Bikers Nationwide Flock to the Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
If you're a motorcycle enthusiast, the premier event of the summer is most definitely the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. The rally was first started in 1938 when the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club chose to hold a series of flat land races nearby. This gradually became a wildly popular annual event. Each year during the first full week of August, riders from all over the country make their way to the small middle-America town of just over 5,000 residents. At the height of its popularity in the 1990s, the rally drew nearly 500,000 visitors for the week long event. A number of factors, including rising fuel prices and increasing lodging costs, have caused a decline in attendance over the past few years. Many rally attendees can no longer afford to trailer their motorcycles behind large gasguzzling trucks and RVs. Estimates for last year's rally indicate that fewer than 200,000 people were in attendance. Vendors at the event also posted a sharp decline in sales. Despite all of this, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues to be one of the most popular annual events. During the week of the rally, Main Street is closed to automobiles and lined with thousands upon thousands of motorcycles and their riders. The sound of rumbling exhausts can be heard around the clock. Even after being in Sturgis for only a few moments, you can immediately see that the most popular motorcycles tend to be of the Harley-Davidson variety. Custom modifications, both legal and illegal, run rampant. Many of the riders that make their way to the event truly love their bikes and it shows. Nearly every piece of chrome in town is carefully polished to a glistening shine. Aside from the Main Street sea of motorcycles, a wide variety of activities in the Black Hills region of South Dakota offer some form of entertainment for everyone. One of the largest attractions during the rally is the custom-built motorcycle showcases held throughout the town. Many of the world's foremost custom bike builders attend the event each year, letting the public catch a glimpse of their most creative and innovative designs. Local bars host live music, contests and other events all throughout the week. Mount Rushmore, one of the most identifiable American historic landmarks, is just a short trip from Sturgis. Also, the casinos of nearby Deadwood provide a nice break from the noise and traffic of the rally. Whether you enjoy riding motorcycles or just admiring their beauty and design, the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one event you won't want to miss. E. B. Chuong writes articles about recreational vehicles, and outdoor activities. Did you know that Helmet City has one of the best selections of Alpinestars jacket? If you enjoyed looking good when you ride, buy one of our jackets and get a matching Alpinestars boots too.