Day 24 - Sturgis (Almost significant enough to have THE in front of it!)

For those who are avid motorcycle riders, Sturgis in South Dakota, is considered Mecca.  There is a pilgrimage of bikers every year for a rally.  Nearly 500,000 people (plus or minus a hundred thousand) descend upon this city to do whatever it is they do at a rally.

Since we were going right through Sturgis on our way to Rapid City, we thought we'd stop in for a bite to eat and see what all the hoopla was all about.

Obligatory old building picture (traveling between North Dakota and South Dakota)

South Dakota!  (9th different state we've been in for those who are keeping track)

Sheep!

The weather changed quite dramatically as we drove south toward Sturgis. 

And there were more buttes that entered the landscape.

For lunch we decided to stop at the 'world famous' The Knuckle Saloon.

After lunch, we visited the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame.

One Million Miles on a Harley Davidson

1938 BMW R71

Vintage Indian motorcycles

History of the Sturgis Rally

Pappy and Pearl Hoel

First Ladies of Motorcycling

Sturgis 50th Anniversary Bike

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Timeline

This year will be the 72nd Annual Rally

1949 Sundance

"This motorcycle was built by a Texan oil man who invented a drill bit for drilling oil in the 1950's.

In addition to building the motorcycle, he did all of his own engraving.  He must have been an animal lover as there are a lot of animals on this bike.  In the 1950's this was the most expensive bike in the world."

1910 Indian Tri-Car

Precursor to the Can-Am?

From Motorcycle.com

A pretty amazing collection of motorcycles!

Tomorrow is an all-day adventure to see Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monuments.  So updates may be delayed for a day or so.  Stay tuned!