History is Living, one milestone per day
An August First Week: Reviewing the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally so far
from Wayfarer@Bikernet.com
Rolling Roaring Numbers
The 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has an open-road spirit from August 1 till date. Witnessing an impressive swell in turnout, with first five days recording over 311,000 vehicles rolling into Sturgis. It is a 11% increase over the past five-year average. Another report tallied 250,000+ vehicles in the first four days. Clearly, people wanted to tread the tradition and shred any doubts on a thriving motorcycling culture in America. This may go on to be a record-breaking attendance as momentum keeps up.
Legends and Ladies
A special milestone this year is Gloria Tramontin Struck, now 100 years young, reigning as the Grand Marshal. She’s been a Motor Maid since 1946, with a lifelong passion for riding—spanning entire 48 continental U.S. states and much of Europe as well. Sturgis Rally’s ethos of endurance & freedom, is epitomized by this legendary lady.
Thrills, Lights and Action
The Thunderdome arena exploded with the crowds of spectators as Colby Raha shattered a world record. He launched his Harley-Davidson Sportster to 205 feet at 80 mph. Evel Knievel was the first thought on everyone’s mind—a daredevilry to remember a legacy.
Tarmac meets Bikers
Well, one can roll all ways but one. Amid these fantastic events, meetings, greetings, shopping, product demos—there were some more humbling numbers. 18 crashes, including one fatal accident, have been reported. Damage and dent causes ranged from vehicle malfunctions or lack of helmet use. Clearly, where it hurts most went unreported (read ‘ego’……“ouch”). Cops ‘allegedly’ (okay, actually, they do have specific records and numbers, LOLz) recorded 21 DUIs, 31 misdemeanor, and 14 felony drug violations so far into the event.
Brothers turn on brothers….to meet and greet
Sturgis as a miracle-drug-den transformed strangers into kin and bros. The curves on Iron Mountain Road, a shared witnessing of the iconic Mount Rushmore with a quiet gaze through pines—unknowns became known as a fellowship, a fraternity of integrity, honor and freedom. When you can share a laugh by the roadside, share a bench for a snack, or gather in co-operative, courteous groups at an evening ride, you realize that the rallying turbo fuel happens to be the instantly inflammable, enduringly memorable, camaraderie of bikers. Rooted in a shared lifestyle of throttle family values. Grit isn’t always grace under fire…sometimes, it is acknowledging a spark, a reflection of yourself in those around you.
Grassy knowledge: Riders’ opinions
Veterans and newcomers alike shared stories with media, all of ‘em together in their devotion to a tradition that reminds us of our need to protect what we love.
A rider, journeying from Illinois, mentioned to KOTA TV that it was his 24th straight year, even joking that his “wife gives me the hall pass”—a nod to the rally’s magnetic pull. Many other publications spoke of first-timers from Arkansas, Oklahoma and more, already feeling at home—ready to embrace a fellowship.
An Environment of Self-sustenance
Rally at Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City has become a critical hub with 50+ acre vendor fairground offering service, gear, and access before riders ride into the heart of Sturgis. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum at Main Street and Junction Avenue, is hosting special events celebrating women’s motorcycling history, along with depth and reflection of the rally’s bloodline, guts and glory.
Metal, Noise & Milieu
Unfolding on the dusty streets, among roaring engines, is a living tapestry of freedom, legacy, respect, and innate human connection. From a centenarian, to a curious onlooker at the Thunderdome, from browsing across vendors to brokering new bonds over stories & beers—every hand twists and turns toward friendship. If you can’t feel the warmth in this heat of the moment—you need to check your pulse and dial your local ER service center. Be ready to realize an epic 85th rally not only by number-crunching or its varying shows and shops—but because Sturgis again stands for spirit of motorcycling. Ride free forever or try again…and you may have a wingman to break free!
References: Mittchell Republic, The Sun, Dot.SD.gov, Cycle News, Iron Trader News, Travel South Dakota, Kota TV, Rapid City News Center1, Bikernet Weekly News.
—-Wayfarer
Associate Editor
Bikernet.com
