STURGIS, SD – The opening ceremonies of the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally were held yesterday at Harley Davidson Rally Point, kicking off an annual tradition since 1938.
The rumbling sound of motorcycles filled the air on Friday afternoon as hundreds of rally goers gathered on Main Street as the Budweiser Clydesdales, the mayor of Sturgis and a centenarian officially opened up the 85th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Members of the Sturgis Post 33 American Legion Riders led the parade down historic Main Street, ending at Harley Davidson Rally Point. Post 33 Legion Riders director Larry Turner, an 81-year old Vietnam Veteran with the US Air Force, said it was an honor riding in the parade and near the Clydesdales.
“It’s quite an honor I think,” said Turner. “In fact, I get goosebumps now thinking about it. I don’t know if we’ll be before the road apples or after the road apples!”
The majestic Clydesdales turned right on Main Street, traveled one block and posted up in front of Rally Point as Sturgis Mayor Kevin Forrester read a proclamation, officially opening up the 85th edition of the Sturgis Rally. Forrester thanked all of those involved with making the Rally happen.
“For 85 years, since 1938, riders have been making the trek to Sturgis for the ride, the roar and ultimately the Rally,” Forrester said. “The Rally doesn’t just happen by accident, it happens through a lot of hard work. It’s a year long planning effort through our police, fire and EMS, our City staff, our local businesses, our sponsors. All of these people come together to make this event what it is.”
The Sturgis Rally Grand Marshall, Gloria Tramontin Struck, who just turned 100 years old on July 7th, was given a ceremonial rally brick by Forrester and said she has been riding motorcycles since 1941.
“Motorcyclists are the best…I really appreciate everything they’ve done for me, so have a good time, life is short, I always say don’t waste a day of it!”
The 85th edition of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is officially underway, with plenty of events happening all weekend long. The Mayor’s Ride, led by Kevin Forrester, is “kickstands up” at 9am Saturday morning, traveling through the Black Hills and concluding with a lunch at Custer State Park. Also, Colby Raha, a six-time gold medalist at the X Games, is attempting a 200-foot world record jump on a Harley V-Twin at Thunderdome out on Highway 34 Saturday at 7pm, hoping to emulate his hero, Evel Knievel.
