1936

• Clarence “Pappy” Hoel buys an Indian Motorcycle Franchise in Sturgis, South Dakota, and forms the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club which is still going strong today.

1937

• Jackpine Gypsies receive an official American Motorcycle Association (AMA) charter.

August 14, 1938

• Sturgis bike rally tradition begins. Known as the Black Hills Motor Classic, this first Sturgis motorcycle rally’s main event is a half-mile race on a dirt track, comprising 9 contestants and a group of 200 onlookers. The initial focus of the rally is racing and stunts.

1942

• The Sturgis rally is cancelled due to gas rationing in support of WWII efforts.

1961

• Hill climbs and Motocross races are added to the event.

1964

• City officials block off one section of Main Street to accommodate motorcycle parking for the 3-day rally.

1965 

• Due to its popularity, the Sturgis Rally lengthens to a 5-day event.

1975

• The length of the Sturgis rally is once again stretched, this time to its present 7-day duration.

1979

• The City of Sturgis, SD begins licensing temporary vendors for the gathering.

1988

• In just 9 years since temporary vendor licensing, the vendor list grows from 9 to 117.

1989

• “Pappy” Hoel passes away, 51 years after the initial rally.

1990

• Rally attendance reaches 400,000.

1997

• Celebrities featured at the rally include former NBA player, Dennis Rodman.

2000

• Attendance reaches upwards of 600,000.

2002

• The City of Sturgis designates an entire department to rally promotion and organization.

Present Day

Current rally attendance numbers reach well over a half million people, with 800 temporary licensed vendors descending on the small town during the gathering. Events include half-mile races, hill climbs, short-track races, area attraction tours, music and live entertainment and much more.