Sturgis Rally 2016 — 76th Year
Life is about choices. What to wear, what to eat, where to ride… And if you pondered each one in advance, trying to get it exactly right, you’d be left far behind and barely make it out of your house.
There’s something unique about touring by motorcycle whether it be spontaneous or calculated. Some riders want a state-by-state listing of the best motorcycle roads with in-depth descriptions of each highway and ratings for the road’s scenery, surface quality, and a description of the best greasy food stops. They obtain motorcycle maps, get motorcycle trip tips, reviews, suggestions, and more. Others are just fine to point the front wheel in a direction with back roads, freeways and cornfields without ever looking at a map.
I’m having some personal restlessness and feeling a bit starved for rides this year. I was aiming for Laughlin, Sharkweek/Sturgis and Reno, but circumstances eliminated the first two. I don’t need to worry about Reno, yet. Although, when I last looked, I see all the local hotels have already raised their rates for those dates. Then I remind myself that the best rides I take are never the trips to any of the big rallies anyway.
Last year Harley-Davidson announced that the motor company is now the “official motorcycle” of the annual Black Hills Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota (through the year 2090!). And until November 2015, nobody had ever successfully trademarked the name of a city, but Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc. is the official sponsor of the Sturgis Rally and it has trademarked “Sturgis,” “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally,” “Sturgis Rally & Races,” “Take The Ride To Sturgis” and “Sturgis Bike Week.” The corporation has also trademarked the official Sturgis rally logotype or picture mark. The oldest of these trademarks dates to 1997 and the most recent was registered in 2011, just before their suit was filed. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Inc., won that trademark infringement case against Walmart.
But, I’ve moved off topic where every American should try at least once the Legendary Steak Tip Dinner at the Loud American Roadhouse (no colors policy strictly enforced).
- The Harley-Davidson Rally Point is a their permanent year-round space in Sturgis that will feature events and live music daily from the stage.
- Kick-off Party for the 76th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Friday, Aug. 5, at 3 p.m.
- Rides:
- Mayor’s Ride featuring Grand Marshal Ben Bostrom, Monday, Aug. 8.
- Harley-Davidson Editor’s Choice Bike Show, Tuesday, Aug. 9- Registration 8 a.m./Awards 4 p.m.
- First Ever Angel’s Ride, Friday, Aug. 12 – The number of women riders is on the rise.
- Free Motorcycle Demo Rides on the 2016 line-up. Staging for demo rides takes place in the parking lot behind the Community Center
- The Project RUSHMORE Experience is a behind-the-scenes and hands-on look at H-D’s latest touring motorcycle technology
- H-D Fit Shop and Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories area is new this year will have a “Quick Install” area for 30-minute or less installations of selected accessories for your motorcycle.
- Better than a selfie stick! Pro Bike photos taken of you/your bike to post on social media and an option to purchase the photo as a keepsake.
- Hollywood Harley Bikes from the movies Captain America and Avengers will be on display including Steve Rogers and the hero bike from FX’s Sons of Anarchy TV show will be located on a red carpet area
In addition, there are many, many other “not-to-be-missed” activities around town, in the camp grounds and at various music venues.
@HarleyDavidson social media is providing wall-to-wall coverage at #LiveYourLegend. The official H-D Sturgis App, is at: www.h-d.com/sturgis.
Northwest Harley Blog 