STURGIS, S.D. – Two years ago, Jason Reid rolled into the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with a saddlebag packed with peanut butter sandwiches, a tent, and a dream. The Alabama biker had saved $2,000, determined to make the 1,000-mile journey from his front door to Camp Road 5 as cheaply as possible. He did it all for under $1,200, merchandise included.
“I packed my tent, cooler, clothes, and even a spare gas can,” Reid recalled. “I just went on a dream.”
That trip became a viral moment on TikTok, where Reid’s no-frills rally story inspired thousands of followers who saw a reflection of their own bucket list trip. He’s since built a following of more than 5,000, documenting every road, rainstorm, and rally.
This year, Reid is back at Sturgis for the 85th rally, but things look a lot different.
After a divorce in early 2025, Reid says he doubled down on his dream, working 70 to 80 hours a week and saving every spare dollar just to return. This time he brought no budget and a new bike.
“I bought a 2018 Ultra Classic in Twisted Cherry,” he said, grinning. “When my divorce was finalized, I wanted something new, something mine.”
Unlike 2023, when he spent most of the trip dodging rain and fixing a 2001 bike with 60,000 miles, this year’s ride has been smooth. He’s spent more time customizing his new bike in Rapid City, met up with fellow bikers from across the country, and connected with long-distance friends he originally met through TikTok.
“TikTok brought us together. We met in the app, but now we’re out here riding together,” Reid said. “It’s camaraderie like nothing else.”
Reid and a buddy rode out of Alabama, met up with others in Arkansas and Missouri, then headed north to Sturgis, sharing the road, stories, and gas stops along the way.
This time around, Reid’s not just focused on the experience for himself. He’s thinking ahead to 2026 and working on bringing his parents, both longtime riders, to the rally. His dad, who once rode to Sturgis years ago, now requires a trike conversion kit due to arthritis. His mother, who’s never been, is next on Reid’s checklist.
“I’d love for both of them to come with me next year,” Reid said. “It’s been a dream of mine, and I want to share it with them.”
For now, Reid’s soaking in every moment. Whether it’s buying bike parts, taking the scenic route through Vanocker Canyon, or grabbing dinner in Deadwood with new friends and old ones he’s just met in person for the first time.
“Every day I’m out here, I’m blessed,” he said. “And every day I ask myself, how can I top yesterday?”