Great moments in motorcycle history: The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

When we aren’t busy building our premier trucking business, you can find us roaring down the highways on the back of a Harley-Davidson. Now, that summer is here it also means the 78th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is right around the corner. To celebrate the occasion, we thought it would be fun to take a closer look at how this world-renowned event came to be. Without further ado, step into our time machine, buckle-up and we’ll set the dial for August 14, 1938.

The Jackpine Gypsies motorcycle club was founded in Sturgis, South Dakota in 1936. A year later, the club received an official American Motorcycle Association (AMA) charter. Along with the charter, the club received a green light to begin promoting racing events. On August 14, 1938, the “Rally in Sturgis” was born.

Believe it or not, the original event only featured nine racers and a very small audience. Now, the annual event attracts crowds of between 200,000 and 500,000 peoplle. In addition, the event has become much more than just stunts and motorcycle racing. Vendors, motorcycle enthusiasts and Harley-Davidson lovers from around the world make the pilgrimage to this sacred space.

The Jackpine Gypsies have evolved, too. Now, the group collects donations to support causes like the local food bank, Sturgis High School, Zonta Club of Sturgis, and Christian Motorcycle Association.

Have you ever been to Sturgis? If so, visit our Facebook page and tell us about it. We’d love to hear your story!