For more than 80 years, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has welcomed attendees to races, stunt shows, rock concerts, and a wide range of daily entertainment for motorcycle lovers. Every year, one rider is chosen to represent all others: the Sturgis Grand Marshal.
For more than 80 years, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has welcomed attendees to races, stunt shows, rock concerts, and a wide range of daily entertainment for motorcycle lovers. With people traveling to South Dakota from all 50 states as well as internationally, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a major tradition in the motorcycle community. When it comes to community, Sturgis pulls out all the stops. Every year, one rider is chosen to represent all others: the Sturgis Grand Marshal.
Don’t know your rally history? That’s alright. Here’s a quick lesson for anyone who is unaware of how it all started:
At the center of the Sturgis Motorcycle rally is Clarence "Pappy" Hoel. After purchasing an Indian Motorcycle franchise with his wife Pearl, his newly-founded Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club decided to host a race in Sturgis in 1938… and the rest is history! That year, the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club hosted the first ‘Black Hills Classic’ which included just 9 participants and 200 spectators.
Read the full story here... MOTO HISTORY: The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Grand Marshal
