The first rally was held on August 14, 1938, by the "Jackpine Gypsies" motorcycle club, who still own and operate the tracks, hill climb, and field areas where the rally is centered. The first event was called the "Black Hills Classic" and consisted of a single race with nine participants and a small audience. The founder is generally considered to be Clarence "Pappy" Hoel. He purchased an Indian Motorcycle franchise in Sturgis in 1936 and formed the "Jackpine Gypsies" that same year.
The focus of a motorcycle rally was originally racing and stunts. In 1961, the rally was expanded to include the Hillclimb and Motocross races. This could include half-mile track racing (the first year in Sturgis, there were 19 participants), intentional board wall crashes, ramp jumps and head-on collisions with automobiles.
The Sturgis Rally has been held every year, with exceptions during World War II. For instance, in 1942, the event was not held due to gasoline rationing.
This is a very small town not far from Rapid City. It’s population is about 6,600 at the 2010 census. During the 1st week of August this little tiny town swells to a massive 200,000 people. When we were there I was thinking to myself, where the bloody hell do they all stay !! Amazing.
Below are some Pictures that I took while we were there.
A welcome sign we flew past. Just got it actually.
Just a few bikes when we were there.
So many tourist souvenirs in here, I settled on a 2011 Sturgis Flag to send back to my sister for her bar. I will send it soon fang..”One Day” 
OK..I have now seen Sturgis, I have no desire to ever return as I am not your classic biker chick. But I have to admit, it was interesting to see this place, I am still scratching my head trying to work out where all those people sleep, or do they sleep.
The town of Sturgis, South Dakota is named for Samuel D. Sturgis. A sculpture of him mounted on horseback is located at the eastern entrance of the town on South Dakota Highway 34 and 79.
I MISSED THE STATUE, DAM IT !!!
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