What is the history of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?

The first rally was held by Indian Motorcycle riders on August 14, 1938, by the Jackpine Gypsies motorcycle club. He purchased an Indian motorcycle franchise in Sturgis in 1936 and formed the Jackpine Gypsies that same year. The Jackpine Gypsies were inducted to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1997.

What is the history of Sturgis?

The City of Sturgis was founded in 1876. It was named for Major Samuel D. Sturgis, a commander at nearby Fort Meade Cavalry Post. During the Great Western Expansion, Fort Meade served as a United States Cavalry Post to nearly every cavalry regiment in the United States Army.

How did the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally start?

The First Sturgis Rally (1938) The idea was partly crafted by Clarence “Pappy” Hoel after he purchased an Indian Motorcycle Franchise in Sturgis, SD. He helped form the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club, and the small crew began to contemplate starting a small local race.

Why is Sturgis a motorcycle mecca?

Each year since 1938, thousands of riders from all over the world have made the pilgrimage to Sturgis, South Dakota. After receiving an American Motorcycle Association charter in 1937, the club began promoting dirt track races on their property just outside Sturgis. …

What is Sturgis famous for?

the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Sturgis. Sturgis is notable as the location of one of the largest annual motorcycle events in the world: the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, which lasts for 10 days beginning on the first Friday of August. It attracts large numbers of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world.

What happened to Angie Ballard?

CNN: Michael Ballard and Angie Carlson died Leave a reply A fatal accident involving bike and a truck are renewing discussions about the rights of the road. The accident happened at just after 7 p.m. 07/12/2015.

When did Sturgis bike rally begin?

August 14, 1938
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally/First event date

How did Sturgis SD get its name?

Sturgis was founded in 1878. It was originally named Scooptown, because many of the residents “scooped up” their pay from nearby Fort Meade. Its name was later changed to Sturgis in honor of the Civil War Union General Samuel D. Sturgis.

What is Sturgis known for?

The city is known for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August), first held in 1938, an event that draws thousands of motorcycle fans to the city for races, cycle shows, and concerts. There is also a motorcycle museum and hall of fame. A museum at Fort Meade preserves the fort’s history.