1. What is the biggest bike rally in the USA?
The Sturgis Rally held every year at the beginning of August is the largest in the USA. It brings in 500,000 riders on average, with the highest around 740,000 in 2015 for the 75th anniversary rally.
The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club started in 1936, with an official American Motorcycle Association (AMA) charter in 1937. 1937 was the first year races were held, but there was not a lot of publicity. It was called the Black Hills Motorcycle Classic. AMA began promoting the racing events; which started the now famous Rally in Sturgis on August 14, 1938. That weekend celebration in 1938 had a lineup of only nine racers and a small audience watching the races. The Rally has been held every year since 1938, with the exception of two years during World War II and celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2015. Find out more on our History of Rally page.
3. How many bikers go to Sturgis?
This small town of around 7,000 grows to more than 500,000; but it is not just contained in Sturgis. The whole Black Hills area and anywhere in 100mi+ radius has an increase in riders.
4. How did Sturgis get its name?
Sturgis is in honor of the Civil War Union General Samuel D. Sturgis.
5. When are the future Sturgis Rally & Black Hills Rally dates?
Check out the Rally Dates page. The Rally officially starts on the first Friday in August and runs for 10 days. Many riders attend the week before or after the official rally week.
6. Is the Sturgis Rally & Black Hills Rally near Mt Rushmore and Crazy Horse Mountain?
Yes. There are many great area attractions and events with scenic rides between including Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Badlands, Custer State Park, National Forest, lakes, reservoirs, creeks, and numerous caves. For more information please check out the National & State Parks and Monuments page and these other links.
http://www.blackhills.com/events
https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/west-region
7. What do the bikers do at the Sturgis Rally & Black Hills Rally?
Besides the great attractions including Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Badlands, Custer State Park, National Forest, lakes, reservoirs, creeks, and numerous caves. There are races, rides, runs, concerts, contests and vendors of all kinds. For more information please check out these links.
Popular Sturgis Activities page
Events page
Rides page
BlackHills.com/Events
First you need to decide if you want a tent campground, RV resort, cabin, motel, hotel, vacation rental or a local’s house. All of these are available in Sturgis and the whole Black Hills area. Camping is probably the most popular. Whatever you decide you will want to make sure you plan ahead and make reservations months to a year in advance. Find a place to stay on our Sleep page.
9. Where can I get concert info and buy tickets during the Sturgis Rally?
Concerts during the Sturgis Rally are hosted by several different venues and many are free. See the Concert page for more information or contact the venues listed below.
Buffalo Chip- www.buffalochip.com
Iron Horse Saloon- www.ihsturgis.com
Glencoe CampResort- www.glencoecamp.com
Full Throttle- www.fullthrottlesaloon.com
The Knuckle- www.theknuckle.com
Loud American Road House- www.loudamericanroadhouse.com
One Eyed Jacks- www.oneeyedjackssaloon.com
Pappy Hoel Campground & Resort- www.pappyhoelcampground.com
10. What are the helmet and other motorcycle laws in South Dakota?
You can find the full Motor Vehicles Codified Laws and the Motorcycle Regulation Section on the South Dakota's Legislature website.
Some of the basics are below.
Check out the Rally-Laws page for list of citations and fees.
11. I have heard the Sturgis Rally is very crazy, is that true?
Such a large amount of people descending on a small geographical area creates very large crowds, which can seem pretty crazy and can definitely be overwhelming. Bikes line both sides of the streets and down the middle, and not just in Sturgis. There are people in strange outfits, women walking around with VERY LITTLE on, and hundreds of industry, retail and food vendors packed in every space. Lodging, restaurants, gas stations and stores are overflowing throughout the Black Hills. Be prepared for lines and higher prices than normal. The number of riders and accidents on the roads is also crazy, so drive defensively, sober and with a helmet. The police are present and keep the Rally well under control and do give tickets for a variety of infractions. Some places and events have more of a party atmosphere than others, so do your research. The Sturgis Rally can be as crazy or relaxing as you want depending on what you do and where.
12. What is the Police enforcement like?
Yes, the police are present and enforcing the law, but they do not harass the bikers. Tickets are commonly given for public intoxication, open containers, illegal parking, speeding and other traffic violations, possession of illegal substances (FYI: Cannabis is not legal in any form in SD). Use common sense, read signs, be courteous, follow the laws or you will get a ticket. Check out the Rally-Laws page for a list of citations and fees.
Motorcycle Tours and Sponsored Rides during the 78th Annual Sturgis Rally
The Rusty Wallace Charity Ride
Western Frontier Motorcycle Ride
The Legendary Sturgis Adventure Ride
*Know of other tours and rides, let us know and we'll post the information here.
The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club started in 1936, with an official American Motorcycle Association (AMA) charter in 1937. AMA began promoting the racing events; which started the now famous Rally in Sturgis on August 14, 1938. That weekend celebration in 1938 had a lineup of only nine racers and a small audience watching the races.
The average age for a motorcycle club is three years, and after 78 years, this club is still running strong. The club owns all the property on which most of our club activities take place. There is approximately 40 acres adjacent to Interstate 90 between Exit 30 and Exit 32, the busiest section of Interstate 90 during the Sturgis Rally. A lighted short track, motocross track, field meet area, hillclimb area, clubhouse, office and state approved concession business are located on these grounds.
The Jackpine Gypsies are a non-profit organization. They donate to area charities, including: the local food bank, Sturgis High School, Zonta Club of Sturgis, and Christian Motorcycle Association. Go to their site if you are interested in becoming a member. www.JackpineGypsies.com
The Jackpine Gypsies have over 150 members living all over the United States and abroad. The average age of club members is 40. The average age of spectators is 42, while the average age of the riders is 23.
The short track at the Jackpine Gypsies club grounds was first used in 1963. Since that debut race, many improvements have been made. The racetrack is now wider, it has permanent seating, the lighting system has been improved, there is an announcer, a sign up building and a clubhouse, where the concession business is located. The club holds races every other weekend and a full week of races during the rally. A motocross track was added on in the 1980's and then in 1996 a new track was built. The sport of motocross is beginning to grow again, in fact, in 1998; the Gypsies held five motocross races, which attracted over 500 racers.
During the Sturgis Rally, they hold 12 events, including: motocross racing, a 1/2 mile race, hill climbs, road tours and short track racing. There were over 6000 spectators and hundreds of racers during the week of the Rally. As you can see, the Sturgis Rally has grown quite a bit since the first rally in 1937!
Which year was the 1st rally?
1937 was the first year races were held. Not a lot of publicity. 1938 was the first year people started to take note and attend. It was called the Black Hills Motorcycle C
Did anyone die at the 1st rally?
One, Edward Borron who slid into a guard rail in Boulder Canyon and died the next morning after riding home to Rapid City after the accident.
Close Encounters of the 3rd Kind
was released 1977 and the riders flocked to Devils Tower.
The 38th Annual Rally
(August 7-13, 1978) Was the first time the National ABATE convention was help in Sturgis. 8 deaths were reported during this rally.
The 36th Annual Rally
(August 9-15, 1976) Over 18000 visitors were expected. A few 'undesirables' staged sex shows behind back-lit canvases while others poured and lit gasoline across the highway in front of the City Park. The Economic impact on the city of Sturgis was over $1.8 million.
The 35th Annual Rally
(August 4-10, 1975) was expanded to it's 7 day format.
The 32nd Annual Rally
(August 8-13, 1972) Some of the Gypsy Tours were 8 miles long! The tour was organized into groups over 2 days the following year)
The 25th Annual Rally
(August 11-15, 1965) was the first Official 5 day event. This was also one of the first years where housing the visitors became a real problem.
The 17th Rally
(August 8-11, 1957) was the first year of the Hill Climbs.
The 13th Annual Rally
(August 6-9, 1953) Was the first rally to run for 4 days.
Motor Maids
of America held their 5-state convention at Sturgis, during the Rally.
The 12th Annual Rally
(August 8-10, 1952) First year of the AMA 5 Mile National Championship Race (to a crowd of 7500!)
The 9th Annual Rally
(August 12-14, 1949) This was the first year that Main St. was partially closed off to Motorcycles, but only for 2 hours on a Friday night. Closing Main St to bikes only really didn't get 'Official' until 1964.
Sturgis Landmark:
The White Plate Flat Trackers Association - (Pappy Hoel & Al Burke, 1979) was organized to remember the early racers who successfully competed and earned points for top finishing within specific time periods. See it at, Junction Ave. & Harmon St., Sturgis SD For additional info, see: https://www.facebook.com/WPFTA/
7th Annual Rally
(August 8-10, 1947) had over 400 riders register for the Gypsy Tour. Saturday's races were successful (Bill Tuman named the Sturgis Champion), but Sunday's races were cancelled due to heavy rain.
The 6th Annual Rally
(August 9-11, 1946) Johnny Spiegelhoff was once again named the Sturgis Champion
1942 - 1945
the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was cancelled due to WWII and related gas rationing.
The 5th Annual Rally
(August 1-3, 1941) Pearl Hoel talked about driving the chase vehicle to pick up stranded riders and one time giving their left over tea to a tourist who needed water for his radiator to cool off his over-heated Ford along Needles Highway.
The 4th Annual Rally
(August 16-18, 1940) was the first year with printed Tshirts (all maroon colored) advertising the rally were sold.
The 3rd Annual Rally
(August 11-13, 1939) had 55 riders participate in the Black Hills Tour - from Sturgis to Mt Rushmore (followed by a Dutch Lunch), The Needles Highway, the State Game Lodge, sylvan lake. Johnny Spieglehoff was again named Black Hills Speed Champion
August 12-14, 1938
was the first Rally with organizational help from the local Sturgis businessmen. There were 9 racers for that Saturday. 8 Indian bikes and 1 Harley. The over all named champion was Johnny Spiegelhoff Pappy Hoel crashed through a 'burning wall' which became a common practice for many future Sturgis Rallies.
A quick note from Sturgis Police: Because of certain liabilities, handicap parking on Sturgis Main St is NOT ALLOWED unless you have a Handicap Permit. It's a $100 fine.
Section 5 – Violations and Bonds
(Revised 2016)
Most Common City Violations
|
Violation |
Bond Amount |
|
Panhandling/Soliciting |
$130.00 |
|
Camping in the Street/City Trespassing |
$130.00 |
|
Careless Driving |
$110.00 |
|
City Parking Violations (City Parking Ticket) |
$10.00 |
|
Curfew Violation (Juvenile Offense – Do not bond) |
N/A |
|
Deposit of Filth in Public Place (Littering) |
$105.00 |
|
Disorderly Conduct |
$130.00 |
|
Dog Running at Large (1st offense) |
$75.00 |
|
Driving on Bike Path / Sidewalk |
$130.00 |
|
Exhibition Driving |
$85.00 |
|
Indecent Exposure |
$130.00 |
|
Open Container in Public |
$80.00 |
|
Parking in Handicap Zone (Use City Parking Ticket) |
$100.00 |
|
Selling on the Street (Same as Unlawful Obstruct Streets etc.) |
$105.00 |
|
Speeding in City Limits |
Same as State |
|
Stop Light/Stop Sign Violation |
$110.00 |
|
Truck Routes & Use of Streets by Trucks |
$110.00 |
|
U-Turn Prohibited |
$85.00 |
|
Wrong Way on One Way Street |
$110.00 |
Speeding – State or City on other than Interstate Highways
|
MPH Over Limit |
Fine Total |
|
1 to 5 |
$85.00 |
|
6 to 10 |
$105.00 |
|
11 to 15 |
$125.00 |
|
16 to 20 |
$145.00 |
|
21 to 25 |
$166.00 |
|
26 & Over |
$220.00 |
Most Common State Violations
Drug/Alcohol Violations
|
Violation |
Bond Amount |
|
Furnishing Alcohol to Minor 18-21 |
Court A/R |
|
Open Container in Motor Vehicle |
$120.00 |
|
Possession of Controlled Substance |
Custody Arrest |
|
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia |
$270.00 |
|
Possession of Marijuana |
Custody Arrest |
|
Possession of Substances for High Abuse (Distribution) |
Custody Arrest |
|
Underage Alcohol Purchase/Possession/Consumption |
Court A/R |
|
Underage Purchase/Possession/Consumption of Cigarettes |
$95.00 |
Motorcycle Violations
|
Violation |
Bond Amount |
|
Cyclist Overtaking and Passing M/V in same lame |
$120.00 |
|
Eye Protection Required |
$25.00 |
|
Helmet Required under Age 18 |
$120.00 |
|
Illegal Handlebar Height |
$25.00 |
|
Illegal Motorcycle Exhaust |
$25.00 |
|
Operation Without Motorcycle Endorsement |
$120.00 |
Driver's License Violation
|
Violation |
Bond Amount |
|
Canceled License |
$170.00 |
|
No Driver's License |
$120.00 |
|
Revoked License |
Custody Arrest |
|
Suspended License |
$270.00 |
|
Violation of License Restrictions |
$120.00 |
Vehicle Registration Offenses
|
Violation |
Bond Amount |
|
Expired Validation Sticker |
$120.00 |
|
No Proper Vehicle Registration |
$120.00 |
|
Operations Without License Plates |
$120.00 |
|
Substitution of License Plates |
$120.00 |
Weapons Violations
|
Violation |
Bond Amount |
|
Carrying pistol or revolver without a permit Info from Sturgis Chief of Police Geody Vandewater Open carry is legal in South Dakota and does not require a concealed pistol permit. Firearms may be transported in vehicles if they are clearly visible. When buying a handgun from a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder, an application to purchase a handgun must be filled out by the buyer and submitted to the FBI NICS by the seller. Beginning June 1, 2009, anyone who passes the federal background check will be able to take possession of any firearm immediately, per SB0070. South Dakota has state preemption of firearms laws. Units of local government may not restrict the possession, transportation, sale, transfer, ownership, manufacture, or repair of firearms or ammunition or their components. Preemption was further strengthened in 2019 by preventing local governments from restricting, prohibiting, imposing a tax, license requirement, or license fee on any of the above actions, plus the storage and purchase of firearm, ammunition, or components. It also mandates the attorney general to seek injunctive relief from any locality that violates preemption. Firearms manufacturers, distributors, and sellers are not liable for injury caused by the use of firearms. |
Custody Arrest |
Traffic Violations
|
Violation |
Bond Amount |
|
Careless Driving |
$120.00 |
|
Exhibition Driving |
$120.00 |
|
Fail to Immediately report Accident with Minor Damage |
$120.00 |
|
Failure to Dim Headlights |
$120.00 |
|
Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicle (Move Over Law) |
$120.00 |
|
Following Too Closely |
$120.00 |
|
Illegal Barrier or Median Crossing |
$120.00 |
|
Illegal U-turn |
$120.00 |
|
Littering from Motor Vehicle |
$170.00 |
|
Parking in Handicap Zone |
(Use City Ticket) $100.00 |
|
Pass in No Passing Zone |
$120.00 |
|
Reckless Driving |
Custody Arrest |
|
Stop Sign/Light Violation |
$120.00 |
|
Throwing Match or Burning Object from Vehicle |
$120.00 |
|
Violation of Right of Way |
$120.00 |
