4th Annual Legends Ride marks the beginning of Sturgis Rally
Maverick - Sep 9, 2011

Presented by the Legendary Buffalo Chip, the premier charity-celebrity event in motorcycling celebrated its 4th consecutive sellout in 2011. For 2012, if rally goers wish to pack more Sturgis Rally excitement into precious few hours, consider the Legends Ride!  

Sturgis Rally Week for many kicked off during the first weekend of August, but some motorcyclists choose the Legends Ride as the event to kick-start their Rally.  

Two hundred fifty motorcyclists met up in Deadwood, SD, Monday morning, August 8^th, to celebrate motorcycling at its best and to raise money for two local charities. 

The Black Hills Special Olympics and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum receive 100% of funds raised according to Rod Woodruff, CEO of the Buffalo Chip and initiator of this event now in its fourth year.

Rod Woodruff, CEO, Buffalo Chip

Celebrities and some the world’s top custom bike builders joined the Legends Ride. 

Arlen Ness

Lorenzo Llamas

Michael Prugh

Joining Woodruff were Arlen Ness, Donny Smith (in lead photo), Lorenzo Llamas, and Michael Prugh to sign autographs, take photos and talk about motorcycles while bringing attention to the benefiting charities.  

"Big" Kenny Alphin

Other notable celebrities included "Big" Kenny Alphin of Big and Rich, Betsy Huelskamp, featured in Discovery Channels’ Motorcycle Women and Biker Chicz of North America, Kevin Bean’re, the Mayor of Fun at the Buffalo Chip, Representative Charles Hoffman and Holly Hoffman of Survivor, Rupert Boneham of Survivor, Francis Toscana, Mayor of Deadwood, Lori Visker, Mrs. South Dakota and more. Leaders from manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson were also represented.

Michael Lichter

What has now become a tradition, Michael Lichter took a group photo. This was an experience in itself. Those who know Michael or have watched him at work know he is meticulous about his work as a motorcycle photographer. It was interesting to watch Michael shape and arrange 300 people around 100 motorcycles so that the photograph would turn out just right.

Now in its fourth year, the Legends Ride has raised more than $204,920 for charity. This year’s guests and highlights included South Dakota’s own Brian and Laura Klock from Klock Werks Kustom Cycle, who showcased the Chip’s 30-Years Strong Victory 9-Ball and matching Epiphone guitar. Legends Riders were given the opportunity to sign up to win both the bike and guitar, which was given away at The Chip on August 12.

For the second consecutive year, top bike builder Michael Prugh of Prugh Design and the students of Western Dakota Tech built a bike that will be auctioned in support of the event. Prugh and the students presented the finished Buffalo Chip Challenge bike and sign limited edition posters.

Bikes in Deadwood...

The Legends Ride began on Deadwood’s famed Main Street as the Silverado-Franklin and the Deadwood Tobacco Company rolled out the red carpet for motorcyclists from around the world. Riders reveled in the unique atmosphere of this Wild West town as they celebrated a day with celebrities, motorcycle builders, artists and cigar aficionados.

Legends Ride through the Black Hills...

Led by the 2012 Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 truck, the 500-some riders and passengers then headed out on a 55-mile route through some of the Black Hills’ most beautiful landscapes via pristine stretches of asphalt, finishing the journey at the Legendary Buffalo Chip for a reception, auction and concert.

The $150 admission ticket entitled the purchaser to join the riders at both the pre-ride events in Deadwood and the post ride events at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, including free parking in Deadwood and at The Chip, food and drinks at the reception, participation in the auctions, meet-and-greet opportunities with master builders and celebrities, a special souvenir gift pack, attendance at the Chip concerts and, if desired, overnight camping at the Chip.

Throughout the day beginning with the gathering of bikers and introductions in Deadwood, continuing throughout the ride in the Black Hills, reception at the Buffalo Chip and into the evenings’ concerts by Buckcherry and Def Leppard, the air was electric!! This was truly a Legend’s Ride to remember.