Sturgis and Black Hills Motorcycle Rides

Don’t miss the Northern Hills Ride! Locally known as the “Canyon Ride” as it takes you through Boulder Canyon, Spearfish Canyon and Vanocker Canyon on a 2 ½ hour.
100 mile loop which begins and ends on Main Street Sturgis.
Click Here for 20 years of Spearfish Canyon Fall colors photos.

According to veteran riders, this may well be one of the most picturesque rides in the country. The diversity of this route is what makes the veteran riders refer to it as one of the best 100 miles of motorcycle riding in the country.

Starting in Sturgis –
Take Boulder Canyon (Alt 14) to Hwy 85 North.
Take I-90 West until you reach exit 14.
Go left a few hundred feet and take a right on Colorado Blvd.
(Watch for the Spearfish Canyon signs, 14A.)
There are 3 Waterfalls in the Spearfish Canyon.  Bridal Veil Falls, Spearfish Falls, and Roughlock Falls (There are 2 small easy hikes to see both Spearfish and Roghlock Falls).  Cheyenne Crossing is at the end of Hwy 14A.
Turn east on Hwy 85 to wards Lead and Deadwood.
Turn Right on Hwy 385 South.
Turn Right onto Nemo Road. A mile outside of Nemo is the turnoff to Vanocker Canyon.
This road will bring you right back to Sturgis at exit 32

The Iron Mountain Road then Mt Rushmore and finally Crazy Horse
17 MILES 314 CURVES
14 SWITCHBACKS
3 PIGTAILS
3 TUNNELS
4 PRESIDENTS
2 SPLITS
If you want to change the google map below, here are the directions we used.
Google Map: 999 Main St, Sturgis, SD 57785 3 US-385, Deadwood, SD 57732 Keystone, South Dakota 57751 US-16 Scenic, Keystone, SD 57751 24600-24602 Iron Mountain Rd, Custer, SD 57730 US-16 Scenic, Custer, SD 57730 US-16 Scenic, Custer, SD 57730 Custer, South Dakota 57730 Hill City, South Dakota 57745 23821 US-385, Hill City, SD 57745

Hill City, South Dakota 57745
Sylvan Lake Rd, Custer, SD 57730
26611 US-385, Hot Springs, SD 57747
US-16 Scenic, Custer, SD 57730
US-16 Scenic, Custer, SD 57730
Iron Mountain Rd, Custer, SD 57730
SD-87, Custer, SD 57730
SD-87, Custer, SD 57730

Sturgis -> Belle Fourche -> Aladdin -> Hulett – Devils Tower -> Sundance -> Spearfish -> Deadwood -> Sturgis

Starting in Rapid City, Head East on High 44 past the Regional Airport.
Go through Scenic and on to Interior and Cedar Pass.
You will pick up Hwy 240 called the Bandlands Loop and exit on I-90 (Exit 110 at Wall)

I90 Westbound riders are so eager to get to Sturgis or the Black Hills they don’t take the time to see the Bandlands. This is a mistake. The whole loop takes only an hour and brings you right back to I-90.

1. The Roads are paved 2 lane highways with some gentle curves, nothing too challenging.
2. There aren’t many trees and it can get hot in the summer. Bring along plenty of water.
3. Other than Interior there aren’t any town in the National Park. Fill up with Gas at Rapid City, Interior, or Wall.
4. There is lodging in the park at Cedar Pass, Interior, or Wall.
5. There are 4 scenic overlooks and several scenic pull offs and some short walking trails near the visitors center.
Motorcyclists are a more curious lot though and I expect you’ll stop and take more of the beauty than the typical car traveler.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum -> Belle Fourche -> Fruitdale -> Nisland -> Vale -> Bear Butte -> Buffalo Chip -> Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

Hwy 44 West, better known as Rimrock Highway is full of twists and elevation changes. You will see limestone canyon walls as you begin a two mile ascent bringing you from Rapid City’s elevation of 3400 ft to nearly 4500 ft. 5 Miles into your time you will enter The Black Hills National Forest.
This is no place to take your eyes off of the road. There are plenty of turnouts where you can stop, lookaround, and get your bearings.

A few more miles up the road you will find Hisega. A quaint town named after Helen, Ida, Sadie, Ethel, Grace, and Ada. The wives of 6 men who built the first BnB in the county. Another 3 miles along Rimrock, you’ll be at Johnson Siding.
The Norris Peak Road begins at Johnson Siding and runs north to Nemo Road. Stay on Nemo road until you reach Highway 385.
This is a beautiful road bordered by broad lush valleys and spurts of open road. The intersection ‘T” on Hwy 385 is a great place to stretch your legs and gather your thoughts.
Turn left on Hwy 385. In just a couple of miles, you’ll see Pactola Lake — the second largest of many lakes in the Black Hills. Three Forks is just ahead.
You’ve only gone 27 miles. Now you get to see the geological changes as you enter the Central Hills, This is called Black Hills Crystalline Core. Hang right on Hwy 16 at Three Forks. This takes you to Hill City, the second oldest mining town in the Hills. As you ride into Hill City, you’ll see an interesting side road to Deerfield Lake, Rochford, and Mystic.

The Black Hills are only 120 miles long. It’s not very far to anyplace. As you leave Hill City take a left on Hwy 224 toward Mt Rushmore. The Cathedral Spires welcome you to the center of the Hills, Standing guard over the four presidents.

This road is busy and requires some concentration. But there are plenty of pull off spots to take a break and enjoy the views. Hwy 40 intersects Hwy 16 toward Rockerville and Rapid City. But a quick detour towards Keystone on 16A is worth the extra few minutes.

Sturgis -> Sundance -> Inya Kara -> Four Corners -> Newcastle – Custer -> Hill City -> Rapid City -> Sturgis

A great ride to just ride and enjoy all the Black Hills has to offer from top to bottom. 
Sturgis → Spearfish → Belle Fourche → Aladdin → Hulett
Devils Tower → Sundance → Inyan Kara → Newcastle
Edgemont → Hot Springs → Wind Cave
Pringle → Custer → Crazy Horse → Custer State Park
Keystone → Mt Rushmore → Hill City → Deadwood

Google says 494.6 miles,and 9 hours, 30 minutes.   If you can do it all in 9 1/2 hours, you’re gonna miss some great stuff!   

Google Map Route
SD-240, Philip, SD 57567
Scenic, South Dakota 57780
Rapid City, South Dakota
CrossRoads, 20622 Fort Meade Way, Sturgis, SD 57785
Belle Fourche, South Dakota 57717
Alzada, Montana 59311
Sundance, Wyoming 82729
Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747
Custer, South Dakota 57730
US-16 Scenic, Custer, SD 57730
Keystone, South Dakota 57751
Deadwood, South Dakota 57732
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785

176 Miles and gorgeous scenery the whole way through!

5 paved miles to Silver City from Hwy 385, half uphill and half down.

You can find the Silver City Turnoff on Hwy 385 about 1.3 miles north of the Hwy 44/385 junction or 3 miles North of Pactola Lake.

The first 2 1/2 miles are uphill with one blind curve after another. There may be a little loose sand-sized gravel on some of the curves. Once you peak at Deer Creek, the next 1.5 miles are downhill.

Join Sturgis Chief of Police Geody VanDewater on a guided ride through the Northern Hills.

Registration fee includes catered sandwich lunch, commemorative Rally challenge coin and a T-shirt. T-shirts not guaranteed after July 1. 100% of all proceeds from the ride go to the Chief’s choice of local charities. (A final designation of the organization has not been made by the Chief.)

Riders will depart from the tennis courts behind the Sturgis Community Center at 1401 Lazelle St at 9am sharp. Please arrive by 8:30am to meet the Chief, check-in and receive your ride instructions.

Participation limited to 25 bikes.  Register Here

Participate in an exhilarating and unrivaled rally tradition on Monday, Aug. 07, 2023: the 16th annual Legends Ride!

THE KICK OFF, RIDE AND CONCERTS
Walk in the footsteps of Wild West legends down Deadwood’s beautiful cobblestone Main Street as you meet other riders, rub elbows with celebrities and check out all the bikes.
Here, the Legends Ride invites you take part in an unparalleled live custom motorcycle auction right in front of the historic Franklin Hotel.
Following the auction, riders will enjoy a self-guided, scenic ride through the beautiful Black Hills alongside hundreds of fellow Legends Riders.
Riders will reconvene at the Buffalo Chip to attend a special riders-only reception complete with complimentary food, drinks and live entertainment.
Following the reception those with passes into the campground (call them concert tickets, if you like) are entitled to admittance into the Buffalo Chip amphitheater to experience a legendary double headliner performance on the Buffalo Chip main stage that ends with rock superstars.
Click here to PURCHASE YOUR CONCERT TICKET to join the Best Party Anywhere.

Join the Ride that Rocks during the rally by reserving now! Reserve Now   https://www.legendsride.com/

Thursday August 10th, 2023

Ride starts @ 10:00AM

Sign-Up 9:00- 10:00AM

Prices

**$40.00(Single Rider)/ $60.00(Double Rider) for Pre-Registration due by 8/1/21.**

**$50.00(Single Rider)/ $70.00(Double Rider) for Sign-ups on 8/12/21.**

-Each Rider will receive a Meal and a T-shirt or Patch and Pin.

RIDE RACE PACKAGE

**Add a Race of your CHOICE for $20.00 more each**

To Sign-up email us at jpgmc36@gmail.com or call 605-347-6022.

JOIN US SATURDAY, AUGUST 5TH, 2023 FOR THE 21ST ANNUAL MAYOR’S RIDE, PRESENTED BY JACK DANIEL’S!!

The City of Sturgis is excited to be hosting the 21st Annual Sturgis Mayor’s Ride, presented by Jack Daniel’s, during the 83rd Annual City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally! This ride has been a special part of the event, not only for the amazing beauty of the Black Hills but that it brings people together from all over the world…and brings them back year after year! All proceeds from the ride go back to our local charities.

Enjoy a beautiful ride through the Black Hills led by Sturgis Mayor Carstensen and our Grand Marshal. Our morning will include a break at Mount Rushmore for a group photo. We will continue to Custer State Park where we will have lunch at the State Game Lodge and presentations from Mayor Carstensen and our Sponsors.

Please register today to guarantee your spot; only 150 spaces available. T-shirt sizes not guaranteed to those who register after July 10th. A commemorative bottle of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel is included with your registration.

Check-in starts at 7:00am with kickstands up at 9:00am at the back parking lot of the Community Center, located at 1401 Lazelle St.

RIDER AND PASSENGER, IF PURCHASED, MUST BE 21 TO RECEIVE COMMEMORATIVE JACK DANIEL’S LIQUOR BOTTLE. No discount is given if rider / passenger are not 21.

Register Here

2023 INFO Coming Soon – Last Year’s info below

​REGISTER AT VFW POST 3442
​ 721 Mt Rushmore Rd. in Custer
https://www.custercruisin.com/events.html

Photos credit: Ann Morrow – Green Owl Media & Photography

Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2023 – 8:00 a.m. – 2 p.m

Experience the freedom of the open road next to your heroes, mentors and friends old and new on the Biker Belles Ride Tuesday, Aug. 8!

The “Morning Ride” from Deadwood to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip will be a show of force and solidarity this year!

Reserve now!

The Morning Ride™ will depart from the The Lodge at Deadwod in the morning with registration open at 8:00 and the ride departure at 9:00 a.m. The breathtaking journey, will travel through Hwy 385, Nemo Road and Vanocker Canyon before ending at at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads.

Following the ride you’ll be invited to take part in the festivities taking place including the symposium, luncheon, Women & Wheels™ Bike Show and the Team Diva Comfort Zone

https://www.bikerbelles.com

J.C. “Pappy” Hoel hosted a dirt track race called the “Black Hills Classic” which consisted of a single race with nine participants and a small audience. This race set a course in Sturgis history.

Today, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has evolved into South Dakota’s largest tourism event and the world’s largest motorcycle rally. Pappy formed the “Jackpine Gypsies” in Sturgis in 1936 and he was inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame in 1998.

Join us to honor Pappy Hoel and the legacy he built during the annual Pappy Hoel Ride on Wednesday morning of the rally. Click here to register!

New this year to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the Pearl’s Girls Ride on Wednesday, Aug. 9. This all women’s ride honors the legacy of Pearl Hoel, wife of Pappy Hoel, founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally! The ride, throughout the beautiful Black Hills, will be led by lifelong Sturgis resident and city Councilor Beka Zerbst and the 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Grand Marshal Laura Klock. Register here: https://sturgissuperstore.com/product/p-ridewithalocal1/

Follow in the footsteps of fierce Native American warriors and the US Cavalry and experience the history and lore of the American West on the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Western Frontier Motorcycle Ride!

Ride alongside local historian as they take you and your friends on a ride back in time from the legendary Buffalo Chip Campground to the gravesite of Jonathon “Buffalo Chips” White, the campground’s namesake and protégé of Buffalo Bill Cody.

The ride will offer you the chance to experience history hands-on with activities including antique rifle and pistol shooting experiences, and a four-hour motorcycle expedition to the site of the Great Sioux Nation Battle at Slim Buttes.

The Western Heritage Motorcycle Ride will take place during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Thursday, Aug. 12. 2021. 

As you ride through the scenic foothills north of the Black Hills, listen and learn the unique history of the area through your headset as Mitchell shares the fascinating stories of Chief American Horse, Jonathon “Buffalo Chips” White, and the Battle of Slim Buttes. You’ll also learn about the US Cavalry, Cavalry scouts, several other instrumental Sioux Chiefs, Buffalo Bill Cody, Hugh Glass, the history of Pony Express, and much more!

Event Itinerary

Morning Meet Up (8 a.m.)

Meet at the Sturgis Rally Info Center at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads for a short orientation of the day’s activities.

Continental Breakfast

Enjoy a breakfast at the Information Center. 

Antique Rifle Shooting

Test out your skills shooting antique rifles like those used by the US Cavalry with an introduction into Cowboy Action Shooting. You’ll use two single-action revolvers, a lever-action rifle and a double barrel shotgun.

Kickstands Up for the First Leg

The ride will depart from the shooting range. From here you’ll travel north on SD-79 past sacred Bear Butte, Scoop Town historical marker, Bismark Trail historical marker and the winding Belle Fourche River.  

Hoover, SD

After 53 miles, you’ll be able to stretch your legs and hear historical remarks during a stop at the Hoover General Store on the Grand River, famous for its connection with Hugh Glass and the movie The Reverent.

Slim Buttes Overlook

At your next stop at a scenic overlook of Slim Buttes, you’ll hear tales of the surrounding Native American encampments and dinosaurs that roamed the area.

Reva Store

A stop at the Reva Store in the historic community of Reva, SD will allow you to fuel up, use the restroom and grab your sack lunch. The community bears the name of Reva Bonniwell, the daughter of the first settler.

Gravesites of Buffalo Chips and American Horse

Four miles outside Reva, you’ll come upon a small cemetery that serves as the final resting place for Buffalo Chips. He and Chief American Horse, both died in the battle of Slim Buttes. Here, you will enjoy your sack lunch before heading back south to the Spur Creek Soon.

Spur Creek Saloon

On the way back to the Chip, you’ll stop at the rustic Spur Creek Saloon for refreshments, photo opportunities and more historical narrative. From here you’ll depart back to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.

Spaces on each tour are extremely limited.

Reserve Now

 Tuesday, August 11 at 8:00am to 12:00pm

 Main Street Square
512 Main St. Rapid City, SD 57701

2023 INFO Coming Soon

Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Rusty Wallace Ride Finds New Home in Deadwood

Ride with one of NASCAR’s most famous faces and his celebrity friends while raising funds for charity on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023!

Your contribution gets you a pass that includes: Special Kick-Off Party at Black Hills Harley Davidson, ride from Black Hills Harley Davidson to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Live NASCAR memorabilia and special race event auction Ride T-Shirt Meet-and-greet opportunities with some of NASCAR’s most famous celebrities.

Entry to the private Ride reception at the Buffalo Chip – hors d’oeuvres, beer and non-alcoholic beverages Silent auction at the Buffalo Chip and lots of Sponsor Swag!

The 2024 Rusty Wallace Charity Ride will start and end at Harley-Davidson Outlaw Square and the Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood on the final Friday of the Sturgis Rally – Aug. 9, 2024

Sturgis, SD (January 18, 2024): The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is moving the 6^th annual Rusty Wallace Charity Ride to Historic Deadwood, SD and moving to the final Friday of the Sturgis Rally.

Since 2019, the Rusty Wallace Ride has given participants the opportunity to ride and raise money for charity alongside NASCAR Hall of Famer and former Sprint Cup Series Champion Rusty Wallace and other racing legends. Since that first year, the ride has raised nearly $500,000 for the NASCAR Foundation and South Dakota Special Olympics – Rapid City Flame. Learn more or register for the ride at RustyWallaceRide.com.

“This ride is always a highlight of my Sturgis trip and I’m thrilled to really switch things up this year by starting, and ending, the ride in Deadwood,” said NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace. “I always enjoy Deadwood and it’ll be a fun time, but it’s all for the kids and the people in need. That’s why we do it, and I hope you’ll all come out and join us!”

The ride will feature a ride kickoff party at Outlaw Square and the Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood, which is just across the street from the square. Activities will include an autograph signing from Rusty Wallace and other racing legends, a live auction featuring a Harley-Davidson motorcycle customized by Southern Country Customs and much more.

Following the kickoff, registered riders will join racing legends on a route through the scenic Black Hills handpicked by Rusty Wallace himself and land back at the Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood for a catered reception.

“This will be the most fun Rusty Wallace Ride yet,” said Sturgis Buffalo Chip President Rod Woodruff. “Thanks to Rusty, Harley-Davidson, Outlaw Square and the Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood, we all have the opportunity to create an anchor event in Deadwood at the very end of the rally. We can’t wait to send everyone home with great memories and a smile on their face knowing they helped raise money for some amazing causes.”

Full ride schedule and celebrity guests to be announced soon.

In addition to worthwhile charity rides and events, Buffalo Chip guests can experience world-class entertainment, thrilling events, powerful freedom celebrations, top-tier bike shows, heart-pounding stunts, white-knuckle racing events and more during the 2024 event. The festival runs Aug. 2-11, 2024. For a full list of Sturgis Buffalo Chip events, see BuffaloChip.com/EVENTS. The Buffalo Chip is home to the Sturgis Rally Information Center™ and is the official sponsor of the free Sturgis.com Official Sturgis Rally Registration Program.

Reserve Here

2023 Info Coming Soon

Code Talkers Honoring Native American Veterans Motorcycle Ride
Friday, August 13th, 2021
In support of Oglala Sioux Tribe Veterans & Mniluzahan Camp

The ride starts at Sturgis Indian Motorcycles, 2130 Main St., Sturgis.
We ride 40 miles through the Black Hills to Canyon Lake Park, Rapid City.
Kickstands up @ 11AM.

All are welcome to this public event
Ride Patch for all participants!

$20 donation per bike.
Get Your Tickets Here

For more info: Emails contact@redrummc.com & Shaween Redbear, Veteran Service at Shawnee@oglala.org

2023 INFO Coming Soon

​REGISTER AT VFW POST 3442
721 Mt Rushmore Rd. 

https://www.custercruisin.com/events.html

Ann Morrow – Green Owl Media & Photography

2023 INFO Coming Soon

Veterans Charity Ride (VCR) is a non-profit organization that uses Motorcycle Therapy and other life changing, life saving holistic programs that provide uplifting and healing experiences for wounded, severely injured and amputee veterans from all branches of service. ​

We provide our veterans with Indian Motorcycles, custom built Champion Sidecars and Trikes, to ride through the most beautiful scenic backroads of this great country, exploring America, getting our veterans outdoors, back into the environment, and connecting veterans with Mentors and other veterans, groups and supporters. https://www.veteranscharityride.org/

2022 Info Listed – 2023 Info Coming Soon
WHAT IS GOOD RIDE RALLY?
IT REALLY ISN’T ABOUT WHAT WE DO, IT’S WHO WE DO IT FOR.

Good Ride is a motorcycle charity ride that focuses on what motorcycles are all about – getting out on the open road with your friends and checking out new destinations – all for good causes.

Good Ride is a 501(c)(3) charity that was started by freestyle motocross rider, turned street bike builder and hooligan racer, Carey Hart that focuses on key charities close to Carey’s heart. The intention of Good Ride is to give back while doing what he loves to do – ride motorcycles!

We are proud to continue our work with Infinite Hero, a military charity that gives back 100%. Proceeds from our Good Ride rallies will go directly to helping veterans in need.

This ride is for ANYONE who loves to ride motorcycles and raise money for a good cause.

This year will see the return of Good Ride in Arizona, Sturgis and Las Vegas.

We look forward to riding with you!

– CAREY HART

STURGIS INDIAN –  Sign-in starts at 8:30AM, Kickstands up at 10:00AM

Buy Your Ride Tickets Here

Turn Your Journey to Sturgis into a Ride to End Childhood Brain Cancer    Thursday, August 10th

2022 Info Listed – 2023 Info Coming Soon

The Jacket Ride is a motorcycle ride through the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota that takes place during the Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The ride is hosted by Black Hills State University and the proceeds benefit student veterans.

The Jacket Ride will start for the Joy Center on the BHSU campus.

https://www.bhsufoundation.org/jacketride