Sturgis 70th Anniversary by Timothy Remus and Scooter Grubb
Maverick - Jan 13, 2011

The authors, repeat rally attendees, assert that the 2010 version was “a lot like going the first time.”  

Wolfgang Publications, Inc., of Stillwater, Minnesota, publishes Sturgis 70th Anniversary. Click here to learn more about the publisher and/or to purchase this book for $27.95.

The authors present an overview of the Black Hills and the Sturgis Rally, including the Town of Sturgis and surrounding communities as a destination. Readers can enjoy photos of Sturgis Rally venues; e.g., Main Street, Broken Spoke and Full Throttle Saloons, Glencoe Camp Resort, and Buffalo Chip. You are treated to featured rides of discovery with maps and direction; rides that celebrate motorcyclists and the industry, traditions of the party atmosphere, and the beautiful Black Hills. Perhaps more important are the motorcycles and their riders that participate in the multiple events, concerts, races, shows, and parties that go on before, during, and after Rally week. Motorcycles and motorcyclists are center stage to everything Sturgis!

Mainstreet in 2010...

Motorcycles as far as the eye can see with the Black Hills as a backdrop...

The Sturgis Rally, formally known as the Black Hills Motorcycle Classic, is not only the biggest motorcycle event; it’s also the oldest. The Sturgis 70th Anniversary book captures both the history of Sturgis past, and the energy and electricity that is Sturgis now. The section on Pappy Hoel and Jackpine Gypsies is very interesting. Because “without their efforts and vision, this phenomenon we call Sturgis would not exist,” according to the authors.

Sturgis 70^th Anniversary creates a context of a rally where some things remain the same as they always were. Rally goers have been riding the Black Hills to Mt. Rushmore, Spearfish Canyon, and Devils Tower for years. Bikers inclinations toward competing for bragging rights have also manifested themselves for years. But, there are always new bikes, more power, more games, more shows, and new and or revitalized destinations. Things evolve to new levels of fascination each year.  

Michael's "Eternal Combustion: 30 in the Wind" Exhibit...

An example of this evolution centers on Michael Lichter, one of the many contributors to Sturgis 70^th Anniversary.   In 1979, an unknown photographer arrived in City Park and took photos of the festivities while he camped there. In 2010, City Park has been closed to camping and many Sturgis Rally attendees came to visit Michael Lichter’s outstanding exhibit called “Eternal Combustion: 30 in the Wind,” located on the grounds of the Buffalo Chip.

So it is with the Black Hills Motorcycle Classic: aka Sturgis Rally. It is ever changing, while being “a lot like going the first time.”

Coming and Going...

Sturgis 70^th Anniversary serves two important purposes. For those who have been there, it provides implicit, and sometimes explicit, reminders of experiences all attendees have had. For those who intend to put the Sturgis Rally on their bucket list of future adventures, the book provides a menu of places to stay, attractions, activities, events, and excellent venues for people watching.

This one would be "implicit"...

Sturgis 70^th Anniversary is a coffee table book that will provide countless hours of photo viewing and sharing of adventures with not only those unfamiliar with Sturgis, but fellow riders as well. Who doesn’t like to tell a good biker story!