The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is underway in South Dakota, bringing hundreds of thousands of riders into the small town of Sturgis and the surrounding Black Hills for the 86th edition of what is billed as the world’s largest motorcycle rally.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally typically draws about 500,000 attendees to a town of 7,100 people. For 10 days each August, the community turns into a hub of engines, helmets and nonstop activity as motorcycles fill downtown streets and visitors spread out across the region for rides, races and concerts. This year’s lineup includes country star Lainey Wilson, who is scheduled to perform on August 12, along with YUNGBLUD, Megadeth, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rob Zombie and Insane Clown Posse.
The rally’s reach goes well beyond the city limits. Organizers and visitors treat it as a base for events across the Black Hills, with stunt shows, motorcycle demonstrations, vendor exhibitions and organized group rides taking place throughout the area. Two long-distance women’s rides, the Women Riders World Relay and Shantell’s Sisterhood Ride, are set to finish at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame’s second annual Pearl’s Jam event, which is centered on women in motorcycling.
Motorcycle makers are using the rally as a showcase, too. Harley-Davidson said it will debut its new Deadwood motorcycle at this year’s event, describing it as a model inspired in part by the post-war history of the rally. Indian is also tying a new model to the gathering, with the Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis SD Edition built around special paint and badging that recalls Indian motorcycles of the 1930s. Rider Magazine said the bike uses a two-tone Indian Motorcycle Red and Cream finish with a multicolored Indian Motorcycle headdress logo.
For many attendees, the appeal of Sturgis is not limited to the rally grounds. The event has long served as a starting point for trips to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park and Bear Butte State Park, as well as historic Deadwood. Another favorite destination for riders in the area is Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming.
