11 Things You Should Know & Avoid When You Go To Sturgis

The 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is fast approaching and today I want to give you 11 things you really need to know before you go including tips, places to stay and things to stay away from.

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[lowspeed]

In 2020, stayed in a cabin at Custer State Park up the mountain, only went to Sturgis proper for half a day. I see why riders return every year as the riding is absolutely the best. Every new location we went, Mt Rushmore, Badlands, Devil's tower, was an all day event. I hope to return someday.

[hanskorschinowski]

Do your ride's early before all the drunks wake up, best bet to stay safe

[Kelz]

There will be paper maps of the area everywhere. I stay in Spearfish at the university dorms and while a bit far away from the activities in Sturgis, it's easier on the wallet. Last year I went into town once during the rally and again a few days later after the rally. Rain gear is a must!

[akasuperfan]

If you’ve been around motorcycles for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, which was founded by John Clarence “Pappy” Hoel. Pappy is credited for starting the phenomena known today as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Pappy grew up in the 1930s working in the family ice business in Sturgis, South Dakota. With electric refrigerators becoming more and more popular, he knew the ice age would soon be ending. As a young man, Pappy enjoyed riding motorcycles, so in 1936 at age 32, he bought a franchise from the Indian Motorcycle Company.

In 1937, Hoel founded the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, and that same year, the Jackpine Gypsies became an official American Motorcycle Association (AMA) charter. The club was originally known as the Jackpines because the seven original members loved to race among the 'jackpines' or Ponderosa pines that cover the Black Hills. One day, after returning from a day of riding, someone told them they looked like a bunch of gypsies, so they decided to change their name to the Jackpine Gypsies.

On August 14, 1938, Pappy and the Jackpine Gypsies organized the first Black Hills Motor Classic, which for their main event featured an AMA sanctioned half-mile dirt track race. Depending on whom you ask, between nine and twelve racers participated in the first race and the event drew approximately 200 men, women and children. Who would have ever dreamed it would grow into an annual event drawing several hundred thousand riders to their little town tucked away in the Black Hills.

Considering the average lifespan of a motorcycle club is only three years, after 68 years the club is still running strong. The Jackpine Gypsies own the property on which most of their activities take place. There is approximately 40 acres along Interstate 90 between Exit 30 and Exit 32, which is the busiest section of Interstate 90 during the Sturgis Rally. Their property is home to a lighted short track, motocross track, field meet area, hill climb area, clubhouse, office and a state approved concession business.

The short track was first used in 1963, and has seen many improvements over the years. The racetrack is now wider, has permanent seating, an improved lighting system and an official announcer. They also have a sign-up building and a clubhouse where their concession business is located. The club holds races every other weekend and hosts a full week of races during the rally.

A motocross track was added in the 1980s and in 1996 a new track was built. The sport of motocross has really grown over the years, and the races now attract more than 6, 000 spectators and more than 500 racers during the average rally week. During the Sturgis Rally, 12 events are held, including: motocross racing, a half mile race, hill climbs, road tours and short track racing.

Pappy died in 1989 at the age of 84, and although he didn't live to see the mega-rallies of today, I’m sure he would be as surprised as anyone to see how much the Sturgis Rally has grown since its humble beginnings back in 1938.If you’ve been around motorcycles for any length of time, you’ve probably heard of the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, which was founded by John Clarence “Pappy” Hoel. Pappy is credited for starting the phenomena known today as the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Pappy grew up in the 1930s working in the family ice business in Sturgis, South Dakota. With electric refrigerators becoming more and more popular, he knew the ice age would soon be ending. As a young man, Pappy enjoyed riding motorcycles, so in 1936 at age 32, he bought a franchise from the Indian Motorcycle Company.

In 1937, Hoel founded the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, and that same year, the Jackpine Gypsies became an official American Motorcycle Association (AMA) charter. The club was originally known as the Jackpines because the seven original members loved to race among the 'jackpines' or Ponderosa pines that cover the Black Hills. One day, after returning from a day of riding, someone told them they looked like a bunch of gypsies, so they decided to change their name to the Jackpine Gypsies.

On August 14, 1938, Pappy and the Jackpine Gypsies organized the first Black Hills Motor Classic, which for their main event featured an AMA sanctioned half-mile dirt track race. Depending on whom you ask, between nine and twelve racers participated in the first race and the event drew approximately 200 men, women and children. Who would have ever dreamed it would grow into an annual event drawing several hundred thousand riders to their little town tucked away in the Black Hills.

Considering the average lifespan of a motorcycle club is only three years, after 68 years the club is still running strong. The Jackpine Gypsies own the property on which most of their activities take place. There is approximately 40 acres along Interstate 90 between Exit 30 and Exit 32, which is the busiest section of Interstate 90 during the Sturgis Rally. Their property is home to a lighted short track, motocross track, field meet area, hill climb area, clubhouse, office and a state approved concession business.

The short track was first used in 1963, and has seen many improvements over the years. The racetrack is now wider, has permanent seating, an improved lighting system and an official announcer. They also have a sign-up building and a clubhouse where their concession business is located. The club holds races every other weekend and hosts a full week of races during the rally.

A motocross track was added in the 1980s and in 1996 a new track was built. The sport of motocross has really grown over the years, and the races now attract more than 6, 000 spectators and more than 500 racers during the average rally week. During the Sturgis Rally, 12 events are held, including: motocross racing, a half mile race, hill climbs, road tours and short track racing.

Pappy died in 1989 at the age of 84, and although he didn't live to see the mega-rallies of today, I’m sure he would be as surprised as anyone to see how much the Sturgis Rally has grown since its humble beginnings back in 1938.

[idrivedodge]

They recently changed the open container policy in the town a year or two ago. So you can walk around in Sturgis with a beer within a region. But it has to be in a clear official sturgis cup lol

[sevenwonders]

I've been on your Pew-Pew Channel for years. Just added This one! Hope you have a great time in Sturgis!
Go to The Full Throttle Saloon!

[charlesmosher]

The chip is awesome. Noise canceling earbuds a must.

[Richhatch-cswd]

I always do a pre setup for long distance motorcycle riding step one waterproof clothes and jeans with Nikwax because you're always going to get caught in the rain sooner or later butt is not a replacement for rain gear and if using a tent waterproof it and then spray permethrin on it to get rid of any insects a jump starter tire pump Tire plugs headlamp tools small ultra light camping cot that fits in saddlebag and the list goes on

[chadmartin]

Always come to a complete stop and both feet on the ground! They’ll nail you for that. At night clear riding glasses they’ll nail you for that also

[jamesclee]

There is a school kinda close to the chip that has breakfast and showers last year it was $15 for all you can eat from 6-10 we rented a house in rapid city about 30 minutes away

[b.chuchlucious]

Wonder if they had weird rules like this back in the old west at the Horse Meet: 1. Metal canteens only, not made from hide. 2. No more than two Squaws per Cowboy. 3. Leave your long rifle at home. 4. Bandanas must not cover face in the saloons. 5. Don't say "Parp" to the bartender.

[SilverIndian]

Any news about the 112ci or 122ci version of the Poweplus engine for the 2025 ?

I read about the watercooled new models for Cheiftain & Roadmaster..

But news are not cleared..
Others claim Indian Motorcycles is working on a 122ci V-Twin Engine for 2025
As a new 122 aircooled version of Thunderstike engine called Colt, to beat the Milwaukee Eight 121ci.

But also the Challenger & Pursuit will have that motor ?

Only from you we can have news about Indian motorcycles.

[geraldgoodiii]

Going this year for the first time with my brothers (going as civilians .. just as friends)
Going just for the riding not the bar scene or getting in some shit
Gonna be up early hitting all the good rides
Gonna be a grueling trip tho lol
1k mi there in one day
3 days there
1k mi back in one day then work next day

[HDFXSB]

I'm going for my first time this year. I actually bought a road atlas knowing my cell service is most likely going to be bad. A money saving tip I've heard a few times, eat at restaurants that are in the area all year. Food trucks and such are going to be a lot more expensive.

[davidchilders]

I have been to Sturgis 3 times so far 2015, 2021, and 2023 and you will have a great time ! Sturgis is as wild or as mild as you want it to be ! There is a lot of great riding and so many things to do and see while you are there.... Every time I have gone I have found different things to see and do it never gets old ! As far as the cops go they are pretty mellow I think but be sure not to drink and ride and be sure to stop and put your feet down at the stop signs (no rolling stops) ! I have never stayed at the Buffalo Chip but I have heard if you want to party thats the place to go.... I like the Iron Horse Campground they are good people there and have good hot showers and quiet time after 11pm so you can get some sleep to ride the next day.... Have fun and I will be going again in 2025 for the 85th !

[shainrhodes]

Chip is pretty much the only campground that checks for booze none of the others do

[jr]

You know if you would get to the point instead of dragging this out maybe I’ll keep watching 😂😂😂

[pamwoerth]

There is more than just the Buffalo Chip. That is one venue only. There is Full Throttle also. The Beaver Bar Steele Pony campgrounds and some other venues all out BY the Buffalo Chip. The town of Sturgis has many sites . My favorite The Knuckle. It's an experience of its own. As with One Eyed Jacks( largest business/bar on main st.

[akasuperfan]

Plan on attending some of the Jackpine Gypsies events during Bike Week.
This is how Sturgis got started and what it's really all about. Be part of the tradition of how it started. See you at the races.
Sat. Aug 5  Prepped Practice Motocross  9:00 AM

Sun. Aug 6  AMA South Dakota State Motocross Championship.  9:00 AM

Mon. Aug 7  Pro Hill climb  10:00 AM

Mon. Aug 7 AMA Flat Track 7:00 PM

Tue. Aug 8  AMA Super Moto & AMA Flat Track  7:00 PM

Wed. Aug 9  Verta-X (Head to Head Night Time Hill Climb Races)  7:00 PM

Thurs. Aug 10  AMA Rally Founders Gypsies Tour *Sign Up AT 9:00 AM  ** Ride at 10:00 AM

Fri. Aug 11  Pro-Am Hill Climb  10:00 AM

Fri. Aug 11  Pro-Am Flat Track & TT Races  7:00 PM

[henryvelasquez]

Don’t forget you “clears”
They don’t have a helmet law, they’re big on eye protection