The 83rd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is set to begin in South Dakota, attracting thousands of attendees and revelers from all over. The rally, which officially runs from August 4th to August 13th, will see the roads of the Black Hills and South Dakota filled with motorcycles leading up to the event.
Last year, the South Dakota Department of Transportation recorded a total of 497,835 vehicles at nine different locations during the 10-day rally. This year’s attendance is expected to be similar, with the 5-year average hovering around half a million vehicles.
To estimate the number of attendees, the city of Sturgis takes into account the vehicle count, garbage removal, photograph analysis, and other methods. The planning for the rally is a year-round task for many people in the town, according to Sturgis Rally and Events Director Tammy Even-Cordell.
The rally, dating back to 1938, has evolved over the years and now offers a range of official events hosted by the city of Sturgis. These include a parade, a pub crawl, a motorcycle show, a 5K race, tattoo and beard contests, and closing ceremonies where the 84th Sturgis Rally will be revealed.
In addition to the events in Sturgis, there will be concerts taking place at the Buffalo Chip and Full Throttle Saloon. The Buffalo Chip campground will feature performances by renowned bands such as ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Def Leppard, and AC/DC tribute band Back In Black. The Full Throttle Saloon main stage will showcase artists including Drowning Pool, Colt Ford, and Jackyl.
For those looking to explore the surrounding areas, the Sturgis Rally website recommends rides to well-known destinations like Devil’s Tower, Bear Butte, Custer State Park, Deadwood and Vanocker Canyon, Spearfish Canyon, and the Badlands. There will also be numerous sponsored and fundraising rides available.
Authorities are taking precautions to ensure the safety of attendees and manage the increased traffic. The South Dakota Department of Transportation will have lower speed limits on Interstate 90 and certain state highways. Temporary traffic signals will be installed in the Black Hills, and law enforcement will be working 12-hour days to maintain peace and order.
During the rally, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office will be providing real-time updates on Twitter/X. However, the office won’t be processing pistol permit applications or allowing visitation at the county jail.
It’s worth noting that incidents of human trafficking have been reported during previous rallies. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety releases a daily Rally Tally summarizing crashes, DUI and drug arrests, citations, and warnings.
The Sturgis Rally contributes significantly to the local economy, with the South Dakota Department of Revenue reporting $1.5 million in tax revenue collected during the 2022 rally. Temporary vendors also play a crucial role, with over 900 vendors operating in the Black Hills last year.
Demographic data shows that the average age of rally attendees is around 51, and there has been a growth in the number of attendees who do not own motorcycles. While 99% of attendees in 2015 owned a bike, that number has decreased to 12% in 2022.
With its long history and enduring popularity, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues to bring together motorcycle enthusiasts and partygoers for a week of entertainment and camaraderie. As the 83rd annual event kicks off, attendees can look forward to an action-packed schedule of events, thrilling concerts, scenic rides, and a true celebration of the motorcycle culture.
