Thursday, November 15, 2012

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally


Sturgis, South Dakota is home to the largest Motorcycle event in the entire world. Nearly a half a million riders crowd into the city with a normal population of just over 7,000 people. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is always held the first full week of August. The weather is normally hot and dry, which makes it nearly perfect for motorcycle riding.
First Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Race 
The first race and rally to take place in Sturgis, South Dakota was in 1938. It had a total of nine riders. Local motorcycle fan founded what was then known as the Black Hills Classic. From that first race in 1938, the race and rally has turned into a major tourist attraction with riders coming from all over the world to take part in the festivities. J.C. "Pappy" Hoel was the founder of this very popular event.
Sturgis, South Dakota was founded in 1878 and is located near Fort Meade. The U.S. Calvary soldiers came into the town for fun and recreation. The rally was named for the commander of the Fort, Colonel Samuel D. Sturgis.
The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club History 
Pappy Hoel was a member of this early organization. He started his career in his family's ice business but purchased and developed one of the largest and most successful motorcycle franchises in the area. The first race was held on August 14, 1938 with only a small group of people watching. The Jackpine Gypsies still own and operate the tracks and the hills where the event is centered. The club was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1997.
Article Source / Full Article: http://EzineArticles.com/7377568

No comments:

Post a Comment