Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Sturgis Motocycle Rally, 2008

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an American rally for motorcycles in Sturgis , South Dakota , which usually takes place in the first week of August. Alongside Daytona Beach Bike Week , it is the largest motorcycle event in the world.

history

The first rally was organized on August 14, 1938 by the motorcycle club "Jackpine Gypsies" under the name "Black Hills Classic". During the Second World War , the rally was partially suspended due to the American government's gasoline rationing. Initially, the rally consisted of a racing event and a stunt show, but in 1961 the disciplines motocross and "hill climb" were added.

Since the turn of the millennium, the rally has had between 500,000 and 750,000 visitors, many of whom come with their families and motorhomes and only drive their motorcycle for the last few kilometers .

In August 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, 250,000 bikers were expected to attend the rally. This would make the rally the most popular event in the USA in summer 2020. When asked, 60 percent of the citizens of Sturgis were against holding the world's largest biker spectacle. The local council gave the green light. The number of guests in bars is to be reduced by 50 percent. South Dakota's Governor Kristi Noem thought the risks were acceptable and spoke about the multi-million dollar revenue. In addition, the state has only 9,150 infections and 135 deaths. The rally from August 7th to 16th, 2020 then counted 462182 visitors.

Media reports

Numerous television channels report on the event. In 1997, the crew of the television series COPS and basketball player Dennis Rodman took part in the rally. From 1995 to 1999 the world championship in wrestling was held in Sturgis. Until 2012, the rally was the venue for the world championship in custom bike construction.