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Sturgis plans variety of fun nd activities for annual event
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Rusty Wallace to lead Rally opening ceremonies parade
By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer
STURGIS — From organized rides with Sturgis locals to a motorcycle parade with NASCAR’s Rusty Wallace leading the pack, the 82nd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is sure to be a roaring good time. This year’s Rally will officially kick off on Aug. 5 with opening ceremonies at HarleyDavidson Rally Point Plaza, when a motorcycle parade of military personnel and VIPs will travel from the city fairgrounds to Main Street. Mayor Mark Carstensen will then officially welcome the crowd from the stage of Rally Point. He will also introduce NASCAR star Rusty Wallace as the city’s parade grand marshal, providing opportunity for the public to interact with the racing icon. Wallace will also be present at a booth in front of the
Sturgis Armory on Main Street. Following remarks from Wallace, Christine Steele, assistant Rally director said at 1:30 p.m. the Woodland Native dancers will perform traditional Native American dance routines. Live music will follow and will last into the evening. On Saturday, Aug. 6 the 20th annual Mayor’s Ride will kick off with registration on the north side of the Sturgis Community Center. The event is held annually to raise money for Sturgis’ first responders, and bikers will enjoy an escorted ride from Sturgis to Crazy Horse and Mount Rushmore, where there will be a group photo taken. The ride ends with lunch at the State Game Lodge in Custer State Park. Riding with a local is a relatively new experience for Sturgis Rally attendees, but in its third year Steele said it has become pretty popular. There are many times when bikers who come to the Black Hills wish they had locals to ride with, and Steele said this gives them that chance while raising
money for local charities at the same time. On Sunday, Tuesday and Friday during Rally week, bikers can meet a Sturgis local at the community center, and enjoy a three-and-a-half hour ride on whatever route the guide chooses. This year’s guides are Sturgis City Council president Becca Zerbst, Sturgis Councilman Kevin Forester, and Dave Smith from the Sturgis Planning Department. “Some people just like to get together with someone who lives here and can show them some of their favorite places to go,” Steele said. “Depending on who is leading that ride, the local has the ability to take them wherever they want, wherever their favorite ride is. People love it.” This year Steele said the Ride with a Local events will be limited to 10 bikers per ride, in order to ensure that participants have a more personal experience. The funds raised from the rides will go to local charities, though Steele said those are yet to be announced. On Monday, Aug. 8 Steele said the day will start early with a 5K run, with registra-
tion fees to benefit the Sturgis Animal Shelter. The run typically draws locals and Rally attendees alike, as they gather at Sturgis City Park for a light breakfast before riding the bus to a location east of Fort Meade. The runners then run back into Sturgis. On Tuesday, Aug. 9 the city of Sturgis will host its annual military appreciation day, with a ride in from the Green Knights Motorcycle Club from Ellsworth Air Force Base. The
festivities will occur on the stage at Harley-Davidson Rally Point, and will include honoring a local Sturgis veteran who has yet to be determined. At 3 p.m. a B1 Bomber will fly over Sturgis’ Main Street. Throughout the week, Steele said the city will host various bike shows and events at Harley-Davidson Rally Point, and she encouraged bikers to check out the official Rally schedule at https://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com.
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Biker Belles rally edition
2022
expands event to include ride, garage time, education and inspiration By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer
DEADWOOD — The Biker Belles ride is turning into an allday event, with organizers this year making plans to welcome participants into two garages for several hands-on experiences related to bike building — and that’s just part of the fun. In its 14th year of encouraging and promoting women in motorcycling, raising money for local charities, and empowering women in the industry overall, Toni Woodruff, organizer of the Biker Belle’s Ride said this year’s event is sponsored by Harley-Davidson. It will start with coffee and snacks at the Lodge at Deadwood, just as it always has. Pre-registered rider check-in will begin at 8 a.m., with a group photo at 8:30 a.m. Kickstands will go up at 9 a.m. for a non-stop ride from Deadwood to the Buffalo Chip Campground. This year’s ride captain will be Gevin Fax, and riding right alongside her will be Diva Amy Skaling, longtime ambassador for the Biker Belles. “Her story is really inspiring,” Woodruff said of Gevin Fax. “Her first event was in 1990 for the 50th, and she came solo to the Rally. As a woman that was pretty courageous at that time and you didn’t see it very often. So it was pretty cool. To hear of her beginnings. I’m looking forward to her sharing more of her story.” Once participants reach the Buffalo Chip they will stop at the Coffee Clutch, at the Big Engine Bar at the Buffalo Chip’s Crossroads,
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‘Diva Amy’ characterized by
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sparkle, shine and color
Fashion icon serves as ambassador for Biker Belles ride
By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer
DEADWOOD — Everything worth doing is worth overdoing. That’s “Diva” Amy Skaling’s mantra for life, and anyone who catches her rolling down the road on her “DivaGlide 2” may agree with her. With her custom paint job, thousands of Swarovski crystals, and bold, colorful riding gear, she outshines all the chrome on the road. “Color and shiny things draw attention and when you’re learning about being on the road, it’s always about being seen,” she said. “I’ve always felt the brighter the better, the shinier the better.” “Diva,” as she’s known throughout the motorcycle and fashion world, started her business of all things shiny in about 1998, with her company Team Diva. The business thrived with custom-made hats and fashion apparel, inspired by the flash and shine of Las Vegas and infused with her vibrant and colorful personality. Some of her biggest clients have come from the motorcycle and entertainment industry. She’s outfitted the likes of Poison’s Brett Michaels, Ringo Starr and Paris Hilton. “He picked my hat the year he was on Celebrity Apprentice,” Diva said of Michaels. “I heard from his people that he needed a few more, and I became his hat person throughout that year and a few years after. He was really integral in putting me on the map.” While Diva does not make a lot of hats anymore, choosing instead to focus her efforts on
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‘The Rally at Exit 55’ expected to be bigger than ever at BH Harley-Davidson
By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Iron
RAPID CITY — As the motorcycle industry has grown over the last few years so have the vendors who come to the “The Rally at Exit 55” at Black Hills Harley-Davidson. Representatives from the store say this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever. With more than 120 vendors on site selling absolutely everything a biker could possibly want — from after market parts, steel buildings for extra garage space, to massage guns, riding gear, artwork, and more — Mike Maloney, marketing manager with Black Hills HarleyDavidson said “The Rally at Exit 55” is the premier shopping destination for bikers. “By being selective of vendors that we allow on our lot, we are able to ensure premium products from premium manufacturers are available on our lot during the Rally. As the motorcycle industry has grown, as well as increases in customization
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Sturgis Motorcycle Rally trademark dollars go to charities
By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Iron
STURGIS — The city of Sturgis owns the trademarks to the term Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and money raised from those official marks goes to local charities. Christina Steele, assistant Rally director said bikers who want to make sure their purchases support the Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation should look for the “Winged S” trademark on T-shirts, apparel, and other items from companies that have purchased the rights to use the trademark. Major Rally sponsors, such as Harley-Davidson, Jack Daniels, and others, also have the ability to use the trademarks according to their Rally sponsorship agreement. “We have licensing agreements with different companies to use those trademarks,” Steele said. “A large chunk of that money goes back to Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation. That’s what it was originally intended for when they set up a trademark
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many years ago. It benefits the residents of Sturgis.” This year the Sturgis Rally Charities Foundation awarded more than $83,000 to local nonprofits. Some organizations that benefitted included the Crisis Intervention Shelter Services, the Meade School District nurses who help bring the Delta Dental bus to area schools, the American Legion Foundation, the Fort Meade Museum, the Good Shepherd Clinic which provides free medical care for uninsured residents, Love, Inc. of the Black Hills, and more.
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Benjamin “Benny” Hardy
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame names 2022 Inductees
Benjamin “Benny” Hardy was a prominent Harley-Davidson motorcycle mechanic and cusBenjamin tom builder. His business “Hardy’s Hardy Motorcycle 2022 Inductee Service” was located at 1168 E. Florence in Los Angeles, Calif. He was well known in the Black motorcycling community and was a mentor for motorcyclists in the area. Benny Hardy built both iconic motorcycles used in the movie “Easy Rider.” The “Billy Bike” encapsulated Benny’s idea for a cut down or “chopped” Harley and set the style copied by Black builders of that era. Benny Hardy passed away in 1994 at the age of 73.
William J. “Bill” Davidson
William J. “Bill” Davidson, vice president of the Harley-Davidson Museum, is the son of Willie G. and Nancy Davidson. He would find out early on that he bled black and orange. Although
Bill was born into a family that was responsible for founding and operating the world’s most famous motorcycle brand – his great-grandfather was William A. Davidson, one of the four foundWilliam J. ers of HarleyDavidson – his Davidson parents would 2022 Inductee always encourage Bill and all his siblings to follow their own dreams. When he was 7, Bill threw a leg over a Harley-Davidson M50, and with a little push from Willie G., he sped off in a state park and never looked back. It was the start of a lifelong love affair with motorcycling that has been burning bright ever since. On weekends, Bill’s passion for the sport spilled onto the racetrack. An amateur racer himself, he would also make annual treks to dirt tracks, drag strips and road races with his family to cheer on the H-D factory race teams. It would only be a matter of time until he would find his own position in the family business. After earning a marketing degree from the University of WisconsinMilwaukee, Bill joined the company in 1984. Over the years, he’s held many
leadership positions. Today, Bill serves as the vice president of the Harley-Davidson Museum, a top tourist draw in Milwaukee. His role as ambassador for the brand gives him the chance to travel the world as well, meeting and greeting people from all walks of life from all points on the map.
Bob Kay
The stories from working in the motorcycle industry and riding thousands of miles for the past 50 years have fueled Bob’s passion. When Bob was about 10, two of his father’s friends Bob rolled into their Kay driveway on a 2022 Inductee couple of panheads wearing engineer boots, jeans and white t-shirts with their sleeves rolled up. He was awestruck. In 1969, Bob went to college and became roommates with John Bettencourt, already a motocross star. Bob purchased his first motorcycle, and in the spring of 1971 the Bettencourt’s opened their second shop and asked Bob to come to work for them prepping new bikes and then the parts department.
Bob and his wife, Deborah, partnered with a friend in 1974 to open their first shop — Motorcycle Madness. They lost their lease, and in 1975 Bob went to work as a parts guy at Honda of Boston. He ultimately became general manager and started taking night classes to further his education. In 1979, he started his first distributorship for Ralph, Recreational Dimensions. In 1982, he graduated from Dean College and got hired by Nempco. In 1983, Bob and Deborah bought into Nempco and became partners with Larry and Mike. It was then that he met Dave Perewitz who suggested Bob organize a bike show at Laconia, and so the first Nempco Charity Custom Bike Show came to be. Nempco ran several bike shows over the years at Laconia and Sturgis with children’s charities as the beneficiary. Nempco was sold to Tucker Rocky to become Bikers Choice. Bob managed the integration eventually becoming a vice president and general manager of Bikers Choice. In 2002, Bob joined American Iron Horse to update their logistics. In 2005 he helped Hardbikes with a new build to order custom bike operation and then founded Biker Pros. Biker Pros also started Torian Chopper Leathers. In 2007 he cofounded A Bikers Garage, a retail motorcycle repair shop in Texas.
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HALL OF FAME While he still have Biker Pros he’s decided to spend more time building bikes, riding and passing on the passion to his grandchildren.
Carlo and Emma Lujan
Carlo and Emma Lujan of Auburn, Calif., grew up dreaming of the life they ultimately created. Carlo & Emma Around the age of 10, Carlo bought Lujan his first mini 2022 Inductee bike, a basket case that he carried home. With a little help from his dad, he got it assembled with a Clinton motor, direct drive, and no brakes – he later added a rear brake. He later raced go-karts, and then obtained a Honda 50 stripped down for racing. Carlo would take it apart to see what was in it and put it back together, sometimes have a spare shim, and would figure out where it went by the wear pattern on the gear and shim. In 1966, Carlo started working at the Honda and Triumph shop in town after school. Later in the early 70s, he was building motors for a couple of shops in the Bay Area, specializing in lower-end rebuilding. Conversely, when Emma was 7, she moved to Pleasant Hill, Calif. Around the corner from her childhood home was, Bill Chaney’s Harley-Davidson which she would walk to with dreams of obtaining one. Fast forward to 1980, and Emma and Carlo met at her sister and brother-inlaw house. It was love at first sight. Carlo kept talking about opening his own motorcycle shop. Emma asked him one day, “Who’s going to help you in this shop?” He said, “You are! I am going to teach you everything you need to know about Harley’s!” In 1982, they opened their first shop Carlo’s Custom Motorcycle Parts. Grateful for his work, Jim Berger gave Carlo a basket case drag bike and the drag racing bug bit. He began working on a new project. The break-in pass on the track was 9.80 seconds, and the bike was featured in Easyriders Magazine. Working together with Emma, Carlo became the national No. 1 pro dragster for the Drag Bike series in 1988. In 1989, Carlo and Emma became C&E Auburn Harley Davidson. It took up much of their time and racing got put on the back burner. However, they did race in Sturgis in 1990 for the 50th Anniversary and won first. They won the Bar and Shield Award (the highest award given to a Harley dealer) four times. In 1998, Carlo and Emma sold the dealership and retired (or so they thought). They were retired for 11 years and Carlo put over 500,000 miles on their motorcycles. When the recession hit in 2008, their old dealership closed, but Carlo and Emma got the building back. Carlo and Emma reopened as an independent shop. It took five weeks to reopen and five weeks later, a fire destroyed the
business. That should have been a clue to quit, but they found another building close by. Along came Polaris with Indian, and in 2014, they became, and remain, C&E Auburn Indian and V-Twin.
Don Emde
Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award When Santa brought Don Emde his first motorcycle for Christmas in 1962 — a Harley 165 — his family already had Don nearly a half-centu- Emde ry of motorcycling 2022 Inductee experience. Grandpa Joe opened a motorcycle repair business in California. Then Don’s father, Floyd, took motorcycling to a much higher level, racing throughout the West Coast before World War II, then in the post-war years he really hit his stride. Don was born in 1951. He got that first motorcycle when he was 12 and was soon spending many afternoons riding in open lots near their house. After a couple of years he began competing in amateur events in the San Diego area and found success. 1969 was Don’s first year in AMA racing and he began dirt track racing Friday nights and road racing on the weekend. That year he beat out several seasoned pros to win the AFM racing association’s overall national championship. In 1970, he put his racing experience to the test on the AMA racing circuit, winning numerous Flat Track, TT, and Roadrace events, including the Junior Final at the Oklahoma City National races. In 1971, Don moved up the expert level to compete in the full AMA Grand National Championship series. He was a member of the BSA factory team and at year’s end was the 11th ranked rider in the United States. Under the sponsorship of Mel Dinesen, a Yamaha dealer in Bakersfield, Calif., Their first major race would be in the 1972 Daytona 200. Don would ride a small 350cc Yamaha against larger bikes. When Don took the checkered flag to win the 1972 race, he set a number of milestones. It was the first Daytona 200 victory for a Yamaha motorcycle, as well the first two-stroke and smallest engine size to ever win that challenging race. Don raced professionally just a few more years after winning Daytona, then decided to retire and focus on his family life and career path. He met his future wife, Tracy, in the spring of 1972. After working in motorcycle retail stores for a few years, he became an ad sales rep for Motorcycle Dealernews. That move led to an opportunity to work for Bell Helmets rising to vice president of sales and marketing. In 1985, Don returned to Motorcycle Dealernews magazine as publisher. Don also served in those years on the Motorcycle Industry Council’s Aftermarket Committee. In 1990, Don decided the time had come to start his own business in order to develop business ideas and new areas he wanted to get into. A monthly dealer newsletter called The Emde Report was his first publication, followed by a
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book he wrote and self-published, The Daytona 200. The History of America’s Premier Motorcycle Race. Seeing the growing interest at the time with antique and vintage motorcycles, Don then launched Motorcycle Collector Magazine. A year later, Emde and another Sturgis Hall of Famer, Fred Fox of LeMans Corporation, agreed on an arrangement where Don Emde Productions would produce a dealer publication specifically for Parts Unlimited. Not only was the bi-monthly Parts Magazine an immediate success, but Fox’s other distributing company, Drag Specialties, wanted one just like it for the V-Twin side of the industry. To this day, Parts Magazine and Drag Specialties Magazine are each published bi-monthly on a rotating basis, as well as Parts Europe Magazine, which is published quarterly and is distributed to dealers through LeMans’ European warehouse that opened in 2010. In 2012, Don acquired an original Indian Motorcycle Company booklet that provided details of Cannon Ball Baker’s historic ride in 1914 from San Diego to New York City. The booklet provided Baker’s diary of his entire ride and inspired Don to begin a project to retrace Baker’s route. He has since written numerous books about motorcycling. When the AMA opened its Motorcycle Heritage Museum in Westerville, Ohio in 1990, Don was invited to join the board of directors. Five years later, he became its chairman and served in that role until 2005. Don has been involved with the Trailblazers for over 25 years, and president for the past 10.
initiatives for the company. Karen’s transition from fine arts to fashion design in college led her into the garment industry. She worked her way up in the garment industry at a fabric, apparel, and accessory company in New York to become a director of marketing and design. Never straying far from her love of motorcycles and leather apparel, at the same time she began creating new leather design options for H-D as a freelance designer. Karen helped co-found and established Harley-Davidson’s functional and casual apparel and accessory line, MotorClothes with Clyde Fessler. The MotorClothes branded line of apparel and accessories grew to 300 million under Karen and the apparel team. As a devoted rider Karen has passion for leather and functional riding apparel and has been instrumental in setting new strategies for direction and growth for H-D apparel since the launch of H-D MotorClothes. Leading the motorcycle apparel industry, her many firsts included advancing functional riding gear, developing new leather, and engineering for rider comfort. In recent years she spearheaded the collection strategy for heritage, high-performance technologies, and retro specific looks predominant in contemporary moto culture. In 1991, the Council of Fashion Designers of America in New York bestowed the prestigious industry award to Karen and Harley-Davidson for fashion influence.
Karen Davidson
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is a national organization dedicated to lobbying for those who ride, to protecting and defending rights of motorcyclists, and addressing the concerns of street riders and the motorcycle industry they support. In 1985 the foundation held its first Meeting of the Minds conference. The main issues of the day – mandatory helmet laws, unfair insurance laws, and the right to modify motorcycles – are ones that we still face today, along with many others. This year, the foundation will hold its 38th annual Meeting of the Minds. MRF also holds its annual ‘Bikers Inside the Beltway’ grassroots lobbying event where riders from all over the
Karen Davidson has a lifetime of living the HarleyDavidson experience. Davidson, the great-granddaughter of the company’s co-founder, William A. Karen Davidson, and Davidson daughter of 2022 Inductee Willie G and Nancy Davidson began riding at the age of 9. As director in Harley-Davidson’s Marketing Department she maintains HarleyDavidson’s legacy as she works on new
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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Drive, determination and hard work defining traits of Jackpine Gypsies first female president By W endy Pitlick Black Hills Iron
STURGIS — For 83 years the famed Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club has been run by men, so when Brechelle Bacon was nominated and voted in as the group’s first female president it was hard to believe that she would be leading the historical group for the next few years. “To me this is something that as a child. I always thought would be a cool thing, but I never knew if it was a possibility,” Bacon said. “It was always men who did it, and my younger brother was the president before I was for the last few years. When someone actually nominated me, I didn’t even think it would be possible to do it.” But Bacon said the Gypsy membership has given her their full support as the organization’s first female president, as they recognize all of the work she has done for the club. Since Bacon was about 7 years old she has raced and worked tirelessly, side by side with the Gypsies, to make sure the club continued to grow and host racers from around the world with some of the most exciting events in the area. “I just always wanted to put
my heart and soul into the Gypsies because I spend so much time there,” Bacon said. “When you put so much work into something and you see it grow, it’s really nice to get the appreciation for it. I think that’s why they nominated me.” Bacon said as the organization’s first female president, one of her goals is to get more youth involved in the sport of racing and love of motorcycling. She’s a mother with twin 3-year-old girls, and she’s already started them on electric mini-bikes. “I’ve been trying to promote that and to get more kids involved,” she said. “It was such a big part of my growing up I would like to see more kids to have something to be involved in.” She also feels like as the club’s first female president, she is in a position to be a role model for the young girls who get involved with racing. “I would like them all to know that when you’re doing this you can go further, especially in the racing world,” she said. “Mostly, (I want them to know) that your hard work can pay off and you can make the things that you want to happen, happen. I just
Brechelle Bacon, president of Jackpine Gypsies. Courtesy photo
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When you put so much work into something and you see it grow, it’s really nice to get the appreciation for it. I think that’s why they nominated me. Brechelle Bacon, Jackpine Gypsies President
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she said. “We’re seeing a big upturn for women being more interested in motorcycling. I think it’s a great honor for me to be part of that and it’s a great honor for me to be part of the Jackpine Gypsies and be the president. We have a lot of history here in Sturgis that I don’t think a lot of people realize until they actually come to Sturgis.” The Jackine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis is one of the oldest offroad clubs that enjoys an American Motorcycle Association charter. It was founded in 1936 and chartered in 1937. One of its founding members, J.C. “Pappy” Hoel, along with his wife Pearl, are credited with starting the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Over the years the club has attracted many AMA Hall of Fame racers, including Bill Tuman, Bobby Hill, Dick Mann, Dick Klamfoth, and others. The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1997.
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want people to realize that hard work and commitment are just a really important thing. I hope that the girls realize that and they can strive for those things.” Throughout the year the Jackpine Gypsies host a full racing schedule of flat track, motocross, hill climbs and
road rides. The group maintains their own racing track in Sturgis and is active in the community as well. All of that takes work, and it’s work that is dear to Bacon’s heart. For Bacon, one of the greatest rewards of her leadership role this year has been instituting the Jackpine Gypsies Hall of Fame. This year she was able to induct her dear friend, Tom Olson, into the brand new ranks of Hall of Famers, and that felt good. “He was like a grandpa to me,” she said. “That was one of the most rewarding things because he never really got recognized for all of the work he put into the Gypsies. He put a lot of heart and soul into this place but never got recognized. That was one of my biggest accomplishments of the year.” Overall, she’s happy to make history as another woman who has made her mark on motorcycling and racing. “I think it’s a really great thing to get more ladies involved in the sport of motorcycling,”
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Indian Motorcycle Sturgis to buy Sturgis Motorsports
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Indian Motorcycle Sturgis is in the process of acquiring Sturgis Motorsports. They are currently operating the business located on Lazelle Street in Sturgis at the entrance to Boulder Canyon. Pioneer file photo
By Deb Holland Black Hills Pioneer
STURGIS — Indian Motorcycle Sturgis is in the process of acquiring Sturgis Motorsports. Lauren Hensley, general manager of Indian Motorcycle Sturgis, said Dick Schieffer, the principal owner of Sturgis Motorsports, has retired. “We have worked together to have an opportunity at obtaining his store. That is in process
right now,” Hensley said. Indian Motorcycle Sturgis is currently under a management agreement with Sturgis Motorsports and has been since the start of May, Hensley said. “We are operating it, but we don’t legally own it yet,” she said. “We are waiting to get through all the manufacturer’s approval.” Sturgis Motorsports, 2695 Lazelle St., is located at the entrance to Boulder Canyon. They
carry Yamaha, BMW, Suzuki, Arctic Cat and Husqvarna brands. They have an extensive inventory of new and used motorcycles, ATV/UTVs, and snowmobiles as well as a huge selection of parts and accessories. “They have street bikes, sideby-sides, snowmobiles, dirt bikes. It’s really just a whole lot of brands that are going to diversify our opportunity to get to where we are able to sell more through the winter months,”
Hensley said. Indian Motorcycle Sturgis will retain about 95% of Sturgis Motorsports staff and plan to add additional staff, Hensley said. “We’re really not looking to shake anything up. They have a good business going,” she said. Indian Motorcycle is looking to grow the new brands that come with the purchase of the business, specifically BMW, Hensley said.
“We feel like that’s a real opportunity,” she said. The new acquisition spearheaded by Indian Motorcycle Sturgis owner Jim Lake brings together the two entities under one umbrella. “This is a great opportunity for us. We look to honor what Dick has built,” Hensley said. Sturgis Motorsports and Schieffer were provided the opportunity to comment on the sale, but chose not to.
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Rusty Wallace Ride coming to Spearfish
By Alex Portal Black Hills Iron
SPEARFISH — For the past three years, the Rusty Wallace Charity Ride has been raising money for the South Dakota Special Olympics as a part of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This year, the ride will kickoff, for the first time, from Spearfish City Park. “This ride had grown immensely in the past few years, so we’ve tried to branch out and explore different options for new take off areas and new things to do to keep it fresh and exciting,” said Cody Ertman, program manager for the Rusty Wallace Charity Ride. Ertman said that the ride has raised more than $230,000 over the past three years through rider registration and live auction.
“Rusty generally brings with him other NASCAR legends, off-road racers, he brought Sarah Palin with him last year,” Ertman said. Riders will gather at Spearfish City Park at 1 p.m., on Aug. 10. The auction will take place at 2 p.m., and a commemorative group photo will be taken at 3 p.m. Ertman said the organization chose the park as a starting location for several reasons, not least of which is it’s proximity to the route the ride will take on its way to the Buffalo Chip. “It’s right next to arguably the best riding road … Spearfish Canyon, which is the ride that Rusty Wallace wanted to ride this year,” he said. For more information about the ride, visit www. rustywallaceride.com, or call (605) 347-9000.
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Jacket Ride set for Aug. 9
By Mark Watson Black Hills Iron
SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University invites motorcyclists and supporters to join the ninth annual BHSU Dennis Kirk Jacket Ride for veterans scholarships during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The 2022 Jacket Ride will be held Tuesday, Aug. 9 with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Joy Center on the BHSU Campus. Participants will enjoy a lunch followed by kickstands up at 10 a.m. before departing on premier route in the Black Hills. “It is a great way to give back to our student veterans,” said Kanda Guthmiller, scholarship coordinator at BHSU. “We are a very military friendly school … and this is one of many ways we support our veterans here on campus.” During the ride, bikers will drive through Spearfish Canyon to Lead, and Nemo before heading down Vanocker
This year’s Jacket Ride hits the road Aug. 9. Pioneer file photo Canyon before ending at Scott Peterson Motors in Sturgis. Lunch will be served at the dealership. Jacket Ride registration is $50 for a single rider and $75 for a rider and passenger. Registration includes lunch, a
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HALL OF FAME country go to Washington, D.C., to help fight for their rights. In 1987, the MRF became the first organization to hire a full-time lobbyist to work in Washington, D.C. Since that time, the foundation has advocated for American street riding motorcyclists and the motorcycle industry. For over 35 years the foundation has been recognized by members of the U.S. Congress and their staff as the voice of American street riders in our nation’s capital. Working at the state level, the foundation led the successful repeal of a national mandatory helmet law; later rallied to defeat the Lautenberg Federal Helmet amendment, fought against motorcycle horsepower bans, stopped federal legislation that would have classified any group of three or more riders wearing similar clothing as a “gang”; stopped unfair insurance provisions; stopped the federal government from using taxpayer dollars to lobby for anti-motorcycling legislation; overturned road bans for motorcycles and federally funded motorcycle only checkpoints; supported voluntary rider education programs; and protected the motorcycle industry from onerous and restrictive federal regulations multiple times. The foundation continues to fight for rights, and today faces issues including: end-of-life directives for older motorcycles; the end of internal combustion engines in favor of all-electric vehicles; availability of fuel compatible with motorcycle engines, among many others.
Robin Bradley
2022
Robin Bradley was born in the mid 1950s and brought up in England’s “Detroit” — Coventry — the heartland of Britain’s automotive and motorcycle industries. Having flirted with the idea of publishing as a teenager, his time at gave him a pathway to formalize his interest
t-shirt, and door prize entry. All proceeds support scholarships for veteran students at BHSU. Lunch will be catered by Old West Dutch Oven Company. Guthmiller said thanks to sponsors Dennis Kirk, Scott Peterson Motors, and the Black
into a way of paying the rent. The result was a near 50-year media career. In fact it turned out that “the media” was a career choice that floated on a sea of such diversions. Like most youngRobin sters Robin fooled about with bikes Bradley — once building 2022 Inductee a hovercraft with a 195 cc Villiers single. The first bike he owned was a 1973 Soviet era East German MZ ETZ 175 cc single. By the late, 80s career highlights had included a brief stint in the music business – on London’s iconic New Musical Express, and international publishing in the golf industry among other experiences. His motorcycle industry involvement started in 1989 working for a British custom magazine called Back Street Heroes - a highly regarded “keeper of the flame” for a nascent domestic British custom culture that directly paralleled the earlier salvage yard chopper build ethos of the Easyrider generation here in the United States. The magazine was the catalyst for a magazine called “HOG” — Europe’s first pure H-D title. We had the rights to the ‘HOG’ name in the UK (for magazines, events and merchandise) before Harley had started consolidating its “IP” war chest. Robin started AMD Magazine (initially as European Dealer News) in September 1993; International Dealer News followed in 1997, and a collaboration with Custom Chrome resulted in the first AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building in 2004. After a year in Las Vegas (Big Twin West, 2005) we moved the event to Sturgis. As Robin became closer to the parts, accessory, and performance aftermarket at close quarters he found himself grav-
Hills Pioneer, the cost of the ride, meal, and shirts are fully funded meaning that all funds from the rider entries go to fund veterans’ scholarships. “It’s so much fun,” Guthmiller said. “Group rides are so much fun. You’re with
itating to the business end of the equation - the dealer and industry journal publishing market. He said in hindsight he realizes just how good the experience he got through his London publishing career had been. One of the many important lessons he learned was that a publication that positions itself well as a ‘trade enabler’ can establish itself as the oil in the engine that drives a market’s business cycle. The twist he added was to bring consumer magazine personality and production values to a trade - combining features with facts to deliver an intense torrent of information and insight. Though he never has pretended to be a hard-core, high mileage rider, the friendship, passion and drive of the people he has encountered in the motorcycle business is what has kept him coming back for more - and it still does so now, some 30-plus years later.
Tom Seymour – Trailblazer’s Hall of Fame 2022
Born in 1945 in upstate New York, Tom Seymour was a science nerd who received a full scholarship to Cooper. He earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1969 and his master’s degree in Tom 1973. He went to Seymour work for several 2022 Inductee corporations before switching his career to marketing, overseeing international operations of McCulloch within Black and Decker. What none of the teachers, coaches, professors, engineers, and corporate executives knew was that Tom had another life. When Tom wasn’t wearing
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your friends, the camaraderie. We get lots of repeat riders. In 2021, eight scholarships totaling $4,000 were awarded to BHSU student veterans thanks to the support of the Jacket Ride participants. Receiving scholarships were: Brody Weavill, a biology major from Elk Point; Whitney Cramer, a biology major from Rapid City; Justin Ader, a human services major from Black Hawk; Dean Ratty, a Spanish major from Lead; Bradley Halvorson, a math major from St. Louis, Mo.; Vernon Robertson, a business administrator manor from Rapid City; Maximillian Donovan, a composite social sciences major from Chamberlain; and Rachel Aberson, a business administration major from Hartford. For more information the Jacket Ride or to register, visit www.BHSU.edu/JacketRide or contact Guthmiller at (605) 642-6335 or Kanda.Guthmiller@ BHSU.edu.
his lab coat, studying, or working, he would go ride and race motorcycles. He commuted to work and school on a motorcycle and on the weekends raced short track, Enduros, motocross, and TT Scrambles. He even joined a motorcycle club, the Yonkers MC. Tom would eventually rise in the Yonkers MC to road captain and president. Tom bought a small motorcycle accessory company in 1977, which he eventually sold and used the experience to launch Saddlemen years later. With Saddlemen, Tom used his engineering skills and experience of thousands of hours on good and bad motorcycle seats to make the best seats he could design. Over the years with Saddlemen, Tom literally saved thousands of butts. He has also been a member and leader of many of motorcycle industry organizations. He is on the board of directors for both the Trailblazers and the AMARookies of ’79. Tom is a Charter Life Member of the AMA, and he has been a V-Twin Committee member of the Motorcycle Industry Council. Tom received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Peterson Publishing and the Leadership Award for the Class of ’79 Charity for Injured Racers. He was recently inducted into the Trailblazers Hall of Fame.
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Top rides in the Black Hills Pioneer Staff Reports
SPEARFISH — With Sturgis situated in the heart of the Black Hills, the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the venue for some of the best riding in the country. From long stretches of highway on the scenic plains to curves and tunnels through the beautiful Black Hills, there is something for every kind of biker here. The following is a list of our favorite rides.
Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway
S.D. Highway 240, Badlands National Park
An approximate 30-mile ride, this highway cuts through the natural rock
formations of Badlands National Park. A favorite of bikers who flock to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, this route also features natural grasslands that are filled with hundreds of different species of plants and wild animals. Scenic overlooks also offer great photo opportunities.
Custer State Park 13329 U.S. Highway 16A, Custer
common to encounter a “Buffalo Jam” while driving in the park. Look for elusive elk, deer, big horn sheep, mountain goats, and bands of begging burros. Four distinct lodges offer accommodations to suit every family, from rustic and historic to elegant and upscale. All offer unique on-site activities, including Jeep rides to the buffalo herds, guided fly-fishing, and chuckwagon suppers. There are also endless camping opportunities in the park.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Custer State Park isn’t just home to one of the largest free roaming buffalo herds; it’s so beautiful that the State Game Lodge served as the summer White House for President Calvin Coolidge in 1927. This 71,000-acre vacation paradise is home to abundant wildlife and buffalo herds, making it
12141 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse (near Custer) Crazy Horse Memorial is the world’s largest sculpture-in-progress, and
Nemo Road
Off Highway 385, Rapid City to Brownsville
A nice, lazy ride through some of the less-populated parts of the Black Hills, Nemo Road offers amazing views, twisty turns, and straight highway stretches that promise bikers entertainment and relaxation. Just one trip down this road and you will understand why Sturgis Rally veterans call this “The best kept secret in the Black Hills.” The Nemo Bar & Grill also offers bikers great food and cold drinks for a scenic break from the road that is filled with first-class hospitality!
Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson
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www.bhpioneer.com frequent drilling and mountain blasts make each visit unique. When completed, Crazy Horse Memorial will stand 563 feet tall. The project was started in 1948 by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear to honor the heritage, tradition, and culture of North American Indians. Its namesake, Crazy Horse, was a war leader of the Oglala Lakota tribe and a prominent leader in the Sioux resistance to white encroachment in the Black Hills. His bravery and skill are admired, and he is revered by the Sioux as their greatest leader. The complex surrounding the mountain carving includes the Indian Museum of North America, the Native American Cultural Center, the Sculptor’s Studio, and a 40,000-square-foot orientation center and theater. Nightly performances of a multimedia laser-light show spotlight American Indian culture using dramatic animations and a stirring musical score. In June, the Crazy Horse Volksmarch opens to hikers a 10K route that winds around the base of the mountain and up onto Crazy Horse’s outstretched arm. Korczak’s wife and family have continued the project and the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation. An entrance fee is required to enter the memorial, which is open year-round, and good for one day of admission. Proceeds fund further development of the memorial.
Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway U.S. Highway 16A/S.D. Highway 87, Custer State Park
This ride is so cool that it deserves mentioning apart from Custer State Park! The 70-mile drive offers amazing views of the best the Black Hills has to offer. This scenic drive incorporates
Sundance, Wyo., to Devils Tower Sundance, Wyo., sits astride Interstate 90 approximately 53 miles west of the city of Sturgis. With a population of 1,139 souls, Sundance is visitor friendly, especially during Sturgis Rally days, and hosts a permanent full service Harley-Davidson dealer with everything from T-shirts to leathers and rain gear. I recommend you start this ride during the mid-morning hours and return during the evening. If you do this, you’ll have the sun at your back both directions. Leaving Sundance northwest on Highway 14, it is a continuous uphill climb into heavily timbered wild territory with panoramic views all around. The speed limit is 65 mph unless otherwise posted; you probably won’t get into sixth gear on the way up to Devils Tower. Pay attention while on Highway 14: wild deer abound. If you see one, there are probably several more nearby, their favorite pastime being unexpectedly dashing across the road after hearing the noise from your loud pipes. When you get to the
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the Needles Highway (S.D. Highway 87) and Iron Mountain Road (U.S. Highway 16A). The Needles Highway features hairpin curves, drive-through tunnels, and massive granite formations that draw climbers from all over the world. Iron Mountain Road features pigtail bridges that were constructed in a corkscrew fashion, as well as drive through tunnels that perfectly frame Mount Rushmore.
Lead-Deadwood
Separated by just three miles of highway but forever joined in their rich history of mining and gaming, the Black Hills’ own Twin Cities offer something for everyone! Visit the Black Hills Mining Museum, Homestake Visitor’s Center, or the Adams Museum to see the rich mining and old-west history of this section of the Northern Hills; relax for lunch or dinner at one of the many fine establishments in both towns; browse through the unique selection of gifts and supplies in Lead; or try your luck at a gaming table or slot machine in Deadwood. But most importantly, residents of Lead-Deadwood are ever-cognizant of the Rally and welcome the bikers with open arms. In Lead, bikers can enjoy vendors, entertainment, and bike shows throughout the week, and in Deadwood, bikers enjoy special parking privileges and other perks!
Belle Fourche
The name “Belle Fourche” is French for “Beautiful Fork” because of its site on the “Forks” of Hay Creek, Redwater River, and Belle Fourche River. Additionally, the quaint little town is known for its status as the geographical “Center of the Nation.” After the addition of Hawaii and Alaska to the United States in 1959, a point 10 miles north of Belle Fourche was named the official geological center of the United States. The site was originally in Smith Center, Kan., before it was moved to its new home in Butte County. Visitors can
Spearfish Canyon on Two Wheels If you’re a regular attendee of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, chances are you’ve ridden Spearfish Canyon at least once, and probably more frequently. Spearfish Canyon is older than the Grand Canyon if you can believe that! It’s smooth, well maintained, and its curvaceous pavement is a joy to ride for any bike/ motorcyclist. The 35 mph speed limit allows the canyon walls to talk back to you in the form of your motorcycle’s reflected exhaust note. If you’ve never ridden the canyon, it’s about time you did. It’s an unforgettable motoring treat for any rider or driver. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for excessive speed vehicles; some riders can’t resist a little extra speed. Keep your eyes on the road though; you can stop almost anywhere in the canyon to take a longer look at one of the many dif-
have their photo taken at the monument of a 21-by-40 foot compass rose made of South Dakota granite located at the Center of the Nation Visitor Center in Belle Fourche.
Wind Cave National Park
26611 US Highway 385, Hot Springs
Caves are one of the Black Hills’ most mysterious and intriguing wonders. To do your exploring underground, visit Wind Cave National Park. Stretching more than 100 miles, Wind Cave is one of the longest caves in the world, and the first cave to be designated a national park. With a maze-like, underground chamber system, Wind Cave features the world’s largest concentration of box work, a rare formation of thin calcite
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ferent spots of interest. Starting at the mouth of the canyon at the extreme east end of Spearfish, the road takes vehicles past the golf course and into the verdant and summer leafy steepwalled canyon. Halfway up the canyon is Spearfish Canyon Lodge, a great place for lunch if you don’t want to wait to arrive at Cheyenne Crossing, world famous for its burgers and hospitality. A quarter-mile hike down the trail-footpath below the lodge will get you to Spearfish Falls; don’t forget your camera. If you skip the lodge stop, and continue almost another 10 miles, you’ll get to the aforementioned Cheyenne Crossing at the junction of Highway 85. Make a left and head for Lead, S.D. It’s an uphill climb away from Cheyenne Crossing, and the speed limit is 55 mph. Throttle up, but stay within the speed limit. Continue through Lead, then Deadwood, and before you know it, you’re in Sturgis. See you on the Road. — Buck Lovell fins that resemble honeycombs. Above ground, Wind Cave National Park includes a wildlife sanctuary of 28,295 acres for antelope, bison, elk, prairie dogs, and other creatures to roam. Here, the ponderosa pine forest meets the rolling prairie, one of the last remaining mixed grassland areas in existence. The cave’s visitor center is open daily except holidays. An admission fee is required to tour the cave. A list of tour options can be viewed at www.nps.gov/wica.
Native American
Scenic Byway
This 305.8-mile route takes bikers through the rich history and wildlife attractions of our American Indian population. It cuts through the heart of South Dakota’s grass prairie through
TOP RIDES Pg 20
junction of Highway 14 and Highway 24, you’ll turn northbound to finish the ride to Devils Tower National Monument. At several locations midway from the junction to Devils Tower along Highway 24, spectacular views of small canyon escarpments with rocky overhangs beg for attention from you and your camera. As you continue riding uphill, the top of Devils Tower will begin to be visible as it rises above the horizon. At 5,112 feet above sea level, Devils Tower is the predominant landscape feature of the area. The rocky tower itself is a full 867 feet from its base to the summit. The Belle Fourche River slowly meanders away eastward 1,267 below the tower. When heading back to Sundance, preferably in the mid-evening hours, the long slow descent makes it easy to enjoy the grand views of the terrain and typically white clouded blue skies. So majestic is the roadside scenery here, you may find yourself wanting to make this ride more than once, with the images of the first riding sticking in your subconscious. Total mileage here (round trip) is approximately 56 miles, give or take a burnout.
— Buck Lovell
Pioneer file photo
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TOP RIDES the heart of the great Sioux Nation. The route takes travelers through Yankton, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River, and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes. Along the way, bikers will have a chance to see some wildlife, including prairie dogs, pronghorn, deer, bison, and elk.
Jewel Cave National Monument U.S. Highway 16, 13 miles west of Custer
Located in the scenic Hell Canyon Ranger District, the ride to Jewel Cave is a gem in itself with scenic overlooks, hairpin turns, and some wildlife sightings. But once bikers get to the cave, they are absolutely encouraged to stop and stay awhile! Jewel Cave National Monument is not only the second-longest cave in the world, at more than 140 miles and counting, it is also one of the most structurally complex. Located a little more than an hour southwest of Rapid City, Jewel Cave is a regional gem tucked in the Black Hills. Exploration is ongoing in this pristine underground labyrinth. Visit chambers decorated with calcite, nailhead, and dogtooth spar crystals and other wonders like draperies, flowstone, and stalactites. The monument’s surface trails and facilities are open free of charge. A fee is required for cave tours, which are ranger-guided and are moderately strenuous, lasting about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The cave is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except on holidays. Cave tours have been known to sell out in advance; therefore, wait-
ing times could be several hours. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead for tour availability and to reserve tickets. Visit www.nps.gov/jeca for more information.
Mammoth Site
1800 U.S. Highway 18 Bypass, Hot Springs
More than 26,000 years ago, large Columbian and woolly mammoths were trapped and died in a spring-fed pond near what is now the southwest edge of Hot Springs. Discovered in 1974 while excavating for a housing development, the Mammoth Site is the world’s largest Columbian mammoth exhibit and research center for Pleistocene studies. It is truly a unique and natural location for the state.
Bear Butte
Highway 79, Sturgis It’s simply not possible to come to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and not see one of the Black Hills’ natural wonders — Bear Butte. But seeing it and experiencing it are two different things, and all bikers should take in the scenic beauty and spiritual feeling of this site, named “Mato Paha” (Bear Mountain) by the Lakota Sioux for its resemblance to a sleeping bear. This geological formation is one of several intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills that formed millions of years ago. The mountain is sacred to many American Indian tribes, who go there to hold religious ceremonies to this day. Also, Bear Butte was once used by multiple tribes as a meeting point to discuss the advancement of
TOP RIDES Pg 21
Belle Fourche to Sturgis via Bear Butte
Riding from Belle Fourche to Sturgis via Bear Butte can only be described as the open prairie or high plains ride. Imagine yourself back in the 1880s riding a spirited four-legged horse. When departing from Belle Fourche traveling eastbound on S.D. Highway 212, I recommend this route be traveled during the later part of the afternoon. You will then have the sun over your right shoulder. Make sure you have your gas tank filled completely, for you will have no opportunity to gas up between Belle Fourche and Sturgis city limits, unless you divert north to Newell at the junction of Highway 212 and Highway 79. The speed limit on 212 is 65 mph unless otherwise posted. Riding 212 can only be reckoned to riding your horse at full gallop across the plains, but staying at 60-65 mph is the best speed to enjoy this fluffy cloud-studded, blue-sky route. Make a point of checking the weather forecast for prevailing winds. Prevailing winds in August are typically west to east, which will give a very pleasant tailwind from Belle Fourche to Highway 79
southbound. When leaving Belle Fourche, the first major landmark will be Belle Fourche Reservoir on the left (north side of the highway). There are several small towns with cafés serving home-cooked style food and cold drinks, which are well worth stopping. The smooth pavement and long radius curves of Highway 212 are punctuated by hills and rises, so for safety’s sake don’t attempt to pass on those blind curves. Take your time and enjoy the view to the south of the Black Hills. They look black from out on the prairie; that’s how the hills got their name. At the junction of 212 and 79, you’ll turn right heading toward Bear Butte. If you’ve had a tail wind, it’s now a crosswind, so stay alert. Also watch for deer on the road. It’s almost a straight shot to the outskirts of the city of Sturgis. You will be able to enjoy an ever changing view of Bear Butte as it grows larger the closer you get. Just before passing Bear Butte, you see the Broken Spoke Campground on the left. Continuing another 5-6 miles, you’ll make a right turn onto Highway 34 (westbound) on the way into downtown Sturgis. Total distance is about 55 miles, give or take a burnout.
— Buck Lovell
ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL BLACK HILLS: FROM BASECAMP THAT IS JUST MINUTES AWAY FROM STURGIS F 5 minutes from Sturgis F Beautiful canyons for riding F Many attractions to see
LOCATED OFF EXIT 37 ON INTERSTATE 90, CONTAINS 43 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL GREEN GRASS, SHADE TREES AND THE BULLDOG CREEK. F 30 & 50 amp full hookups F 30 amp water only F 110 volt electric sites F Plenty of space for tent or dry camping sites MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME: F Cabin, camper and fully furnished mini homes for rent F Laundry facilities F 2 bathhouses F Pet friendly Visit us on facebook, website WWW.BULLDOGCREEK.COM or call us 605-347-8000 to check out our event weekends or for reservations.
GREAT PLACE TO SET UP BASE CAMP, PARK YOUR TRAILER AND ENJOY THE BLACK HILLS OF SOUTH DAKOTA.
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Wildlife
Loop Ride: Really Wild If you’re looking for a short ride in between other Rally-related activities, and you’re in the area of Custer State Park, Wildlife Loop Road is perfect. The road itself is very well maintained black top with almost no surprise potholes or other impediments to smooth riding. Don’t even think of going on this little sojourn without some kind of camera, even if it’s just the camera in your cell phone. Wildlife Loop Road has a strictly enforced speed limit of 35 mph, but if you are like most annual visitors here, you will be stopping frequently to either let the buffalo and other wild critters cross the road in front of you, or to just have a good long look. You won’t find many motorcycle rides that will give close-up views of wildlife as seen here. In many cases, these critters will hold up traffic as they stand blocking the pavement and stare in amazement at you and your vehicle. The rolling hills and wide
Adventurous
Strong
Sexy
Your clothing should be, too.
Female motorcycle riders are
Stylin’ in Sturgis
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TOP RIDES the white man onto their lands. Bikers at the Sturgis Rally can take advantage of the hiking trails to the top of the mountain, or just cruise on by the natural wonder located six miles northeast of Sturgis off Highway 79.
Mount Rushmore 13000 SD Highway 244, Keystone
Who can take a trip to Sturgis without stopping to see our nation’s Shrine of Democracy? Every year that visit gets better as there are continual improvements at the famed monument! This internationally recognized “Shrine of Democracy” is located only 17 miles from Rapid City. Surrounded by Black Hills National Forest, the memorial protrudes from the granite with the faces of
open grassland scenery is studded with many varieties of pine and other trees of all sizes making for very pleasant riding. Wildlife species to be seen here in Custer State Park include antelope, bighorn sheep, buffalo young and old, white tail deer, elk, coyote, prairie dogs, and all manner of flying fowl including bald eagles and other raptor species. Custer State Park is home to one of the world’s largest buffalo herds. These buffalo live almost as they did before the West was tamed. Every year a roundup is held with buffalo harvested from the ever-growing herd. Wild “begging” burros live and play at the southernmost end of Wildlife Loop. While the ride along Wildlife Loop Road is only 18 seemingly short miles and could take as little a 30 minutes to transit, you may find it taking just a little bit longer due to frequent stops to enjoy both the animals and the almost “as it was in the 1850s” view. I almost always do this ride both directions during the same day. No burnouts on this ride: it would only frighten the critters.
— Buck Lovell
George Washington, commander of the Revolutionary Army and our nation’s first president; Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence; Abraham Lincoln, who abolished slavery in the U.S.; and Theodore Roosevelt, who reformed corruption and is responsible for our national’s national parks system and for conserving wildlife. The site also features mountain goats, the Avenue of Flags, an interactive museum, and a new visitors’ center. Visitors can also follow the Presidential Trail to the base of the mountain. An evening lighting ceremony is also a sight to see during the summer months, and it begins at 9 p.m. Additionally, if you’ve already traveled the common route to the mountain through Keystone, try entering through the back way on Highway 244, which offers some unique scenic sights and a relaxing ride through the Hills. Read more from Buck at BLABB (Buck Lovell’s American Biker Blog) online at www.sturgis.com.
1006 Main St., Sturgis, SD
605-720-Hair (4247)
Photo courtesy of Harley-Davidson
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82nd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally schedule
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Headquarters Open Aug. 5-14, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 1019 Main St., Sturgis, SD 57785 605-720-0800 www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame
Open 7 days a week 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $10/person or $15 for two. $30 for five people. Senior and Veteran pricing available 999 Main St., Sturgis 605-347-2001 www.sturgismuseum.com
July
Sturgis Dragway events www. Sturgisdrags.com July 8 — Street legals July 9 — Bracket racing July 10 — Bracket racing July 15 — Street legals July 16 — Corvette July 22 — Street legals July 23 — Bracket Racing July 24 — Bracket Racing Black Hills Harley Davidson www.blackhillshd.com July 30-31 8 a.m.-6 p.m. — Pre-Rally rollout,
Black Hills Harley Davidson “The Rally at Exit 55,” select vendors open for business. For list of vendors visit https:// www.blackhillshd.com/vendors
August
Deadwood
Monday, Aug. 8
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. — Legends Ride Kickoff, Franklin Hotel, Deadwood 12 p.m. — 5th Annual Mayor’s Charity Poker Tournament, No Limit Texas Hold’Em, Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort, Deadwood
Tuesday, Aug. 9
8 a.m. — Biker Belles Registration, The Lodge at Deadwood, Deadwood 9 a.m. — Biker Belles Morning Ride, The Lodge at Deadwood, Buffalo Chip Campground
Wednesday, Aug. 10
8:30 a.m. — Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame breakfast, the Lodge at Deadwood, Deadwood Rapid City Black Hills Harley Davidson www.blackhillshd.com 8 a.m.-6 p.m. — “The Rally at Exit 55,” for a list of vendors visit https:// www.blackhillshd.com/vendors 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. — Rusty Wallace Charity Ride Kickoff, Exit 55 Black Hills Harley Davidson, Rapid City 1:30-3 p.m. — Rusty Wallace Charity Ride, Main Street Square, Rapid City Sturgis Dragway events Sturgisdrags.com Aug. 4 — MRA Aug 5 — MRA
Aug. 6 — Shootout Aug. 7 — NITRO move-in and test and tune with open to all bike race Aug. 8 — AHDRA Nitro drags Aug. 9 — AHDRA nitro drags Aug. 10 – Baker Drivetrain
Death, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground
Black Hills Speedway 2467 Jolly Lane, Rapid City Spectator gates open 5 p.m. 7 p.m. — American Flat Track racing, Black Hills Speedway, Rapid City
6:30-7 p.m. (ALL WEEK)— Ives Brothers Wall of Death, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground
Friday, Aug. 5
6 p.m. — Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party, Amphitheater, Buffalo Chip Campground
7-7:05 p.m. — Opening Toast, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
Sturgis events 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — (ALL WEEK) Live music at H-D Rally point 12:30-1 p.m. — Main Street parade featuring Parade Marshal Rusty Wallace 1-1:30 p.m. — Sturgis Mayor Welcome, Sturgis 1:30-2 p.m. — Woodland Native Dancers @ H-D Rally Point, Sturgis 2-4 p.m. – Industry Stunt Show on Harley-Davidson Way, Sturgis 9 p.m.-1 a.m. — Garage Boys, Knuckle Saloon, Sturgis
7:05 p.m. — Judd Hoos, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
Buffalo Chip Campground 8 a.m.-7 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — Garage services open, Crossroads, Buffalo Chip Campground
Sturgis events 7 a.m. — 20th Annual Mayor’s Ride registration, Sturgis Community Center back parking lot, Sturgis 7 p.m. — Mayor’s Pub Crawl, Harley-Davidson Rally Point, Sturgis
9 a.m.-5 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — Sturgis Rally Information Center open, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 9 a.m. (ALL WEEK) — Maiden Moto Art Show, Crossroads, Buffalo Chip Campground 1:30-2 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — Ives Brothers Wall of Death, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 3-6 p.m. — ULTRA4 Off-Road Racing Trials, PowerSports Complex, Buffalo Chip Campground 4-4:30 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — Ives Brothers Wall of
8 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — Miss Buffalo Chip beauty pageant, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 8:30 p.m. — Quiet Riot, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 11:59 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — Miss Buffalo Chip beauty pageant, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
Saturday, Aug. 6
Jackpine Gypsies 7 p.m. — Extreme Flat Track Series Sturgis Championship, Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis. Full Throttle Saloon 8 p.m. — Molly Hatchet, Full Throttle Saloon, Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground 7 a.m. (ALL WEEK) — Free pancake breakfast, Sons of Light Ministry, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — Freedom Field, Patriotic displays and memorials, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 8:15 a.m.-6 p.m. — ULTRA4 Off-Road Racing, PowerSports Complex, Buffalo Chip Campground
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SCHEDULE 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (ALL WEEK)— Sturgis Rally Information Center open, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — School’s Out Chopper Show registration, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 1-4 p.m. — School’s Out Chopper show, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 1:30 p.m.-2 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — Ives Brothers Wall of Death, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 4 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — School’s Out Chopper Show Awards, Crossroads, Buffalo Chip Campground 4-4:30 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — Ives Brothers Wall of Death, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 6-6:30 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — Ives Brothers Wall of Death, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 7:05 p.m. — Opening band TBD, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 8:30 p.m. — Buckcherry, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 10:30 p.m. — Snoop Dogg, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
Sunday, Aug. 7
Sturgis events 7 a.m. — Medicine Wheel Ride registration, Bear Butte State Park, Sturgis 9 a.m. — Mayor’s Golf Tournament, 12312 US Hwy 14A, Sturgis Jackpine Gypsies 7 p.m. — Extreme Flat Track Series Sturgis Championship, Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis 9 p.m. — GP Motocross, (Gates open 7 p.m.), Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis Full Throttle Saloon 8 p.m. — Slaughter, Full Throttle Saloon, Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground 9:30-11 a.m. — Flying Piston breakfast, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 10 a.m.-2 p.m. — Gambler 500 Hooptie X, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — FXR Show & Dyna Mixer, CrossRoads,
Buffalo Chip Campground 2 p.m. — FXR Show and Dyna Mixer Awards, CrossRaods,d Buffalo Chip Campground
3 p.m. — B1 flyover Main Street 8 p.m. — Liliac, Shade Valley Campground, Sturgis
10:30 p.m. — Papa Roach, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
Wednesday, Aug. 10
10 p.m. — Stephen Pearcy, Voice of RATT, Shade Valley Campground, Sturgis
Jackpine Gypsies 10 a.m. — Pro Verta-X, Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis
8:30 p.m. — Bush, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
Jackpine Gypsies 10 a.m. — Pro Hill Climb, Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis
7 p.m. — AHRMA Flat Track Series Sturgis Championship, Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis
10:30 p.m. — Lynyrd Skynyrd, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
7 p.m. — Extreme Flat Track Series Sturgis Championship, Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis
Full Throttle Saloon 8 p.m. — Blackberry Smoke, Full Throttle Saloon, Sturgis
2-10 p.m. (ALL WEEK) — Motorcycles as Art Exhibition open, Event Center, Buffalo Chip Campground
Monday, Aug. 8
Sturgis events 7 a.m. — Legendary Sturgis 5K, Woodland Park Shelter, Sturgis 8 p.m. — Tim Montana, Shade Valley Campground, Sturgis 10 p.m. — Locash, Shade Valley Campground, Sturgis Full Throttle Saloon 8 p.m. — Tesla, Full Throttle Saloon, Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Hardcore Cycles performance show and Skinny Tire Bagger Buildoff registration, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 1-3 p.m. — Hardcore Cycles Performance Show and Skinny Tire Bagger Buildoff, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 3:30 p.m. — Hardcore Cycles Performance Show and Skinny Tire Bagger Buildoff awards, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 4:30 p.m. — Legends Ride Reception, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 5 p.m. — Legends Ride auction, Buffalo Chip gardens, Buffalo Chip Campground 7:05 p.m. — Opening band TBD, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 8:30 p.m. — Lita Ford, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 10:30 p.m. — Rob Zombie, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
Tuesday, Aug. 9
Sturgis events 1 p.m. — Military appreciation day presentations, Rally Point (Corner of Legendary Main St./Harley Davidson Way), Sturgis
Full Throttle Saloon 8 p.m. — Chase Matthew, Full Throttle Saloon, Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — Biker Belles Symposium, Big Engine Bar at the CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Biker Belles bike show registration, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground
Buffalo Chip Campground 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Evo Entanglement Bike Show registration, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 1-4 p.m. — Evo Entanglement bike show, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 2-3:30 p.m. — Fan fest, Big Engine Bar at the Crossroads, Buffalo Chip Campground
12 p.m. – Xtreem Flat Track Buffalo Chip Super TT, PowerSports Complex, Buffalo Chip Campground
3-6 p.m. — Rusty Wallace Charity Ride Reception and Silent Auction, Buffalo Chip Gardens, Buffalo Chip Campground
12-3 p.m. — Street Drag Invitational with Crazy John, Amphitheater, Buffalo Chip Campground
3:30 p.m. — Mullet Madness contest, Big Engine Bar at the Crossroads, Buffalo Chip Campground
1-4 p.m. — Biker Belles bike show, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground
4 p.m. — Evo Entanglement bike show awards, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground
2 p.m. — Sportster Showdown registration, Camp Zero, Buffalo Chip Campground
7:05 p.m. — Opening Band TBD, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
2-5 p.m. — Mini Bike Show, Camp Zero, Buffalo Chip Campground
8 p.m. — Williams and Ree, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
3-5 p.m. — Sportster Showdown, Camp Zero, Buffalo Chip Campground
8:30 p.m. — Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
4 p.m. — Biker Belles Bike Show awards, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 5 p.m. — Sportster Showdown awards, Camp Zero, Buffalo Chip Campground 7:15-8 p.m. — Bad Wolves, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 8-8:15 p.m. — Miss Buffalo Chip beauty pageant, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 8:15-9 p.m. — Hollywood Undead, Wolfman Jack Stage 9:15-10 p.m. — Falling in Reverse, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
10:30 p.m. — Travis Tritt, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
Thursday, Aug. 11
Jackpine Gypsies 7 p.m. — Pro Am Vert-X, Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis
Full Throttle Saloon 9 a.m. — Pappy Hoel Memorial Ride registration, Full Throttle Saloon 8 p.m. — Jackyl, Full Throttle Saloon, Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground 8 a.m.-11:59 p.m. — Freedom Celebration, Buffalo Chip Campground
8 a.m. — Western Frontier Motorcycle Ride, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 9 a.m. — Rats Hole Bike Show registration, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Rats Hole Bike Show, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 7:05 p.m. — Opening band TBD, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 7:30 p.m. — Star Spangled Banner performance and Bob Hanson Distinguished Service Award presentation, Buffalo Chip Campground 8 p.m. — Freedom Celebration presentation, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 8:30 p.m. — Williams and Ree, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 10:30 p.m. — John Pardi, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
Friday, Aug. 12
Jackpine Gypsies 9 a.m. — Gypsie Tour Road Ride registration, Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis 7 p.m. — AMA DRT Racing National Flat Track/Hooligan Championship, Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground 11 a.m. — Florida Full Throttle Bagger Blastoff registration, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 1 p.m. — Florida Full Throttle Bagger Blastoff, CrossRoads, Buffalo Chip Campground 4 p.m. — Florida Full Throttle Bagger Blastoff awards, Crossroads, Buffalo Chip Campground 6 p.m. — Sturgis Rally Wrap, Event Center, Buffalo Chip Campground 8:30 p.m. — Puddle of Mudd, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground 10:30 p.m. — Pop Evil, Wolfman Jack Stage, Buffalo Chip Campground
Saturday, Aug. 13
Jackpine Gypsies 10 a.m. — Pro Am Hill Climb, Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis 7 p.m. — Gypsies Flat Track Series, Jackpine Gypsies grounds, Sturgis
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BIKER BELLES where Bonafide Food Love will provide a spread of organic and locally sourced, healthy and delicious food for brunch. Team Diva will also provide The Comfort Zone, where women can pamper themselves with chair massages, facials and other treats, as well as participate in a silent auction. During this time, a panel of women who have found success in the motorcycle industry will present an inspirational discussion that is meant to encourage women in motorcycling. While Woodruff said the speakers have yet to be announced, she promised a dynamic panel participants won’t want to miss. In the afternoon, Woodruff said Biker Belles are encouraged to stay at the Buffalo Chip for a ride-in bike and art show, sponsored by Maiden Moto Savannah Rose. The bike show will culminate with the presentation of the Jessie Award, for the participant with the best build story. For the rest of the afternoon, Woodruff said representatives from Real Deal Revolution will lead them into a handson experience at Lloyd’s Garage and at Fozzy’s Garage, where women will learn about such building crafts as pinstriping, welding, jewelry making, leather stamping, and other technical skills. The garage experiences were among the most well received Biker Belles events last year, and Woodruff said this year will be even better. “A lot of times we’ll feel intimidated going to a garage,” Woodruff said. “I’ve personally experienced this where you go to a garage and it’s real male dom-
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DIVA AMY supporting charities and fundraisers, and to spend time with her family, she is still well known for her motorcycle. Diva worked with Paul Yaffee to design the custom Harley-Davidson Road Glide that is decked out with custom parts, her signature leopard print, colorful design, and more crystals than she can count. Crazy Painters of Bellflower, Calif. did all of her custom painting, and Hank Robinson, of HanRo Designs did all of the engravings on her bike by hand. “Diva Glide 2” is her third creation on two wheels, and it took her two years to complete. Her first bike was a FatBoy that she nicknamed “chitty chitty bang bang,” because it “sputtered and farted its way down the road.” Her second bike, “Diva Glide 1” was recently retired. Between the three of them, she estimates she has ridden about 250,000 miles over the last 25 years. “ I have a big 42-foot toy hauler and I don’t ever put it in there. We call it the Redneck Palace. When we travel, (my husband) drives with his bike in the back and I ride. We’re off doing the things we’ve been talking about forever,” she said, adding that they have ridden across the western U.S. to Sturgis, Texas, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona, and even down to
Courtesy photo inated and it feels kind of imposing upon you and it’s less of a comfortable feeling. So, we wanted to open up that garage world. Girls can do this stuff too. We have cool bikes and we want to ride them, fix them up and take care of them.” Throughout the day, Woodruff said organizers will be on the lookout to present two awards — the Biker Belle Nancy Davidson award for women trailblazers in the motorcycle industry, and the Biker Belle Pearl Hoel Legacy Award for women who work behind the scenes to
Mexico. “I’ve got a good partner who lets me just roll the way I want to,” she said of her riding travels. Perhaps it’s her glittering personality, or maybe it’s because of her dedication to the cause of supporting the motorcycle industry and charities, but over the 14 years of the Biker Belles event, “Diva Amy” has become the ambassador for the ride. On every Tuesday of the Rally, she makes sure to bring her Comfort Zone to the event, where she brings in local professionals to provide chair massages, facials, and other pampering for the Biker Belles participants. She’s also a loud voice when it comes to promoting the event for everyone, to ensure the event remains all inclusive for men and women alike. “I’ve always felt it’s important to be an example for women riders, and when Biker Belles came about it was to celebrate women riders,” she said. “It is not a women’s only ride. I want to say everyone is invited and included to be with us. I’m not an all women, only women kind of gal. I think a lot of times women can go either way riding on the back. They can feel very comfortable looking at he scenery and love touching their front guy. Or they can be ready to go on their own. I want to be really clear that all are included (in the Biker Belles ride). “We do not discriminate the type of bike or the style of bike.”
promote motorcycling. All ticket sales for this year’s ride will be donated to Helping with Horsepower, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, and Stryder All Kids Bike program. Afternoon fundraisers and a silent auction will also benefit the Jessie Combs Foundation and Real Deal Revolution, with funds used to support scholarships for women who choose to pursue a technical education. In its 14th year of meeting on the second Tuesday of the Rally to enjoy an escorted ride that celebrates wom-
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en, Woodruff said the event started when she and her friends, Motorcycle Museum Hall of Famers Cris Sommer Simmons, Laura Klock, Gloria Struck and Meg McDonough, were brainstorming ways to promote women in motorcycling while raising money for the museum. That was in the very early days of social media, when reaching out to friends across the country to coordinate riding plans wasn’t quite as easy, and by having the Biker Belle’s event on the same day during the Rally every year, gave women a meeting point. “Back then it was even more essential that we had a home for them in Sturgis, because you could always just say ‘I don’t know where I’ll be, but I’ll meet you at Biker Belle Tuesday,’” she said. “It was always a safe place both emotionally and physically that women could come and get mentored and connect with each other. They felt safe and they could talk about dumping their bike and not being made fun of, or they could ask a question they thought was silly to somebody else, and find out they had that same question. “Now there’s more of that conversation happening on social media, and that is fabulous,” she continued. “But what I find is women still look for these foundational elements that hold true. It’s kind of like growing pu and leaving home, and you still want to go home for Christmas. The Biker Belels celebration is kind of that foundational place of a home for women at Sturgis to gather and know that they’re going to be mentored and have an opportunity to connect with others an growth their interests.” Pre-registration for the Biker Belle’s Event is required. Participants can get more information and register at https://www.bikerbelles.com.
Courtesy photo from Pg 6
EXIT 55 of older Harley-Davidsons, our vendors have capitalized and grown. Almost all companies have reinvested those increases to come up with new and exciting products. That means it’s going to be the biggest offering of everything the V-Twin aftermarket can offer here during the Rally. “Anything a biker could imagine they might want, and even a few things they can’t imagine they’d want can be found here to purchase during the Rally,” Maloney continued. Additionally, Maloney said
Black Hills Harley-Davidson has many premium vendors who return every year, such as Rockford Fosgate, Vance and Hines, and more, who choose to unveil their new products at “The Rally at Exit 55.” “This is the place to come see the biggest players in the motorcycle industry’s newest products,” he said. “The first place customers can see, touch, feel, demo and buy new products for their Harley is almost always at Sturgis and here at our lot.” This year, Maloney continued, more vendor’s displays have grown in size. Vendors who used to only be a small space are needing more and more space to showcase their expanded line of prod-
ucts. Overall, Maloney said the footprint for the Rally vendors at the Black Hills Harley-Davidson parking lot will be significantly larger than it has been in previous years. Another benefit to shopping at “The Rally at Exit 55” is the parking availability. All parking at the site is free, and all motorcycle parking is paved, Maloney said. “It’s quick and efficient,” he said. “If you want to come and spend a couple of hours here, you can and not worry about spending hours in traffic coming or going from our lot. Most people choose to spend a full day or two to see everything that is available to shop here, because there is so much.”
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2022
Medicine Wheel Ride
to raise awareness, funding for MMIW By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer
STURGIS — Riding to raise awareness for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women across the U.S., and the funds to help find them or to bring comfort to families who have lost a loved one, is the mission for the five women who started the Medicine Wheel Ride. This year will mark the fourth year for the ride that started out as an international effort to raise awareness about the growing problem of Native American women who are abducted or murdered every year. The ride started out small, with five women who rode to Topeka, Kans. from the four corners of North America, or Turtle Island as it is known in many native cultures. Then, in 2020 organizer Lorna Cuny said the event was moved to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to raise even more awareness. That ride drew about 100 participants. Last year’s ride attracted 190 registered riders, just 10 less than the maximum amount that the S.D. Department of Transportation allows for escorted rides. Since the beginning, Cuny said Medicine Wheel Riders have worked with the Red Skirt Society, an organization comprised of indigenous people to raise awareness for and help the families of missing and murdered indigenous women. Each ride starts with a prayer service and blessing, and then riders carry the names of the missing and indigenous women in South Dakota with them. Last year’s ride included a proclamation from Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen, proclaiming the first Sunday of the Rally as Medicine Wheel Ride Day. This year, sponsored by Black Hills Harley-Davidson, organizers will follow the first Sunday of the Rally tradition. They will once again meet at the base of the sacred Bear Butte for registration, a short program, and a prayer service. The ride will depart from Sturgis at a time to be determined, and will travel through Sturgis, Hill City, and end at
Crazy Horse Memorial, where participants will have lunch and listen to more speakers and educators about the topic. “Our mission is to create awareness for MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women), to help women, to empower them, and to say we are here, we have a voice and we want to be heard,” Cuny said. Especially for the women who are no longer here, we want to be that voice and help families and say ‘your loved one is not forgotten.’” Funds that are raised, Cuny said, are used in a variety of ways. Some funds are used to provide support for families who have loved ones who have been missing. Other funds are used to help train search and rescue volunteers and their dogs, in order to ramp up efforts to find those who are missing. Funds are also used to help with searches across the country, where indigenous women are missing. “We have family advocates,” she said. “We have a lawyer who is down in New Mexico, who advocated for a family in Arizona who didn’t have any answers for their loved one. They were able to raise a reward for the family and we paid for a billboard for the family down there. Up here we have to young ladies who went missing in January and February down in Pine Ridge. We helped with search efforts for that for gas and food, and after they were found we were able to help with funeral expenses and to give the families star quilts to honor their loved ones. “We have a young lady who has a dog in Rosebud,” Cuny continued. “We were able to assist her with her certifications for her dog, so that way she’s readily available if anything like this comes up, where she can come in and help. So there’s just many things that have to be done,
Pioneer file photos and there is so much work that has to be done in bringing people together to bring our resources together.” The Medicine Wheel, for which the ride is named, is used in many
Native American traditions. It is traditionally used for health and healing. The Medicine Wheel embodies the four directions, as well as Mother Earth, Father Sky and Spirit Tree, all which symbolize the dimensions of health and the cycle of life.
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Easy-in, Easy-out big rig fueling Short wait times with an innovative out-door register for fuel payments Premium, No-Ethanol Gasoline for all your vacation machines
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