a one stop shop for performance parts especially relating to the Dyna and FXR scene – so they created their own. Today, HARDCORE CYCLES distributes performance driven parts, gear, tires or anything else their customers could possibly ask for. They take pride in being the place to go to allow their customer’s rides meet the epoch of style and function.
Don’t miss your opportunity to see one of the fastest bike shows of the Sturgis Rally for FREE, or ride your own in to the show and you could win big!
Bike Show Mafia Bike Show & Godfathers of Bass Sound-Off presented by Revelation1 Concepts
Bike Shows
Meet Jim Lynch, Enter Your Bike and Win! Revelation1 Concepts is proud to present a brand-new addition to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Custom Series lineup–the Bike Show Mafia All Class Bike Show & Godfathers of Bass Sound-Off! Who: You! What: Bike Show Mafia All Class Bike Show & Godfather of Bass Sound-Off When: Wednesday Aug. 9, 2023 Where: Big Engine Bar Pavilion at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads Why: See some of the Sturgis Rally’s loudest and most unique motorcycles How: Ride in to enter on site. $40 first class entry, $10 additional classes. $40 Sound Competition Join Jim Lynch of Revelation…
Meet Jim Lynch, Enter Your Bike and Win!
Revelation1 Concepts is proud to present a brand-new addition to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Custom Series lineup–the Bike Show Mafia All Class Bike Show & Godfathers of Bass Sound-Off!
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Who:
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You! |
| What: | Bike Show Mafia All Class Bike Show & Godfather of Bass Sound-Off |
| When: | Wednesday Aug. 9, 2023 |
| Where: |
Big Engine Bar Pavilion at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads
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Why:
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See some of the Sturgis Rally’s loudest and most unique motorcycles
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| How: |
Ride in to enter on site. $40 first class entry, $10 additional classes. $40 Sound Competition
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Join Jim Lynch of Revelation 1 Concepts on Wednesday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip CrossRoads for a day of bikes, bass, and all-out mayhem. All bikes are welcome to ride in and enter the All-Class Bike Show, where they’ll be looking for the cream of the crop among Sturgis’ finest rides.
That’s not all! Bike Show Mafia is also hosting the Godfathers of Bass Audio Competition, featuring the loudest and proudest motorcycle sound systems around. If you think your ride can bring the noise, bring it on!
Classes:
Compete for first place trophies in over a dozen classes!
- Master Builder
- Best of Show Bagger
- Best of show Softail
- Paint Champion
- 8 Sound Cometition Classes
- Many More!
So come on down to the Bike Show Mafia All Class Bike Show & Godfathers of Bass Sound-Off and show us what you’ve got. Don’t forget to bring your “family” and friends along for the ride. We’ll see you there, and remember, leave the gun, take the cannoli!
Visit @bikeshowmafia on social media for more information.
Meet Jim Lynch
Jim Lynch started out in the industry hauling motorcycles after he moved to Florida from West Virginia in 2008. He built his company, Revelation 1 Concepts, to servicing over 150 Harley dealerships up and down the east coast until the pandemic when the whole motorcycle industry shifted. That’s when he decided to take a different approach to the motorcycle industry and re-establish the company from a transportation company to a custom full-service motorcycle shop. In addition, in 2021 he started what is now known nationally as The Bike Show Mafia. Lynch has had the honor to work with so many legends in the industry and the pleasure to meet so many cool people along the way. This is just the being of his new journey, and he’s truly enjoying this ride.
Evo Entanglement Bike Show Presented by S&S Cycle
Bike Shows
Custom Series’ Show Featuring Bill Dodge of Bling’s Cycles and Jon Montgomery of S&S Cycle Complete S&S V111 Engine, Baker Transmission and Paughco Frame to Best of Show Winner! Celebrate Harley-Davidson’s classic and reliable workhorse engine at the Buffalo Chip’s 3rd annual Evo Entanglement Bike Show presented by S&S Cycle. On Wednesday, Aug. 9, the free-access CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip will be packed to the edges with Dynas, Softails, FXRs, Sportys, touring bikes and even CVOs, all outfitted with these long-revered engines. Who: You! What: Evo Entanglement Bike Show When: Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023 Registration: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Judging: 2…
Custom Series’ Show Featuring Bill Dodge of Bling’s Cycles and Jon Montgomery of S&S Cycle
Complete S&S V111 Engine, Baker Transmission and Paughco Frame to Best of Show Winner!
Celebrate Harley-Davidson’s classic and reliable workhorse engine at the Buffalo Chip’s 3rd annual Evo Entanglement Bike Show presented by S&S Cycle. On Wednesday, Aug. 9, the free-access CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip will be packed to the edges with Dynas, Softails, FXRs, Sportys, touring bikes and even CVOs, all outfitted with these long-revered engines.
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Who:
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You! |
| What: | Evo Entanglement Bike Show |
| When: |
Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023
Registration: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Judging: 2 p.m.
Awards: 3 p.m.
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| Where: | Free-Access CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip |
| Where: | Celebrate Evos, meet Bill Dodge of Bling’s Cycles, and Jon Montgomery of S&S Cycle win valuable prizes |
| Where: |
Ride in! It’s free to enter, free to attend.
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The Evo’s durability has made it a favorite among riders, and its approachability has allowed it to become one of the most popular engine platforms amongst builders and mechanics of all skill levels. Are you one of them? Enter what you’ve got for a chance to win valuable prizes – including a complete S&S Cycle engine and Paughco frame for Best of Show!
Classes
- Best in Show
- Best in Paint
- Chopper
- Dyna/FXR
- Custom Cruise
- Bagger
- Survivor
- Sportster
Prizes
The Best of Show winner will receive a prize package valued at $15,000 that includes a complete S&S Cycle V-111 Engine, a Paughco Evo-Style Frame and a Baker Drivetrain 0D6 Transmission.
They’ll also go on to compete against the winners of the other shows in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Custom Series for the title of Custom Series King. All Best in Show winners will be invited onto the Buffalo Chip’s legendary Wolfman Jack Main Stage where celebrity judges will crown the winner of this prestigious award.
Meet Bill Dodge
Bling’s Cycles is a tight shop lead by Bill Dodge based in Richmond, Kentucky, where you can find Bill, at any given time, dividing himself between a dozen lifts.
Bling’s Cycles is a place someone can come to acquire a truly one-off, affordable custom motorcycle that not only is aesthetically O.G. as they come but is also built to ride regularly, ride fast, perform and last. They do not provide an assembly line of production models or attempt to suck up the lime light. Instead, they deliver sustainable, custom motorcycles, backed by decades of industry experience, affordable and tailored individually to the working man and woman. If you’re fortunate enough to become a client, you will likely remain a client for about thirty minutes. After that time, you are a friend for life and happy to own a timeless machine with deep details that you may later find containing hidden meanings, relative to you personally, milled into some of its parts.
Bill is recognized and repeatedly invited to national and international builder showcases and returns home with best of show trophies duct taped to his fender rails, yet perpetually remains grounded in what he loves to do: Ride fast American motorcycles, and provide products, made in the USA, solid and rare as diamonds.
Rat’s Hole Bike Show Displays Colossal Collection of Custom Motorcycles
Bike Shows
Custom Series’ Show is Longest Running Bike Show in the World Featuring Ted Smith and Big Daddy Rat Get ready to drool all over the asphalt as you take in the sea of magnificent motorcycles at the world-famous Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show. Over 100 of the Sturgis Rally’s finest will be competing in 14 different classes, and each will be begging you for to get an up-close look. The Rat’s Hole show displays the work of the world’s best builders, whose handiwork is judged on personality, function and a progressive sense of motorcycle culture. Who: You! What: The Granddaddy of…
Custom Series’ Show is Longest Running Bike Show in the World Featuring Ted Smith and Big Daddy Rat
Get ready to drool all over the asphalt as you take in the sea of magnificent motorcycles at the world-famous Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show. Over 100 of the Sturgis Rally’s finest will be competing in 14 different classes, and each will be begging you for to get an up-close look.
The Rat’s Hole show displays the work of the world’s best builders, whose handiwork is judged on personality, function and a progressive sense of motorcycle culture.
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Who:
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You! |
| What: | The Granddaddy of All Custom Motorcycle Shows |
| When: | Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023 – 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Onsite Registration – 10 a.m. Judging – 3 – 5 p.m. Awards – 5 p.m. |
| Where: | Big Engine Bar Pavilion at the Buffalo Chip |
| Why: | See some of the Sturgis Rally’s most unique custom motorcycles and win the coveted trophy in biking |
| How: | Pre-Registration will get free Rat’s Hole stuff! |
This bike show will take place at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip CrossRoads, which means it is absolutely free to attend!
Come be part of the largest and longest-running of all bike shows during the Sturgis Rally on Thursday, Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll find the 2022 Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show in the pavilion at the east end of the Big Engine Bar at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads.
Awards
Judging concludes at 5 p.m. to award over 70 custom-made, hand-sculpted Rat Awards.
The Best of Show winner will receive the prestigious “Big Daddy Rat” trophy and will go on to compete against the winners of the other shows in the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Custom Series for the title of Custom Series King the following night. All Best in Show winners will be invited onto the Buffalo Chip’s legendary Wolfman Jack Main Stage where celebrity judges will crown the winner of this prestigious award.
Get to the Rat’s Hole Bike Show to see the bikes, or enter your bike today, and you could be the lucky winner!
Meet Ted Smith
The World Famous Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Shows were started by founder Karl “Big Daddy Rat” Smith. From his first show in Daytona in 1973, Big Daddy Rat built an empire that helped bike builders get noticed provided a showcase for the custom motorcycle industry to show off their products. Big Daddy Rat held shows all over the USA and even expanded the Rat’s Hole to France, Germany and Canada. After 27 years of putting on the most prestigious custom bike shows in the world, Big Daddy Rat passed during Daytona Bike Week in 2002. According to Karl’s son, Teddy, that’s the way he would have wanted to go, there among his biker friends.
So Teddy picked up where his dad left off, not only continuing the shows, but bringing them to the masses via television. The Rat’s Hole Bike Shows have been featured on TV specials like The World Biker Build Off, American Chopper, Discovery, Travel, NGC, Speed and many others. Teddy Smith grew the amount of shows all over the country and started hand-sculpting the now world-famous Big Daddy Rat Trophies. Teddy makes about 60 trophies for each show, a labor of love. Said Teddy, “These awards are so coveted that builders literally cry when they receive their award. I think that’s what keeps me going. It’s in my blood like it was for my dad.”
Teddy recently added the Swiss Moto show in Switzerland to the company’s overseas shows. The Rat’s Hole is still growing and as they mark their 51-year anniversary in 2023, and Teddy sees no end in sight. “We think Sturgis at the Buffalo Chip is our best show of the year and we hope to see you there.”
Visit Ratshole.com for more info.
Get your $10 Refillable Souvenir Rat’s Hole Mug featuring the 2022 Rat’s Hole Winner!
“The sound and sight of all the bikes makes me feel like I’m among good people.” – Kim Loiselle
