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Bike in a box Chris Donovan’s 1995 Fat Boy came to Dakota V-Twin as a basket case and left as a mild custom gem By Adam Hurlburt Black Hills Pioneer

Nick Cramer, co-owner of Dakota V-Twin of Spearfish, service technician Jake Johnson, and Nick’s father and Dakota V-Twin co-owner Randy Cramer have a lot of motorcycle builds under their belts. They recently finished a mild custom Harley-Davidson Fat Boy project that came to them in boxes. Pioneer photos by Adam Hurlburt

SPEARFISH — MerriamWebster’s dictionary defines basket case as “a person who is very nervous, tired, etc., and is not able to think or act normally,” or “something (such as a company or a government) that is in very bad condition and close to failure.” The term carries a much more literal definition in the vehicular world: a project that arrives disassembled, in multiple boxes. Such projects can be … interesting to piece together, especially if the person assembling the machine wasn’t the one who took it apart. This was the case for Nick and Randy Cramer, of Spearfish’s Dakota V-Twin, when local Chris Donovan brought them his 1995 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy some six months ago — in boxes. Donovon bought the Fat Boy in the early 2000s just to have something to tour the Hills on. Things changed, Donovan’s family grew, and the bike found its way onto the back burner shortly after it was disassembled to address blow-by on the rear cylinder. The bike sat on the back burner for about two years before Donovan decided to pass the project on.

“Time started slipping away, so I seven, 10, 12 years ago by decided to take it out to Dakota somebody with an idea and they V-Twin to have them finish it, and couldn’t complete it or didn’t have at that point I decided to put a little time. I’ve had it where people money into it and have it dressed passed away in the middle of up a little bit,” he said. builds and somebody else will Donovon’s Fat Boy was torn bring it in and we’ll get it going down to the frame when he brought for them. We’re willing to do that it to Dakota for anybody just V-Twin to finish. to keep bikes on The motor was the road.” pulled and torn Cramer said apart, the front Donovan left end was off, the him with a Our main goal as a handlebars were budget to finish shop is to keep bikes the project as off, and most of the sheet metal well as some on the road … had been very simple removed. It was a instructions, Nick Cramer, true basket case “make it look co-owner of Dakota V-Twin by any gear cool.” head’s definition. Cramer This didn’t returned with dissuade the Cramers, though; as it one question: “Do you like black?” was far from the first of such Donovan’s answer is projects they’d tackled. immediately apparent to anyone “We deal with it all the time, who sees the customized Fat Boy here. But it’s always more of a in the wild. Cramer said challenge when somebody comes Manufacturing Systems in with a box of parts for us to sort Incorporated in Belle Fourche through. It definitely does make it powder coated nearly 40 pieces on a little more difficult,” Nick the bike gloss black, including the Cramer said. “Our main goal as a Fat Boy’s iconic solid aluminum shop is to keep bikes on the road, wheels. A few choice chrome bits so I like to see ones come in here Bike in a box that may have been torn down PAGE 24

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Black Hills area high school students who participated in the 2015 Buffalo Chip Challenge worked with professional custom motorcycle builders from the

Hills and beyond to completely customize two new bikes, a 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King and a 2014 Indian Chieftain in time for the world-renowned

By Adam Hurlburt Black Hills Pioneer

renowned Phoenix custom bike builder John Shope, of Dirty Bird Concepts, who heavily outfitted that bike. Cramer’s father, Randy Cramer provided guidance on both projects, and Keith Terry, of Spearfish’s Terry Components, organized the entire event with the help of the Buffalo Chip. Both Terry and Randy Cramer have also been involved with the Challenge for the past three years. This was a year of firsts for the Buffalo Chip Challenge. It was the first year with more than one motorcycle. It was the first year the Challenge was open to interested students at any high school in the Black Hills. And, of course, it was the first year the team brought home two trophies. “When these kids end up going to the Donnie Smith Show they’re dealing with the real world. These people are paid money to come and judge the best of what this whole area has to offer. It’s not a joke,” Terry said. “We have to represent two guys who would never let somebody else build a bike and put their name on it, we have to represent all the companies that donated parts. So when we go there it’s not something that we take lightly, we’re there to represent all these people, and we’re there to teach the kids what they’ll be up against in just a few months, when they get out of school.” That’s where another of this year’s first’s comes in. In addition to raising money for the Black Hills Special Olympics, proceeds from the auction sale of the two Chip Challenge bikes during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this year will provide $8,500 worth of secondary education scholarships, available to the students

Donnie Smith Bike Show in St. Paul, Minnesota on March 28 and 29. Both bikes won awards at the show. Pioneer photo by Adam Hurlburt

Legacy of excellence

STURGIS — The first year the Buffalo Chip Challenge crew entered their student-built, industry-backed custom bike in the world-renowned Donnie Smith Motorcycle Show they came home with a first place trophy. The crew brought earned another first place award their second year out. There was only one way to beat that legacy, bring home two trophies. This year, high-school students from around the Northern Hills built two custom motorcycles, a HarleyDavidson Road King and an Indian Chieftain, with the help of motorcycle industry gurus from around the country. Both bikes went out to St. Paul, Minnesota for the 2015 Donnie Smith Show March 28-29, the Indian won first place in the full custom bagger class and the Harley won second place in the 26-inch-wheeled full custom Harley Road King class. It’s important to note that neither of these victories came out of a special high school or student class. No, the bikes were entered into the same classes open to all the top motorcycle builders in the country. And for three years in a row high school students from the Northern Hills who built the bikes in no more than two months with the help of Sturgis Brown High School industrial education instructors Chad Hedderman and Bill Johnson, several Spearfish custom bike pros, and the dozen or so motorcycle component companies around the country that so generously donated parts for the builds usurped custom bikes by the nation’s big boys, which often took a year or longer to complete. “This is the real deal, it’s the same as when I build a bike at the shop here,” Nick Cramer of Spearfish’s Dakota V-Twin said. “In fact, I had customers that who entered in the show that didn’t place as well as we did with this.” Cramer returned to the Chip Challenge for a third year to oversee the build of the 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King for internationally lauded, Phoenix, Arizona-based builder Paul Yaffe, of Paul Yaffe’s Bagger Nation, who provided the brunt of the parts for the Milwaukee iron horse. Chris Malo, of Spearfish’s Black Hills Urethane, oversaw the 2014 Indian Chieftain build for another world-

Legacy Pg 14

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White Platers gearing up for more racing in Sturgis By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Iron STURGIS — The White Platers’ mission in Sturgis is to put the racing back into the Rally. That’s what Coe Meyer, a member of the White Plate Flat Trackers Association, said as he discussed the group’s efforts to revive the famed half-mile race at the Sturgis Fairgrounds. The half-mile race is what started the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, more than 75 years ago, as White Platers’ founder J.C. “Pappy” Hoel and his group started holding races as a way to attract people to Sturgis. Last year the White Plate Flat Trackers Association resurrected the half-mile race that had been dormant for several years, and they said the response was amazing. “Last year’s half mile was spectacular,” Meyer said. He explained that the group brought in promoter Steve Nece, of AMA All Star Racing in Kentucky, who primed the track to its best condition in history. “He is one of the most conscious guys in the country as far as track conditions,” Meyer said. “Even though it was a rainy day, the track was in the best condition it has been in in the history of the race. We had racers at 100 miles per hour, handlebar to handlebar, and it was almost like they were racing on ice they were so smooth.” After that first event, Meyer said the word got out amidst the racing community, and he has been getting calls from all over the world from racers who want to come to Sturgis. “I’m really psyched at the kind of interest that we’ve had early on,” he said. “We’re just getting started with the promoting on this. Last year we had a lot Courtesy photos

of new guys in town and guys from other countries to race. It’s fun to see things start happening again.” Among the plans for this year’s half-mile race are plans for a documentary crew to film the event at the behest of the White Platers. Though there are no current plans to air the documentary on a major television network, Meyer said the footage will serve as a historical gem to document the race as an important part of Rally history. This year, Meyer said the White Platers do indeed plan to continue the half mile, and they plan to make it even better. One of the things he is excited about is a group of board track racers that will be coming from North Dakota. This group rides bikes from the 20s and 30s. Last year, Meyer said there were about two or three board track racers. This year he is expecting to have about 15 of them. “That is one thing that goes way back, and a nice addition to the 75th for us,” Meyer said. “Of course, the White Platers love racing at all levels.” In fact, Meyer said the White Plate Flat Trackers Association is considering changing its name to the White Plate Racing Association, in order reflect its mission to support all motorcycle racing. “The White Plate Flat Trackers kind of denotes the half mile races or the short track races,” he said. “But the truth is so many of our racers are great motocrossers, they’re great hill climbers, they’re people from all walks and directions of racing all over the country. We want our organization to be more reflective of that.” Ultimately, the White Platers are all about the racing. That’s the way Meyer said Pappy Hoel intended it to be, when he

Racers zip around the track in Sturgis. The White Plate Flat Trackers Association resurected the half-mile race during last year’s Rally. Pioneer file photos

formed the group alongside the Jackpine Gypsies. In fact, Meyer said the Jackpine Gypsies were formed as a motorcycle touring organization that would showcase the good side of motorcycling — a cause that was very dear to Pappy Hoel. But the

White Platers, Meyer said, have always had their roots in racing. “We’re all ex-racers, racers, promoters, ex-sponsors, and sponsors,” Meyer said. “If you had your finger in the racing pie you should be a White Plater by now.”

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Hamsters USA plan for fundraiser, bike show By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Iron SPEARFISH — Some of the most beautiful custom bikes in the industry, and the biggest hearts of the Rally, ride into Spearfish every year wearing trademark yellow shirts that proudly announce them as Hamsters. This year, local member Keith Terry said the group of about 350 expects to have a large turnout of Hamsters USA for the 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. That’s good news for both locals and visitors alike, as the Hamsters are well known for being some of the most passionate and talented custom bike enthusiasts in the industry. The group is also well known for their passion for helping children in the Black Hills. Over the past nine years, Hamsters have raised $1.8 million for LifeScape Children’s Care Services, a South Dakota non-profit that provides therapy and psychological services for special needs children. When they arrive at the Spearfish Holiday Inn — the Hamsters’ longtime Rally headquarters — Terry said one of the first Hamster-sponsored events that will occur is the group’s annual membership induction dinner and fundraising auction. The annual event, which is only open to Hamsters members and their friends, raises about $250,000 annually for LifeScape Children’s Care Hamsters Pg 24

Hamsters who made it to the 2014 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally pose for a photo during their annual motorcycle run from Spearfish to Sturgis. This year, the Hamsters will be riding from Spearfish to Deadwood, where they will display their bikes for a public show at the Deadwood Mountain Grand. Courtesy photo

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Legacy from Pg 3 who participated in the 2015 Challenge. Twenty-four students from Sturgis Brown High School, Lead-Deadwood High School, and Spearfish High School participated in this year’s Challenge; 12 worked on the Harley and 12 on the Indian. And 12 students selected by the amount of effort placed into the projects went to St. Paul with the bikes. “It was a huge deal for the effort and enthusiasm of the students, especially this year. There were two students from Spearfish that never missed a class. They had to drive from Spearfish over to Sturgis Brown High School to be in the program,” Terry said. “We put together the team and with the team we’ve now been able to go and win three years in a row. Other builders run right up against our program and they’re having nothing but difficulty getting past us, that’s pretty powerful.” For Cramer, the best part of helping out with the Buffalo Chip Challenge each year is working with the high school students, kids he said might not be into sports or other popular high

school activities, kids who are more interested in burnouts than basketball. “It’s cool that we get to go in and help those kids that may have felt left out before with other programs,” he said. “Being able to expand this year into doing a scholarship, that alone makes it even more worthwhile, to know that we may be sending somebody to a secondary school that may have not even thought about it, the scholarship may give them that extra drive to continue on the path, even if it’s not in the motorcycle industry. Just getting the hands on experience — even if they don’t feel like they built that whole bike themselves, they took part in something that turned into something great. I want to see it (the Buffalo Chip Challenge) continue to grow, and I would like to see programs like this expand to other schools and see other builders get involved in something like this.” Those interested in bidding on the 2015 Buffalo Chip Challenge bikes at the end of the annual Legends Ride event at this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally may visit legendsride.com for more information or call (605) 347-9000.

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Legends Ride raises funds for charities DEADWOOD — The Sturgis Buffalo Chip invites you to participate in an Sturgis Motorcycle Rally tradition on Monday, Aug. 3 — the eighth annual Legends Ride. This event is dedicated to bringing rally goers together to raise significant funds for local charities. The Legends Ride has, since its inception in 2008, raised nearly $400,000 for charity and hosted riders from all over the world, in addition to some of the biggest names in television, film, music and motorcycling. The Legends Ride excitement kicks off

at 11 a.m. in front of Deadwood’s Historic Franklin Hotel and Silverado Casino. The city has closed that stretch of Deadwood’s Main Street for Legends Riders to register, pick up swag bags, and mix and mingle for the festivities to be held right there on the street. Biker celebrity John Paul DeJoria, founder and owner of Patrón Spirits and other companies, will co-host festivities from the stage set up in front of the Franklin Hotel. JP will call up celebrity builders, actors and musicians from the

audience, and introduce you to the Special Olympians who benefit from riders’ contributions. He’ll also present the students who helped build 2015’s two award-winning Legends Ride bikes and assist in the live auction that will send the bikes home with a lucky rider. The escorted ride is currently full, but other riders are invited to participate in other events as part of the ride. All riders will reconvene at the special riders-only reception complete with complimentary food, drinks and viewing of the world-class

Motorcycles As Art exhibit. The Legends Ride is truly iconic. Its high-profile, celebrity appeal has been featured on CMT, the National Geographic Channel, the Tonight Show, FX Network and the Travel Channel, as well as in countless print, online and newspaper articles. Don’t miss your chance to meet, ride and party with the stars, all while raising money for worthwhile charities. Join the Ride that Rocks during the 75th Sturgis Rally by reserving your tickets online or calling (605) 347-9000.

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2015 BHSU Jacket Ride set for Tuesday of Rally Week SPEARFISH — The third annual Black Hills State University Jacket Ride is set for Tuesday, Aug. 4, during the 75th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The annual community event is a fundraiser for the BHSU Jacket Ride Scholarship, which awards scholarships to student veterans. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Donald E. Young Sports & Fitness Center parking lot on the BHSU campus. The cost is $50 for a single rider; $75 for a rider and a passenger. Registration can be done online at www.BHSU.edu/ JacketRide. Registration includes lunch and a t-shirt. The Jacket Ride is a two-hour, 88-mile trip that takes riders through the scenic Northern Black Hills. Nearly 70 motorcyclists took part in last year’s event. This year’s Jacket Ride will begin at Lyle Hare Stadium and end at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip campground, where there will be lunch, live music and other special events. This year’s ride will take motorcyclists through Western South Dakota and Eastern Wyoming, hitting spots such as Beulah, Wyo., Aladdin, Wyo., Belle Fourche and Sturgis. Phil Pesheck, director of public safety at BHSU, participates in the Jacket Ride each year. Pesheck said the event provides comradery and an excellent opportunity to honor veterans. “There is nothing better than participating in a group

motorcycle ride through the Black Hills,” Pesheck said. “And participating in the BHSU Jacket Ride is just one way that I can support our veterans. Our military veteran students at BSHU have served our country and deserve our support and recognition.” Last year, the proceeds for the Jacket Ride provided four scholarships to BHSU student veterans. Lance Schroeder, a science education major from Rapid City, was one of the scholarship recipients following last year’s Jacket Ride. Schroeder said the extra funds helped immensely in his goal of becoming a local high school science teacher. “I am used to the hard work and determination required to successfully earn a bachelor’s degree,” Schroeder said. “However, as all of our veteran students know, determination alone does little to pay for the extra expenses that come up while pursuing an education. My wife and I work every day to maintain a household and to support our two daughters, leaving little extra to cover these additional costs.” For more information on the 2015 BHSU Jacket Ride, contact Steve Meeker at (605) 642-6228 or email Steve.Meeker@BHSU. edu. The 2015 Black Hills State University Jacket Ride is at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. The annual event is held during the 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and proceeds from the ride go toward the BHSU Jacket Ride Scholarship for student veterans. Last year, nearly 70 riders took part in the event. Pioneer photo by Mark Watson

Three-Wheeler Motorcycle Rally coming to Deadwood By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer DEADWOOD — With an aging boomer market on the backs of and negotiating the handlebars of motorcycles across the country, trikes are taking the motorcycle industry by storm, and the organizers of the first-ever Three-Wheeler Motorcycle Rally in Deadwood this summer are strategically positioning themselves going into the turn. An ever-growing market and an option for aging bikers, as well as those faced with health issues, other challenges, or simply the desire to navigate one’s own bike without the challenges associated with

traditional two-wheel motorcycles, event coordinator Teresa Schanzenbach of the First Gold Hotel and Gaming Marketing Sales Department said that fully one-third of motorcycle riders are baby boomers, including the event’s idea man and his wife. “The idea came from Mike Gustafson, the owner of First Gold,” Schanzenbach said. “He and his wife April both have Spyders (a brand of trike). As motorcyclists age and due to diabetes, heart conditions, or whatever, it may be harder to keep up a 1,000 pound bike, so a lot are switching over to trikes” Gustafson said that his inspiration to kick start the event was simple, due to the fact

Deadwood will host its first Three-Wheeler Motorcycle Rally in July catering to trikes and their riders who want to miss the swarms of bikers who will arrive for the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Pioneer photo by Jaci Conrad Pearson

that special events, especially recurring special events, have a huge economic benefit for Deadwood business, and that three-wheelers are hugely popular. “When April and I decided to switch to a three-wheeler for safety concerns, it was readily apparent that three-wheelers would grow in popularity. Bingo! The idea struck to host a three-wheeler rally in our own beloved Deadwood,” Gustafson said. “Sturgis is known world-wide as the host city for the annual motorcycle rally now entering its 75th year. We want the same enthusiasm for the city of Deadwood as we kick off a motorsports rally that will focus on the rapidly growing three-wheeler market. The natural beauty of the Black Hills is a priceless attraction for all motorsports enthusiasts.” Deadwood will be home to the ThreeWheeler Motorcycle Rally, July 16-19. “Destination rides will take trike enthusiasts to Crazy Horse Memorial, Devils Tower, and additional activities will give riders a chance to experience Deadwood and the Black Hills Area, chosen as one of seven events in North America by BRP/CanAm Spyder,” Schanzenbach said. “Brothers of the Third Wheel, the largest trike membership group in the world, have chosen the event as a regional rally with the anticipation of hosting their national event in Deadwood in 2016 in conjunction with the Three-Wheeler Motorcycle Rally, July 14-17, 2016.” As of Wednesday morning, Schanzenback said that more than 150 riders were already registered from 22 different states and Canada and that was prior to any formal forthcoming national announcements by associated organizations, including BRP’s announcement, expected to be next week.

“When they do that, we expect a flood of people. You know, people keep asking us how many we expect to attend, and we absolutely have no idea because this is the first time we’re doing it. We’re hoping that it will be like Kool Deadwood Nites, where they started out with just a few cars and now look at what it’s grown into. We anticipate the trike rally to do the same thing, so we’ve scheduled it out for the next five years. We’re taking it very seriously,” Schanzenbach said. “We feel very fortunate to be working with BRP, a major sponsor for this event. There has been a lot of interest in this rally, and it’s being talked about in a lot of trike forums and blogs. Trike enthusiasts and those in the industry are all on board to help with this.” Schanzenbach emphasized that although the event is targeted to trike riders, those why may be accompanies by two-wheel motorcyclists are welcome, as well. “The only three-wheeler-only event is the show ‘n shine Saturday night,” Schanzenbach said. This non judged event, organized by The Brothers of the Third Wheel, will take place on Deadwood’s Main Street. One grand winner will be voted on by spectators to win the People’s Choice Award. “The whole weekend is meant to be fun,” Schanzenbach said. “We hope that attendees enjoy rides and anticipate those who are not from here falling in love with South Dakota. We also hope to increase tourism and tax dollars coming into Lawrence County and to Deadwood.” Registration fees for the Three-Wheeler Motorcycle Rally are $25, which includes an official patch, pin, barbecue ticket, wrist band for events, and swag bag. Official T-shirts will also be available for $15. Three-Wheeler Pg 24

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By Bob Mercer Black Hills Pioneer

PIERRE — State Department of Transportation officials are planning for 800,000 to 1.2 million people at the 75th Sturgis motorcycle rally this August. That estimate is approximately twice as many people as the Rally has seen in the past 25 years. The modern high was 605,140 in 2003. Recent years have hovered either side of the 400,000 mark. “It probably will be the biggest Rally anyone alive today will see in Sturgis,” said Sturgis Police Chief Jim Bush. “I’m not sure the 100th will be this big, simply because of the age of the average biker. The young kids aren’t buying bikes like they did back after World War II and Vietnam eras. They’re getting so expensive too, $30,000, $40,000, they can’t afford toys like that.” Bush said with the average age of motorcyclists increasing, this year will likely be the last banner anniversary many will see. “They’re 50, 60 years old according to the survey’s,” Bush said. “They’re not going to see another big Rally. Not in mecca.” South Dakota DOT engineers and planners have been meeting for months with local officials to discuss how to keep traffic flowing. The Rally runs this year from Aug. 3-9.

Stacy Bartlett, an access management engineer for DOT’s western region, provided the state Transportation Commission with a briefing about the preparations. She said motorcycle companies Harley-Davidson and Indian are preparing their services to handle approximately 1 million people. Bartlett acknowledged the attendance estimates based on traffic entering Sturgis aren’t precise. “People can get counted multiple times,” she said. But some Rally officials, including the Rally director for the city, doesn’t think the area will see seven-figure numbers. “It’s going to be huge,” said Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Director Brenda Vasknetz. “A million has been thrown out there by somebody, but I don’t anticipate there being a million people. But I do know it’s going to be the largest one we’ve ever seen.” Based on the requests for lodging that the city has gotten from its Sturgis Motorcycle Rally website, Vasknetz estimates about 700,000 people will show this August. The biggest challenge she has had in preparing for that has been keeping up with requests for lodging during the Rally. The city waste department provides an indicator based on garbage collections, and advance reservations at campgrounds were already running higher last year for 2015 than for 2014.

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The Interstate 90 off-ramp at exit 30 was extended 1,000 feet by using an expanded shoulder. There are emergency plans to keep traffic flowing on Lazelle Street and Junction Avenue. Another emergency route will be Horse Soldier Road (aka BLM Road) between exit 34 on I-90 and SD 34. The road is receiving dust-suppression treatment. Speed trailers will be placed at high crash locations such as Fort Meade, Sturgis Brown High School, Broken Spoke, Pactola and Strawberry Hill. There will be three new temporary traffic signals and 32 message boards spread throughout the area. One major emphasis is alerting motorists to traffic that is stopped or moving slowly ahead on main highways. There is additional lighting on SD 34 at the city’s east entrance and plans for gravel sweeping on 245 miles of roadways. Special curbs are being placed on U.S. 385 in the Boondocks and Sugar Shack area to deter motorcycle parking along the roadside Bartlett said generators can be used for traffic signals in case of an electricity outage. Slower speed limits will be in effect during the rally weeks. I-90 from west of Sturgis through east of Rapid City will be at 65 mph, for example. Mark Watson contributed to this report.

One million bikers. Some people anticipate that number to show for this year’s 75th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, but only time will tell. Pioneer file photos

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Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the 2015 inductees into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame and the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame. The Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals or groups who have made a long term positive impact on the motorcycle community. The Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame recognizes the commitment and sacrifices individuals across the nation and world have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists. For 2015, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame will honor one Freedom Fighter and induct seven into the Sturgis Hall of Fame.

Richard Lester

Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame Since 1982, Richard Lester has founded five nationwide programs — Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM), National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), Confederation of Clubs (COC), Christian Unity, and National Sports Bike Association (NSBA). Each Richard program is free and they are all Lester focused mainly on uniting, educating and informing motorcyclists of their rights. Richard has worked alongside politicians, attorneys, club members and leaders and individuals – bringing together groups where others had failed. Richard has also provided financial support to numerous organizations that are furthering the cause of motorcycling.

Everett Brashear

One of the top AMA dirt track racers in the 1950s, Everett won the first AMA National held in Sturgis in August of 1952. That win — on the all-new at the time KR Model — established a milestone for Harley-Davidson and considerable Everett publicity for the Sturgis Race. He Brashear beat five-time National Champion, Paul Albrecht for that win, just one year after earning his expert license. He won four nationals in 1953 before being seriously injured in 1954. He returned to racing that same year, though, and continued to race and win nationals across the country for the next few years. Another bad crash in 1960 led to Brashear’s decision to stop racing. He did race in select events for a few years. After he finished racing Brashear continued to work in the motorcycle industry until his retirement.

Chief Jim Bush

J.C. “Pappy” Hoel Lifetime Achievement Award Jim Bush joined the Sturgis Police Reserves in 1978, was hired as a full time patrol officer in 1979, worked his way up through the ranks, and became police chief in 1990. Bush has watched the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally grow to attract Jim hundreds of thousands of visitors, Bush and has consistently met the challenge of providing the community of Sturgis with appropriate law enforcement readiness both during the Rally and throughout the year. While much of his work is behind the scenes, Bush is recognized as an excellent ambassador for the Sturgis

Motorcycle Rally. He works closely with the promotors of the rally and the events incorporated within the Rally to find ways to accommodate the needs of organizers, participants, visitors and residents alike.

Chris McIntyre

It was 1992 when Chris McIntyre with co-founders Jeff Brown and Peter Wurmer had the idea to start a business providing motorcycle rentals to the public. At the time, it was thought by most to be a crazy idea and banks and insurance companies alike laughed at the idea. But Chris and his Chris partners persisted in meeting with bankers, insurance companies and McIntyre prospective investors and finally managed to open the doors of EagleRider Motorcycles with a fleet of four Harley-Davidsons out of a small Los Angeles garage in 1994. The company has grown to more than 100 locations worldwide, employing more than 400 people and delivering more than 100,000 riders dreams a year. EagleRider has evolved to become the world leader in providing a full range of motorcycle experiences including, rental, tours, bike sales and service, parts, and apparel. The company also recently began opening their own dealership locations.

John Shope

For decades, John Shope has been a high-volume designer and producer of quality custom motorcycles and a parts supplier to the industry. John was one of the first to recognize the value of customizing a touring bike and developed a complete line of custom injection molded parts. John’s company, John Shope’s Dirty John Bird Concepts has been featured in Shope numerous magazines and television shows. John has been a major supporter of the Sturgis Brown High School Student Bike Build Challenge since 2012. This year, Shope and his co-stars on “Biker Battleground Phoenix” steped up that involvement by helping the students with a brand new Indian versus Harley-Davidson challenge. Shope helped students customize a 2014 Indian Chief while his competitor Paul Yaffe worked with students on customizing a 2014 HarleyDavidson.

Don Tilley

If anyone in the motorcycling world deserved the title of “Renaissance Man,” it would probably be Don Tilley. A selftaught welder, mechanic, tuner and competitor, he has raced both motorcycles and cars in a number of areas. Tilley opened his first Harley-Davidson dealership in Statesville, North Carolina in 1972, Don Tilley opened a second store in Salisbury, North Carolina in 1999 and expanded it to a full-fledged dealership in 2008. Tilley Harley-Davidson in Statesville started the first-ever H.O.G. chapter in 1983. Don served as a resource to racers, a mentor to builders and an inspiration to new riders for over 40 years. Sadly, Don was killed last year in a motorcycle crash that left his wife Robinette severely injured.

Eddie Trotta

Since the late 1980s, Eddie Trotta has been building custom choppers and baggers from his shop in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Thunder Cycle Designs focuses on imagination, craftsmanship and attention to detail in every build. Eddie spent two seasons as a builder on V-Twin TV, and has also starred in multiple Eddie Biker Build-Off shows on the Trotta Discovery Channel in addition to being featured on numerous magazine covers over the last 10 years. He is supportive of numerous charities not the least of which is the Boys and Girls Clubs in Broward County. He has donated three motorcycles to be auctioned at the Bikers Ball in Daytona in support of that organization alone. Besides building bikes, Eddie also has spent time as a musician, raced offshore powerboats and owned thoroughbred race horses, fulfilling his need for speed. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5 at The Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, S.D. Breakfast tickets are available for a $35 donation, tables of eight for $300. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Museum at (605)347-2001 or they can be purchased online at http://www.sturgismuseum.com/shop/hall-famebreakfast.

Sugar Bear

His love affair with choppers — particularly stretched front-end choppers — began when a girl on the back of a chopped bike threw a peace sign to him in 1969. Despite having never ridden, he went out and bought a Honda and started tearing it apart to make it his own. Sugar Bear opened his own shop in Sugar South Central LA in 1971, and has Bear been building bikes and providing his own signature springer front ends for over 40 years. A master machinist, Sugar Bear hand builds front forks that range in length from stock to as much as 40 inches over stock. His specialized rocker design gets rave reviews because of their superior handling. Photos courtesy of SD tourism

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Bike in a box from Pg 3

were left alone to add some glint to all that midnight. Dakota V-Twin also smoothed out and repainted much of the stock sheet metal on the bike and installed a set of high-compression pistons and cylinders, a set of worked cylinder heads ported and polished in-house, and a Thunder Header twointo-one pipe to the stock motor for some extra on-throttle “oomph.” They also threw on some extra detail pieces as a surprise. “We added some little flairs that he never even mentioned to me, but I knew they were in the budget with what we were doing, so we added some custom grips and things like that to give it that extra wow factor. Being able to get those extra parts without spending any extra money, he was really happy with that,” Cramer said. “We made basically a new custom motorcycle out of the thing without breaking the bank or go out and buy a new bike, and now Chris is able to ride around on something different than what everybody else has. It’s unique, but still super reliable. It’s a cool motorcycle.”

Hamsters from Pg 8 Services in Rapid City, which provides outpatient therapy and psychological services for children. Terry said every dime that is raised goes directly to the Rapid City facility, and does not leave the Black Hills. “It goes toward research and stuff to help these young kids that need help,” he said. “They are constantly searching for answers for children with special needs. With our help here in the Black Hills, it makes some of those kids’ lives a little more comfortable. That is something we feel good about.” In addition to raising money for the kids, Terry said Hamsters have been known to visit the children to try and brighten their day. One such visit happened recently, when Hamster Col. Kurt Brown, the Hall of Fame astronaut who piloted the Discovery Space Shuttle, took time to visit the kids and talk to them about his work. But fundraising is not all the Hamsters do when they are in town. Their twowheeled custom creations are built to

Nick Cramer, right, co-owner of Dakota V-Twin of Spearfish, service technician Jake Johnson, and Nick’s father and Dakota V-Twin co-owner Randy Cramer have a lot of motorcycle builds under their belts. They recently finished a mild custom Harley-Davidson Fat Boy project that came to them in boxes. Pioneer photos by Adam Hurlburt

ride, and the group has a tradition of making an organized run of yellow shirts from Spearfish to Sturgis, on the Thursday of Rally week. But this year, Terry said, that “parade of Hamsters,” will line up at the Spearfish Holiday Inn, and travel along Highway 385 to Deadwood. Once in Deadwood, the group will have a police escort to the Deadwood Mountain Grand, where the popular event center has invited the Hamsters to showcase their bikes for the day. While the Hamsters are there, Deadwood Mayor Chuck Turbiville will select his favorite bike for the winner of this year’s Mayor’s Trophy. The Hamsters bike show will be open to the public. “It will be like a rolling bike show into the Grand,” Terry said. “It’s way nice and something different for us.” Overall, Terry said the Hamsters are looking forward to meeting all of their yellow-shirted friends at the Rally this year. In fact, the meeting will actually begin with the group’s famed Ride from the West, which will feature Hamsters riding to Spearfish from the San Francisco Bay Area. The ride starts with

about 50 Hamsters, some of whom ship their bikes west from the East Coast. Then, as the bikers make their way to South Dakota, they pick up more members along the way — stopping at key points like Jackson, Wyo. and Billings, Mont., for a party. Once in Spearfish, the group includes hundreds of members who are ready to continue the good times and share their passion for custom motorcycles and helping kids. As Hamster Jorg Will said, “This club is about great people becoming great friends, having a fun time, riding custom motorcycles and truly caring for one another.” The exclusive motorcycle group is bound together by a passion for custom motorcycles, and includes some of the top names in the industry. When custom motorcycle giants Arlen Ness, Dave Perewitz and Donnie Smith first formed the group in 1978, it was intended to be an informal collection of friends who shared a passion for custom bikes. Today, Hamsters founders enjoy the friendship of about 350 members from the U.S., Canada, Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

Three-Wheeler from Pg 16

For more information, contact teresas@ firstgold.com or call 1-800-274-1876, ext. 1102. Black Hills Badlands Tourism Association became partners early on when they awarded the trike rally a marketing grant. "We are very proud and excited to not only host but share our beautiful, historic community in the Black Hills with a new exciting group; the Deadwood ThreeWheeler Rally,” Gustafson said. “Deadwood, South Dakota, which was named to the list of ‘50 Best Small Towns in America,’ has been recently gaining more attention with the new music venue Deadwood Mountain Grand bringing huge national music acts as well as the hit show The Bachelor. With the Three-Wheeler Rally, this is an exciting opportunity for those who want a safer yet still fun motorcycle rally experience with all the perks of gaming and the charm of this gem of a town, Deadwood, S.D."

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Black Hills State University

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Your 2015 Sturgis Rally

Schedule of Events OTORCYCLE 75th ANNUAL STURGIS M

RALLY

AUGUST 3-9, 2015

STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY HEADQUARTERS Open July 30-Aug. 8, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. 1019 Main St., Sturgis, SD 57785 (605) 720-0800 www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com

STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME Open 7 days a week $10 for one person, $15 for two people, $30 for five people, seniors 62+ $1 discount Free for children under 12 with an adult admission. 999 Main St., Sturgis, SD 57785 (605) 347-2001 www.sturgismuseum.com

RACES AND HILL CLIMBS Jackpine Gypsies Race Schedule Jackpine Gypsies Club Grounds Short Track Rd., Sturgis www.jackpinegypsies.com Events tentative Aug. 2 — Moto X Aug. 3 — Amateur Hill Climb Aug. 3 — Short Track Aug. 4 — Short Track Aug. 5 — Verta Cross Aug. 6 — Gypsy Tour Aug. 6 — Begger Race and Rodeo Aug. 7 — Pro Hill Climb

White Plate Flat Trackers Pappy Hoel Classic Motorcycle Races Meade County Fairgrounds Aug. 4 — 11 a.m. Vintage Races Aug. 5 — 11 a.m. Pro half-mile Black Hills Harley-Davidson presents AMA Pro Flat Track Race Black Hills Speedway 2467 Jolly Ln Rapid City Aug. 4 www.blackhillshd.com Sturgis Dragway East of Sturgis on Hwy 34 then turn North on Hwy 79 less than a mile www.sturgisdrags.com Aug. 1: Drag Race School Aug. 1: Test and Tune Aug. 1: Run What Ya Brung Aug. 2: Qualifying Aug. 2: Gamblers Races Aug. 3: Eliminations and Finals Buffalo Chip Campground, Sturgis www.buffalochip.com TORC Off Road Championship Aug. 4-5: gates open at 10 a.m., races at 2 p.m. Nitro National Pro Hill Climb Aug. 6-7: 4:30 p.m. Michael Licher and Sugar Bear Ride Aug. 2: 9 a.m. — Registration at main stage Easyriders Saloon www.easyriderssaloon.comAug. 5-6 gates

RIDES open at 10 a.m., races at 2 p.m. 13th Annual Sturgis Mayors ride Aug. 3: 7-8:30 a.m. — Registration 9 a.m. — Departs from Motorcycle Expo, Sturgis To register, call (605) 720-0800 www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/info-guide/ mayors-ride.php Legends Ride Celebration Aug. 3: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. — Registration 3 p.m. — Ride leaves Deadwood 5:30 p.m. — Legends Ride Celebration at Buffalo Chip Campground 7 p.m. — Legends Ride Live Auction www.buffalochip.com Black Hills State University’s Jacket Ride Aug. 4: 8:30 a.m. — Registration at the Donald E. Young Center in Spearfish, SD 10 a.m.- Ride Departs $50/ Rider, $25/passenger Benefits Veteran Scholarships 1625 St. Joe Street Spearfish Contact Steve Meeker at (605) 642-6228, Or steve.meeker@bhsu.edu Biker Belles Aug. 4: 10 a.m. — Registration 3 p.m. — Group Photo at The

EVENTS Pg 29

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Events from Pg 28 Lodge at Deadwood 3:15 — Ride from Deadwood to The Buffalo Chip 7 p.m. — Auction www.bikerbelles.com/ 17th Annual Custer Cruisin’ Mayors Ride Aug. 4: Noon — Registration at VFW Post 3442 Registration fee $25 Ride departs at 1 p.m. 721 Mt. Rushmore Road, Custer (800) 992-9818 info@custersd.com 15th Annual Dakota Thunder Ride Aug. 4: 8 a.m. — Registration at South Dakota Air and Space Museum Helmets and Full length clothing required to ride on Ellsworth AFB 12 p.m. — Ride departs $20 registration fee, space limited to 200 55 mile trip through though the Black Hills The Complete Sons Of Anarchy Experience The Final Ride Aug. 4: 12:30 p.m. — Meet and Greet 2:30 p.m. — Ride Prices Vary according to package chosen Easyriders Saloon brokenspoke.com/sturgis/sons-of-anarchyexperience/ 2nd Annual BasezBroz Ride with Ben and Eric Bostrom and Friends Aug. 5: 10 a.m. — Registration at City of Riders Motorcycle Expo Registration fee is $95 + Tax Ben and Eric will take you for a 50-mile ride through The Black Hills After ride party at the Sturgis City Park Pappy Hoel Motor Ride Aug. 5: 11 a.m. — Ride starts Full Throttle Saloon www.fullthrottlesaloon.com

Builders and exhibits EASYRIDERS SALOON AND STEAKHOUSE, STURGIS www.easyriderssaloon.com

Easyriders Bike show Aug. 2: 9 a.m. — Registration 11 a.m. — Show 4:30 p.m. — Awards Wrench Old School Chopper Show Aug. 3: 9 a.m. — Registration 11 a.m. — Show 4:30 p.m. — Awards Rivera Primo Burnout Challenge Aug 5: 10 p.m. Perewitz Paint Show Aug. 5: Time TBD

The Masters- Misfit Ind. Bike Show Aug. 6: 12 p.m. Twisted Tea Trike Show Aug. 7: 11 a.m. — Registration 3:30 p.m. — Awards 4 p.m. — Group ride to Broken Spoke Campground

BUFFALO CHIP CAMPGROUND, STURGIS www.buffalochip.com

Motorcycles as Art Aug. 1-8: Michael Lichter presents: “The Naked Truth” Through the Years: Women of the Hall of Fame Exhibit July 31- Aug.8: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Crossroads at the Buffalo Chip Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show Aug. 6: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. — Show 5:45-6:30 p.m. — Awards Presentation 10-10:15 p.m. — Best of Show Awards Buffalo Chip LED Bike Show and Parade Aug 4: 7-8:30 p.m. Buffalo Chip Campground, Sturgis American Iron Bike Show Aug. 4: 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Buffalo Chip Campground Cycle Source Bike Show Aug. 5: 9 a.m.- Registration 12 p.m.- Judging and Public Display 5 p.m.- Awards Buffalo Chip Campground Paul Yaffe Bagger Nation Bike Show Aug. 4: 9 a.m.- Registration 12 p.m.- Show Full Throttle Saloon Vintage Bike Show with Billy Lane Aug. 4: 4:30 p.m. Broken Spoke Hamster’s Custom Bike Show Aug. 6: 2 p.m. Deadwood Mountain Grand Full Throttle Bike Show Aug. 2-3 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Buffalo Chip The Horse Backstreet Chopper Bike Show Aug. 3: 9 a.m.- Registration 12 p.m.- Show Full Throttle Saloon,

Demo rides Harley-Davidson lot:

Lazelle and 4th St. Aug. 1- 8: 2015 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Lineup Free 2015 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle test rides Yamaha/Star, Victory, Indian, and Can Am Spyder

Aug. 1-7: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Hersruds of Sturgis, I-90 Exit 30 Slingshot, Honda, Victory, Cam-am, Suzuki Demo Rides

Aug 1-8: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Rice Honda & Black Hills Victory 301 Cambell Street Rapid City

CONCERTS

Buffalo Chip Campground

Aug. 3-8 Buffalo Chip Campground East of Sturgis Aug. 1 — Five Finger Death Punch Aug. 1 — Alice Cooper Aug. 1 — Sweet Cyanide Aug. 2 — Brantley Gilbert Aug. 3 — Godsmack Aug. 3 — Dee Snider Aug. 3 — Nazareth Aug. 4 — Lynyard Skynyrd Aug. 4 — Shinedown Aug. 5 — John Fogerty Aug. 5 — Social Distortion Aug. 6 — Styx Aug. 6 — Buckcherry Aug. 7 —Def Leppard Also featuring the Charlie Brechtel Band, Iron Cowgirl Missy, MMS, the Living Deads, Jimmie Bratcher and Colossal Boss, Illumination Fire Troupe. www.buffalochip.com Easyriders Saloon

Junction Ave., Sturgis July 30 through Aug. 8: Live music starting at noon daily July 30: 3:30 p.m.— Dan Lawson Band 6 p.m. — Hell’s Belles 8 p.m. — Kyle Gass Band 9 p.m. — Blind Joe 9 p.m. — POD July 31: noon. — Dan Lawson Band 6 p.m. — Confederate Railroad 8 p.m. — Hell’s Belles 9 p.m.- Blind Joe 10:30 p.m. — Hairball 11 p.m. — Jared Blake Aug. 1: noon — ZZ-3 4 p.m. — Hell’s Belles 8 p.m. — Candlebox 9 p.m. — Blind Joe 10:30 p.m. — Hairball 11 p.m. — The Cold Hard Cash Show Aug. 2: noon — Dan Lawson Band 6 p.m. — Kat Perkins 8 p.m. — Hell’s Belles 9 p.m. — Mick Klein 10:30 p.m. — Hinder 11 p.m. — Jared Blake Aug. 3: noon — ZZ-3

6 p.m. — Kat Perkins 8 p.m. — Quite Riot 9 p.m.— Mick Klein 10:30 p.m. — Hairball 11 p.m. — The Cold Hard Cash Show Aug. 4: noon — Dan Lawson Band 6 p.m. — ZZ-3 8 p.m. — Puddle Of Mudd 9 p.m. — Mick Klein 10:30 p.m. — Hairball 11 p.m. — Jared Blake Aug. 5: 3:30 p.m. — Jared Blake 6 p.m. — Kate Perkins 8 p.m. — Jack Russel’s Great White 9 p.m. — Eric Reitan 10:30 p.m. — Hairball 11 p.m. — The Cold Hard Cash Show Aug. 6: noon — The Cold Hard Cash 3:30 p.m. — Chris Hawkey 6 p.m. — Kate Perkins 8 p.m.- Firehouse 9 p.m. — Eric Reitan 9:30 p.m. — Hoobastank 11 p.m. — Jared Blake Aug. 7: noon — Dan Lawson Band 3:30 p.m.- Whiskeymouth 6 p.m. — Chris Hawkey 8 p.m. — Jared Blake 9 p.m. — Eric Reitan 10:30 p.m. — Cole Swindell 11 p.m. — The Cold Hard Cash Show Aug. 8: 12 p.m. — Whiskeymouth 3:30 p.m. — Chris Hawkey 6 p.m. — Jared Blake 8 p.m. — Jared Weeks 9 p.m. — Eric Reitan 10:30 p.m. — John Michael Montgomery 11 p.m. — The Cold Hard Cash Show www.easyriderssaloon.com Full Throttle Saloon

Highway 34, Sturgis Aug. 1 — Bad Company Aug. 2 — Foghat & Molly Hatchet Aug. 3 — Crobot, Firehouse & Bret Michaels Aug. 4 — Tom Kieffer’s voice of Cinderella & Vince Neil (Motley Crue) Aug. 5 — Tanya Tucker & Travis Tritt Aug. 6 — Jackyl Aug. 3 — TBA Small Stage acts include: Lowlife, Powdermill, Big Engine, Blandini, Granny 4 Barrel www.fullthrottlesaloon.com Glencoe Camp Resort

Aug. 1: 9 p.m. — Blind Joe Aug. 2: 6 p.m. — Beer, Blues and BBQ Night featuring Brandon Sprague Band, Randy McAllister and Ked’Mo’ 9 p.m. — Blind Joe Aug. 3: 9 p.m. — Tyler Farr Aug. 4: 9 p.m. — Colt Ford & Saliva Aug. 5: 9 p.m. — Saving Abel and Puddle Of Mudd and Potcheen Aug. 6: 9 p.m. — WAR and Saliva Aug. 7: 9 p.m. — Kentucky Headhunters www.glencoecamp.com Whitewood Campground and Event Center

July 30 — Echoes Of Pompeii- Tribute to Pink Floyd July 31 — Echoes Of Pompeii- Tribute to Pink Floyd, Jones and Company Aug. 1 — Mindi Abair & The Boneshakers, Jones & Company Aug. 2 — Brule’, Matthew West and EVENTS Pg 31

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Western Wear Headquarters for Men, Women & Children 605-892-4773 • 500 State Street, Belle Fourche

rally edition

2015

www.bhpioneer.com

Events from Pg 29 Kory and the Fireflies Aug. 3 — The Charlie Daniels Band Aug. 4 — The Marshall Tucker Band and Hector Anchondo Band Aug. 5 — Brule’ and Lee Brice, Potcheen, Tim Montana Aug. 6 — Potcheen and Sawyer Brown Aug. 7 — Rob O’Neill and BS&T Aug. 8 — 7 p.m.-Dan Bremnes and Disciple TBA- Kory and the Fireflies www.whitewoodcampground.com Loud American Roadhouse

July 30: 7p.m. — Judd Hoos 7 p.m. — Dustin Evan and Good Times 10 p.m. — Dirty Word 10 p.m. — Chancey William and the Younger Brothers July 31: 7 p.m. — Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers 7 p.m. — Dirty Word 10 p.m. — Dustin Evans and Good Times 10 p.m. _ Judd Hoos Aug. 1: 7 p.m. — Judd Hoos 7 p.m. — Brandon Jones and the Thirsty Fish 10 p.m. — Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers 10 p.m. — Dirty Word Aug. 2: 7 p.m.— Dirty Word 7 p.m. — Tripwire 10 p.m. — Dustin Evans and Good Times 10 p.m. — Judd Hoos Aug 3: 7 p.m. — Tripwire 7 p.m. — Dustin Evan and Good Times 10 p.m. — Judd Hoos 10 p.m. — Chancey Williams and the

Younger Brothers Aug 4: 5 p.m. — Tripwire 7 p.m. — Judd Hoos 7 p.m. — Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers 10 p.m. — Dirty Word 10 p.m. — 32 Below Aug 5: 7 p.m. — Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers 7 p.m. — Dirty Word 10 p.m. — Judd Hoos 10 p.m. — 32 Below Aug 6: 7 p.m. — Judd Hoos 7 p.m. — Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers 10 p.m. — Dirty Word 10 p.m. — 32 Below Aug. 7: 7 p.m. — Dirty Word 7 p.m. — Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers 10 p.m. — 32 Below 10 p.m. — Judd Hoos Aug 8: 7 p.m. — Judd Hoos 7 p.m. — Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers 10 p.m. — Dirty Word 10 p.m. — 32 Below Broken Spoke Campground

July 30: noon — Mick Klein 3:30 p.m. — Jared Blake 7 p.m. — ZZ3 10:30 p.m. — Jasmine Cain July 31: noon — Mick Klein 3:30 — The Cold Hard Cash Show 7 p.m.— ZZ3 10:30 p.m. — Jasmine Cain Aug. 1: noon — Mick Klein 3:30 p.m.— The Dan Lawson Band 7 p.m. — Jared Blake

10:30 p.m. — Confederate Railroad Aug. 2: noon — Blind Joe 3:30 p.m. — The Cold Hard Cash Show 7 p.m. — ZZ3 10:30 p.m. — Quiet Riot Aug. 3: noon — Blind Joe 3:30 p.m. — The Dan Lawson Band 10:30 p.m. — Hells Belles Aug 4: noon — Blind Joe 7 p.m. — The Cold Hard Cash Show 10:30 p.m. — Hells Belles Aug. 5: noon — Blind Joe 3:30 p.m. — Mick Klein 7 p.m. — The Dan Lawson Band 10:30 p.m. — Kentucky Headhunters Aug. 6: noon — Mick Klein 7 p.m. — ZZ3 10:30 p.m. — Jack Russell’s Great White Aug 7: noon — Mick Klein 3:30 p.m. — ZZ3 5 p.m. Hank Williams Jr. Aug. 8: noon — Mick Klein 3:30 p.m. — The Dan Lawson Band 7 p.m. — ZZ3 www. brokensoke.com/Sturgis Whitewood Beer Garden

July 31: 4 p.m. — Beth Lee and the Breakups Aug. 1: 2 p.m. — Beth Lee and the Breakups 5 p.m. — The Chris Duarte Group Aug. 2: 3 p.m. — The Chris Duarte Group 6:30 p.m. — Beth Lee and the Breakups Aug. 3: 2 p.m.- Beth Lee and the Breakups 5 p.m. — The Chris Duarte Group Aug. 4: 1:30 p.m. — The Chris Duarte Group 5 p.m. — Beth Lee and the Breakups

Aug. 5: 1 p.m. — Beth Lee and the Breakups 4 p.m. — The Chris Duarte Group Aug 6: 3:30 p.m. — Beth Lee and the Breakups Main Street, Whitewood Frontier Bar & Grill Concerts

July 31: 5 p.m. — Paisty Jenny 9 p.m. — Thomas Martinez Aug. 1: 5 p.m. — Paisty Jenny 9 p.m. — Randall Zwate Aug. 2: 5 p.m. — Paisty Jenny 9 p.m. — Randall Zwarte 9 p.m. — Chad Lee Aug. 3: 7 p.m. — Preacher Stone 9 p.m. — Chad Lee 9 p.m. — Skinny Molly Aug. 4: 7 p.m. — Preacher Stone 9 p.m. — Skinny Molly Aug. 5: 9 p.m. — Eddit Turner and The Trouble Twin Aug. 6: 9 p.m. — Eddit Turner and The Trouble Twin 678 Mount Rushmore RD Custer Shade Valley Entertainment and Music

Drawings and entertainment begin at 7 p.m. Music starts at 9 p.m. July 31- Aug. 1: Harley and the V Twins Aug. 2-3: Machine Guns and Roses (Tribute) Heat Seeker (AC/DC Tribute) Aug. 5-6: Harley and the V Twins Aug. 7: Michael Morrow Band Shade Valley Camp Resort, EVENTS Pg 32

rally edition

2015

www.bhpioneer.com

Our 41st Rally!

Events from Pg 31

Other cool stuff! Hwy 34, Sturgis Military Appreciation Day

Open ar Ye -Round We handle mail orders.

TREVINO’S LEATHERS

21412 US Hwy 385 • Deadwood, SD 57732 6 miles south of Deadwood on Highway 385

www.trevinosleather.com • 605-578-1271

Biker Breakfast Rev Up with Great Food to Start Your Day

Sunday-Saturday August 2-8 • 7-10am $8.00 ALL YOU CAN EAT!

Biscuits & Gravy • Pancakes • Sausage Fruit • Scrambled Eggs • Coffee • Juice

United Methodist Church

1804 Seventh Avenue, Belle Fourche For more information, call 892-2405 or check out www.bellefourcheumc.com

Aug. 4: 7 a.m.- 10 p.m. City of Riders Motorcycle Expo, Sturgis “The Lone Road” Art Exhibit By Deborah Mitchell

July 31: 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. — Meet and Greet with Deborah Aug. 3-7: 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Sturgis Public Library 1040 Harley-Davidson Way The Evel Knievel Thrill Show

Aug. 6: 5 p.m. Buffalo Chip Campground, Sturgis Campfire Happy Hour

Aug 2-9: 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort 304 Cliff St., Deadwood Globe and Wall of Death

Aug. 1-8: noon -12 a.m. Full Throttle Saloon, Sturgis Burnout Contest

Aug. 1-8: 2 p.m. Full Throttle Saloon, Sturgis Killed in Action National Ride-in and Veterans Memorial Garden

July 25- Aug. 9 9 a.m.- 9 p.m. Entrance is Free Tilford Road, I-90 (exit 40) Piedmont (ABN Rally Store) July 31- Aug. 8: 6 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m- 10:30 pm. Buffalo Chip Campground, Sturgis 3rd Annual Vintage Motorcycle Show

Aug. 3: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

North Sixth St., Custer Vietnam Memorial Wall

Aug. 6-8: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily Traveling tribute to Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. July 31- Aug. 8: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily Field of Flags Buffalo Chip Campground, Sturgis Party in the Black Hills

Aug. 1- 9: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Entertainment, Motorcycle Rodeo, Music, Wild West Re- Enactors, Vendors Days of ’76 Rodeo Grounds Deadwood Gold Star Family Presentation Ceremony

Aug. 6: 1 p.m.- 2 p.m. Tilford Road, I-90 (Exit 40) Piedmont (ABN Rally Store) Main Street photo towers

July 31-8: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily Main Street, Sturgis Official Main Street photo

Aug. 1-8: noon Main and Junction 5 p.m. Main and 4th, Sturgis Freedom Fields- Patriotic Displays and Memorials

July 31- Aug. 8: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Buffalo Chip Campground Kentucky Headhunters

Aug. 6: Live Music 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. Main Street Square Corner of Main and 6th, Rapid City Corn Fest

Aug. 9: 12 p.m.- 5 p.m. Free Corn on the Cob until corn is gone Donations will benefit local non-profit Lee Street Station Deadwood Schedule as of June 24. All dates and times subject to change without prior notice. Not responsible for misprints or errors.

Pioneer file photo

Top rides

rally edition

2015

www.bhpioneer.com

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.

Nemo Road

Off Highway 385 Rapid City to Brownsville

A nice, lazy ride through some of the lesspopulated 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!

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

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 ya can believe that! It’s smooth, well maintained, and it’s curvaceous pavement is a joy to ride for any bike/ motorcyclist, and the 35 MPH speed limit allows the Canyon walls to talk back to you in the form of your motorcycles 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

wild animals. Scenic overlooks also offer great photo opportunities.

Custer State Park 13329 U.S. Highway 16A, Custer

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 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

12141 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse (near Custer)

Crazy Horse Memorial is the world’s largest sculpture-in-progress, and 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 look at one of the many different 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 ya know it, you’re in Sturgis. See ya on the Road. — Buck Lovell

Sundance, Wyo. to Devils Tower

Sundance Wyoming 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 HarleyDavidson dealer with everything from Tee 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 junction of Highway 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! A 70-mile drive that offers amazing views of the best the Black Hills has to offer. This scenic drive incorporates the Needles Highway (S.D. Hwy. 87) and Iron Mountain Road (U.S. Hwy. 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

14 and Highway 24 you’ll turn North bound to finish the ride to Devils Tower National Monument. Devils Tower. 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 PM 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 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 the 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, Kansas, before it was moved to its new home in Butte County. Visitors can have their photo taken at the monument of a 21-by-40 foot compass Top Rides Pg 34

rally edition

2015

Wildlife Loop Ride Really Wild

If you’re looking for a short ride in between other Rallyrelated activities, and you’re in the area of Custer State Park, Wild Life 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 with 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 miles per hour, 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, stare in amazement at

Top Rides from Pg 23 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 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 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

www.bhpioneer.com you and your vehicle. The rolling hills and wide 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 and buffalo harvested from the ever-growing herd. Wild “begging” Burros live and play at the southernmost end of Wild Life Loop. While the ride along Wild Life 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 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 rangerguided 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 waiting 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.

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 east bound 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 75 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

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 the white man on to 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 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, 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.

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 cafes serving home cooked style food and cold drinks, 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 you 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 is on the left. Continuing another 5-6 miles, you’ll make a right turn onto Highway 34 (Westbound) passing Glencoe Camp-resort, the Full Throttle Saloon on the way into downtown Sturgis. Total distance is about 55 miles give or take a burnout. — Buck Lovell

www.bhpioneer.com

rally edition

2015

rally edition

2015