In 1973, I embarked on a journey that would forever alter my life—the inaugural Sturgis Bike Week. With just 350 fellow bikers gathered at City Park, the air crackled with camaraderie, fueled by the warmth of four roaring bonfires, each representing a major motorcycle club. It was during this transformative time that I launched “Biker News,” a small tabloid dedicated to chronicling the vibrant outlaw motorcycle culture of Southern California, alongside establishing ABATE of California to advocate against unjust motorcycle regulations. I took to the open road in an old, black-painted school bus, packed with thousands of copies of our first issue, driven by a passion for freedom and community. My book, DORF, delves deeper into this unforgettable adventure, capturing the spirit of those early days. This journey is not just a personal tale; it’s a testament to the enduring bonds formed in the motorcycle community.
Can you believe it all started with a daring dreamer named Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, who, in the thick of the Great Depression, had the audacity to open an Indian Motorcycle franchise? Little did he know that his gamble would lay the groundwork for the most legendary motorcycle gathering on the planet! Fast forward to 1938, when Pappy, his spirited wife Pearl, and the freewheeling Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club decided to throw a little shindig—a race, to be precise—drawing just nine brave souls and a modest crowd of 200. Fast forward to today, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has exploded into a roaring spectacle, attracting hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from all corners of the globe! Every August, the Black Hills of South Dakota transform into a playground for riders, with stunning backdrops like Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial serving as majestic witnesses to this two-wheeled extravaganza. So, whether you’re revving your engine or reminiscing about past rides, let the thrill of the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, taking place from August 4th to 13th, ignite that adventurous spirit within you. After all, whether you’re cruising down a winding road or sailing over the open sea, the call of freedom is universal—so gear up and let’s ride into the sunset together!
Anniversary of the event that has become known to motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world as the “Granddaddy of ’em all”. Attendance for the 2015 City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was estimated at 739,000 with participants from all 50 states as well as Canada and dozens of other international communities including Japan, Australia, Germany, England, etc. From South Dakota’s Governor, to entertainment and sports superstars, to motorcycle industry legends, you’re likely to find them all strolling Main Street and enjoying the sights and sounds that are “Sturgis”!
Next years event will be from August 1st-10th, 2025. See ya there??
Check out Bob’s Book detailing his adventure –
