May 5th, 2008 Brandon
It was announced today that the first concert confirmed for Rock’n the Rally is Kenny Chesney’s Poets and Pirates Stadium Tour. Kenny Chesney has sold over 25 Million albums, has been the Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year for the last four years, and has produced more than thirty Top Tensingles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs.
Kenny Chesney is currently playing sold out shows in football stadiums around the US and is playing for the first time in Sturgis at Rock’n the Rally. There are 2 ways to get tickets, one is by purchasing a Glencoe Gold wristband which entitles you to 2 weeks of camping and concert admission, or you can purchase tickets for just the concert at Startickets Plus. There are 2 ticket options at Star Tickets $59 for general admission or $200 for VIP Tickets which includes seating near the stage, VIP air conditioned tent with complimentary food, and beverages for purchase. Get your tickets or wristbands today.
This is only the first of many concert announcements that will be published in the near future.
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May 5th, 2008 Brandon
It’s Monday May 5th and we had a whole weekend of people sending us emails about their Sturgis Bike Week newsletter from last Friday. Well there is a good reason that we didn’t send one out and it was called a blizzard. The storm started Wednesday (April 30) and dumped between 6 and 18 inches of snow depending on where you were in the Black Hills. It stopped snowing for a bit mid-day Thursday (May 1) and then we got hit again, and hard, dumping as much as 4 feet of snow in one location in Harding County in northwestern South Dakota. Most of that snowfall came horizontally, driven by 40 to 50 mph winds gusting up to 65 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The snow finally stopped on Friday May 2 at about noon and then the sun came out and the melt started. It was in the 60’s on Saturday and Sunday and today it is almost 70 out under a clear blue sky. At least 8 miles of power lines were down in Harding County and hundreds of power poles likely were down, according to Grand Electric Cooperative general manager Jerry Reisenauer. He estimated the cost of repairs at more than $1 million. Power crews braved winds gusting up to 63 mph to restore lost power to about 6,000 Black Hills Power customers early Friday morning as well. Rapid City Regional Airport received 11.0 inches of snow on Friday, a record for May 2, and the one-day snow record for the entire month, according to meteorologist Eric Helgeson of the National Weather Service office in Rapid City. The previous record was 7.5 inches in 2005. Welcome to spring in the Black Hills.
How was your May Day?
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April 25th, 2008 Brandon
Come join us at the Stark County Fairground in Canton Ohio for the first ever USA Motorcycle & Tattoo Classic. If you have not had the pleasure of visiting this exciting area of the county you will not want to miss out on this great new event. This exciting multi-day event will take place in the great city of Canton Ohio, known for its hospitality. The whole community invites and welcomes bikers from all over to provide them with an experience to remember, and return to year after year. This motorcycle trade show and tattoo convention will have 80 acres of dealers, vendors and tattoo artists from all across the country. Here you will find something for everyone to enjoy, from antique and vintage bikes to new and used parts for your own bike. Vendors selling apparel and accessories are on hand to help you find the gear you need and customize your ride. All bikes are welcome Choppers, Street, Touring, Trikes, Drag Bikes, Dirt, ATV’s, and Quads.
Not satisfied with a new shirt to change your look? Hammers Tattoo and Body Pieceing will have prize drawings every hour that will do the trick. We will also be featuring tattoo artists from all over the world including Beijing, China. When you aren’t busy getting inked the variety of entertainment at the event is enough to keep anyone happy. Sky divers from Canton Air Sports, Dyno Testing , burn out pit, Men’s and Ladies Tattoo Contest, live tribute bands and more.(See page for a brief description of some of the entertainment) And don’t forget this are offers something that no other event can a visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame just minutes from the event Stark County fairgrounds.
The Canton Ohio area has been so supportive of this new event and they are looking forward to sharing it with you. Don’t take our word for it, read below and here what people are saying.
“Each year, thousands of guests from across the country visit Canton to experience the excitement of our Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival. I know you too, will be impressed by our professional facilities and appealing, welcoming environment and all it has to offer in the way of lodging, dining, entertainment, shopping and it’s vital downtown arts district. The Canton community is looking forward to your visit.”
-Dennis P. Saunier, President and CEO of Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“The Canton Stark County Convention & Visitors Bureau is thrilled to be involved in this unique dream, and we want our guests to be assured that we have the attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and retail shopping to complement this event and make for a wonderful stay in our corner of the northeastern Ohio- “America’s Playing Field.” To all who will be visiting for the Classic, by bike, car, plane, or train- Welcome”
-John Kiste, CVB Executive Director.
“I am confident you will find many wonderful attractions, dining spots, numerous shopping areas, entertainment, and the renowned Pro Football Hall of Fame. Visitors can enjoy the arts of downtown, take a lovely walk in the park, visit the McKinley Monument, or the First Ladies Museum. I extend a greeting and welcome on behalf of the City of Canton.”
-William J. Healy, II Mayor
The USA Motorcycle & Tattoo Classic is a family-friendly event providing a fun and diverse entertainment experience. This event provides a positive contribution to the community. It also provides a positive recognition and contribution in the motorcycle and tattoo industries. The venue is to enable donations to deserving charitable endeavors, and to continue to expand the reach and positive effects year-to-year. So save the dates September 19, 20, & 21 2008, from 10am-10pm, because this is an event you wont want to miss. Parking will be free and admission will be $12.00 per day, or you can buy a 3 day pass for only $25.00.
Entertainment
With help of Summit Entertainment we will be featuring some of the greatest tribute bands in the country including the music of AC/DC, Pink Floyd, ZZ Top, Lynard Skynard, led Zeplin and more…!!!
With Live musical performances by:
Vicious Cycle, Wish You We Here, Almost Queen & Mr. Speed.
Come and see Michele Smith Host of Speed Channels #1 Motorcycle Series American Thunder on Saturday Sept. 20, 2008.
Biker Billy is debuting all new shows based on recipes from his new book “Biker Billy’s Hog Wild on a Harley Cookbook” so come on over and enjoy the show. He will have all his books at the events plus t-shirts and aprons on the Saturday and Sunday Sept 20th and 21st.
Don’t miss Anne Hansen and the NHRA Pro Stock Bike Classic
Come meet the Motorcycle Monster
Stop by to see Eddie Trotta from the Discovery Channel, when he shows 10 of his custom Bikes.
BIKE RAFFLE:
Your chance to win a Hank Young Hand Crafted Chopper from Hank Young himself! Hank will draw the winning ticket, -Sept ——–, 2008
All proceeds go to the PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEE ASSISTANCE FUND to help retired players with Joint Replacement Surgeries without insurance or financial need. And to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for the Cure Northeast Ohio. For more information visit www.susangkomen.com.
“In conjunction with the U.S.A Motorcycle Tattoo Classic, is the 1st annual Canton Fire Dept. Poker Run Classic. Saturday, September 13, 2008 kicks off a week of events in a city that is used to a week-long party ie: Hall of Fame Week. 100% of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Burn Center at Akron Children’s Hospital. Our run will begin at the Pro Football Hall of Fame and end at the McKinley Monument Park. We will have live music, food vendors, 50/50, the whole show. I hope to see you there.”
-Kerry Ball, Canton Fire, Firefighters Local 249 Union. www.cityofcanton.com
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April 25th, 2008 Brandon
Joe Murphy and Target Logistics of Boston are buying controlling interest in the County Line, which is located northeast of Sturgis, within a mile and a half of Bear Butte.
On April 14, 2008 a Fourth Circuit Court decision approved a change of ownership for the County Line Bar, subject to approval by the Meade County Commission. The county commission will also decide on whether to renew the venues application for an on-sale liquor license and that decision will take at least three weeks.
The commission refused in December to renew the County Line liquor license because of outstanding bills owed by owner Jay Allen. Allen appealed the decision, and Circuit Court Judge John Bastian ruled following a hearing last week that a pending ownership transfer of the Sturgis County Line required the commission to reconsider its liquor-license denial.
Officials for Target Logistic of Boston testified that they are buying controlling interest in the venue, which is located northeast of Sturgis within a mile and a half from Bear Butte, as well as the Broken Spoke Saloon in Sturgis, as well as majority ownership of Allen’s holdings in Laconia, N.H., and Daytona, Fla., which would take effect on or about May 1.
Bastian determined that because ownership changed the commission must reconsider the liquor license issue. Meade County Commission Chairman Bob Mallow of Black Hawk said the commission will discuss the potential legal issue in executive session, then reconvene to take official action in public.
"If we make the decision to have a hearing, then there’ll be public input. We’ll set up a hearing," Mallow said. "Normally when you go for a liquor license, location and character are the only two things you can deny for. In this case, we’re saying it was character."
If the commission agrees to proceed with a license hearing for Target Logistics, the "character" question will be reviewed in regard to the new owners, Mallow said.
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March 28th, 2008 Brandon
That first ride of spring will put a grin on your face. If you prep your bike properly before that ride, the smile could last until next winter. For riders in cold-weather regions, it’s almost time to unfreeze your bike. If your motorcycle has spent a long winter’s night out of service, the following are some points to consider when you begin to get it ready for the road. The following items are things that may require special attention after extended storage and things which should get attention now to avoid interrupting the riding season. Your owner’s manual will have a checklist for a standard service.
It’s a perfect time to check the valves.
Valves: The manual says to adjust them when the engine is cold. When will it be colder? Give the cam lobes a shot of oil (the old stuff has long since run off) when you are done. Torque the cylinder head too.
A specific-gravity tester is an inexpensive way to check battery health.
Battery: If it spent the winter well charged, as with a Battery Tender or a regular trickle charge, then it’s is probably ready to go. Give it a regular service (fluid level and slow charge) and send it on its way. If it was neglected all winter, give it the same service and check it. If it comes out looking a bit sickly, replace it before it causes problems. Be certain the vent tube is connected and properly routed.
Some storage systems make your spring service easier than others.
Oil: If you changed the oil immediately before you stored it, it is probably ready to rumble. Fresh oil can be contaminated by water, which will give it a milky appearance when it is first run. If you didn’t change oil before storage, replace it now. Otherwise, those normal contaminants have been joined by a measure of water, a recipe for corrosion. Change the filter unless it was fresh. Use a torque wrench on that drain plug.
Fuel: If you left your tank full (a good way to avoid rust), the fuel has probably stratified, unless you used a fuel stabilizer. Before turning on your petcock and letting fuel into the carb, disconnect the fuel line and drain the tank completely. (Pour the old gas in your car–or your neighbor’s.) This is a good time to clean your fuel filter and look inside the tank for rust. If you didn’t drain your carb float bowl(s) before storage, pull them off now and take a look. If the inside has something that looks like varnished cottage cheese, you probably have clogged jets, too. Carb cleaner might help, but you might need new jets and a professional de-clogging as well.
If you ride to work during the summer, those last cold weekends are an ideal time to get your ride ready.
Engine: A shot of oil in each spark plug hole followed by a couple of spins of the engine with the plugs removed will protect the cylinder walls and rings during those first few revolutions. When you pull the plugs, check the gaps too. If you haven’t serviced it during the winter, the rest of those engine service items (air filter, carb synch, drive-line fluids, etc.) should be attended to as well.
Brakes: This is a good time to install fresh fluid—after your old stuff has spent all winter soaking up water and is at its spongiest. You definitely should do it if you skipped it during the last year or two. Check the pads or shoes too. If they are “sort of” thin, get new ones now.
Before the riding season begins, give your bike a deep coat of wax, and also treat your saddlebags and leather apparel with leather conditioner.
Suspension and steering: Prop the front wheel off the ground, sit in front of the bike and grasp the fork lowers. Move them forward and back to feel for steering-head looseness. If you feel any movement or clunking from the steering head, tighten it properly. Have you changed fork oil recently? Is a fork seal leaking, even a couple of drops? If so, take care of it now.
Finish protection: This is a great time to pull things apart and thoroughly wax everything you can get your fingers and cotton swabs on. Remove any corrosion, and put on a nice thick layer of wax or other appropriate protectant (leather dressing for leather saddlebags, etc.) to preserve it during the riding season.
Routine stuff: Before riding, you should check over all those normal pre-ride items: tire pressure and condition , wheel true, spoke tension, wheel bearing condition, control function, lubrication and adjustment, lights, sprocket and chain condition, etc. Look for leaks anywhere there is fluid. Take time and a couple of wrenches and check the tightness of every fastener you can reach. Pay particular attention to anything that can hurt you—brake lever pivot bolts, axle nuts, drain plugs, etc. Your owner’s manual will have a complete list of points to check before riding. Or if you don’t have one (ask your dealer or the manufacturer).
Check for working bulbs, smooth controls, and tight fasteners.
Spares kit: If you haven’t done so already, why not make up a spares kit for on-the-road problems you are capable of handling yourself? This might include fuses, chain master link, tire tubes and/or patch kit, headlight bulb, instrument bulb, a bit of wire, some nuts, duct tape, etc. You might build a first-aid kit too, with an eye on abrasions, insect stings, and other likely on-the-road adventures. Put it all in a waterproof package that you can take with you when you are traveling farther than the county line.
Have a great riding season!
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March 21st, 2008 Bob Davis
The Sturgis (SD) Chamber of Commerce has finally hit rock bottom. Like an alcoholic drinking Aqua Velva filtered through a baby’s diaper, they can’t go any lower. The entirely NON-BIKER Chamber Board of Directors filed a federal lawsuit this week accusing Sturgis Kentucky of infringing on their trademarks.
Sturgis Kentucky hosts an annual rally each July. First year for the event was 1993. In that time the organizers have donated more than TWO MILLION DOLLARS to charity. The lawsuit alleges the use of the name “Little Sturgis Rally” constitutes trademark infringement, false designation of origin, unfair competition and deceptive trade practices”.
The Sturgis Chamber claims in a news release that they use proceeds from licensing to support community and economic development projects. The Chamber has never had qualms about playing fast and loose with the truth. As most locals know, nearly all of the Chamber revenue goes to pay legal fees. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent by the Chamber in an attempt to trademark the words “STURGIS” and “BLACK HILLS”.
Sturgis Kentucky is a town of about 2,000 people. The 16th Annual Little Sturgis Rally and Races for Charity is planned for July 17-20 at the county fairgrounds.
(Editor’s Note) Our company was once sued by the Sturgis Chamber for putting “Welcome to Sturgis” on a billboard without their permission. They lost that battle.
Another Edit: The City of Sturgis issued the following news release late this afternoon:
STURGIS, S.D. – The City of Sturgis, SD and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Department would like to offer this clarification regarding the March 20, 2008 news release issued by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce in connection with a lawsuit filed in the United States District Court against the organizers of the Little Sturgis Rally and Races in Sturgis, Kentucky.
The Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce filed this lawsuit without the knowledge or consent of the City of Sturgis, SD.
The City of Sturgis, SD is not a party to this legal proceeding.
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March 12th, 2008 Brandon
This year’s Kids & Chrome bike fund raiser has been announced. Tom Binyon, of BaggerWorks, from Wichita Kansas, built and donated the bike. The bike is now at Black Hills Harley and will be on display at the HOG Bike Show at the civic Center in Rapid City on April 12 and 13, Tom will be there as well.
The bike will be sold to the highest bidder,at the banquet and auction on Wed Aug 6th at the Spearfish Holiday Inn. (they are not selling raffle tickets on this bike)
For event or ticket information, contact Stacey Sharp, Kids & Chrome Event Coordinator, at Stacey@thesharpagency.com or phone 605/341-5226. For sponsorship and auction donation information, contact Darla Crown at Children’s Home Society at darla.crown@chssd.org or phone 605/391-5555.
The person who buys the bike Wed night will be invited to ride the bike on the Legends Ride, Charity Ride on Thursday Aug 7th.
Check out the website at www.kidsandchrome.com.
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March 12th, 2008 Brandon
Two chunks of I-90 between Rapid City and Sturgis — some of the oldest Interstate in South Dakota — will be reconstructed this summer. Work began on March 8, 2008 on the 8-mile stretch from Tilford to Sturgis. The westbound lane will be totally rebuilt for a distance of 8 miles, and completed before Sturgis Bike Week.
After the rally, 2 ½ miles of the eastbound lanes near the truck check weigh station at Tilford will be rebuilt.Closer to Rapid City, get set to say goodbye to the dreaded Black Hawk curves on I-90. Two miles between Exit 51 (Black Hawk) and Exit 48 (Stagebarn) will be rebuilt into a straightaway, eliminating Exit 51 and the sweeping “S” curves that have been the scene of so many wrecks. Black Hawk gets an all-new standard diamond interchange (Exit 52) emptying straight into town.
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March 7th, 2008 Brandon
Charlie St. Clair (Schultz), J.C. “Pappy” Hoel Outstanding Achievement Award – Charlie has been the Executive Director of the Laconia Motorcycle Week in New Hampshire for the last 16 years. During that time, he has worked to build and sustain working relationships between the big three national rallies – Sturgis, Laconia and Daytona. He is a long-time rider, participant in the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and advocate for the collective rights of motorcyclists everywhere. Because of his continued efforts to build relationships with the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Charlie has been awarded the J.C. “Pappy” Hoel Outstanding Achievement Award.
Kenny Price, Founder’s Award – Kenny Price started out at age 13 wanting to tweak a little more power from his 1956 Vespa. From those humble beginnings, Kenny has continued to introduce new and innovative products to support the motorcycle industry, at the same time growing his business, Samson Motorcycle Products, Inc. Kenny is a long-time enthusiastic supporter of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and currently has 13 classic and rare collectible motorcycles on display in the museum – earning him the 2008 Founder’s Award.
Becky Brown – Nearly 30 years ago, Becky Brown founded WOMEN IN THE WIND (W.I.T.W.), the International women’s motorcycle organization. The organization not only united women riders, but promoted a comfortable way for more women to get into riding. Brown has been portrayed in the film documentary “She Lives to Ride” by film maker Alice Stone.
Malcolm Smith – Malcolm is a pioneer of off-road motorcycling who gained fame for his accomplishments in the Baja 1000, and for his gold-medal winning rides in the International Six Day Enduro Competitions. Malcolm is also the star of the influential 1970s motorcycle movie On Any Sunday. This movie helped launch an explosion in the popularity of off-road motorcycling in America.
Cristine Sommer-Simmons – Cristine is a long-time motorcycle journalist who has written for a wide variety of motorcycling publications, co-founded Harley Women Magazine, and helped co-found the second chapter of Women in the Wind. Cristine is also a published author of a children’s book Patrick Wants to Ride and is currently working on a screenplay for an independent film about women motorcyclists.
Smiling Johnny Spiegelhoff – One of the original racers in the very first Black Hills Motor Classic in 1938, Spiegelhoff is credited by many as an important force in getting that first rally off to the right start. It was at Johnny’s insistence that the first race organizers sought and secured AMA sanctioning. Johnny then helped re-organize the racing program for the Sunday races that first year – adding races and events that more than doubled the excitement and racing program time for that Sunday.
The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast is scheduled on Wednesday, August 6 at 9:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish, SD.Breakfast tickets are available for a $25.00 donation, tables of eight for $250.00. Tickets can be purchased through the Museum 605.347.2001 or on line www.sturgismuseum.com
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March 5th, 2008 Bob Davis
Middle of the winter here, very boring in Sturgis. Road crew is in Daytona pretending to be “working”. Until this big-ass truck and trailer shows up in the parking lot at Thunder Road.
You don’t see this every day. One truck pulling, one truck pushing. 200 ft. trailer, 104 wheels under the whole thing. How will they make the corner?
These guys weren’t born yesterday!
With traffic stopped and 6 escort vehicles, here they go!
What is that thing? It’s a water treatment plant weighing in at 402,000 lbs. on it’s way to a mine in Canada.
Now here’s the best part. See the pusher truck? His windshield is covered! That’s right, they don’t want him steering.
Check out the guy in the red suit standing on the back of the trailer. He operates the pivet joint that allows the trailer to make turns.
Notice the covered windshield on the pusher truck.
And away they go. Someone will have fresh water in Canada this spring.
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