The Beginning
When Clarence “Pappy” Hoel purchased an Indian Motorcycle franchise in the depths of the Great Depression, he had no idea that he was about to begin the most famous motorcycle gathering in the world. It all began in 1938, when Pappy, his wife, Pearl, and his newly founded Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club decided to host a race in Sturgis. Nine participants and a mere 200 spectators attended. Today the City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of, if not ‘the’ largest gatherings of motorcycle enthusiasts in the world.The Rally occurs every August in the Black Hills of South Dakota, home to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse National Memorial and Devil’s Tower Monument to name a few of the area’s most recognized ‘icons’. The 2023 City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 4th – 13th, celebrates the 83rd Anniversary of the event that has become known to motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world as the “Granddaddy of ’em all”. Attendance for the 2015 Cityof 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”!