Off the Wire
News STURGIS, SD - The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a few months off, but the event is already creating a buzz in the Black Hills. While this year will showcase some returning favorites, it will also offer some new ones.
Entertainment, food and merchandise: the Sturgis businesses rely on thousands of motorcyclists to spend their money in town every year. But Mayor Maury LaRue says there's something money can't buy that sets this year's event apart from others.
"It's what we call a banner year, the 70th. I think the 70th, you know if they're not coming every year, let's come to a banner year," LaRue said.
That includes bringing a major name to Main Street.
"We're extremely happy to announce that after 20 years, Harley Davidson Corporate is going to be right here in downtown Sturgis," LaRue said.
The Garage Shop Fabricators will also visit for the first time to demonstrate fabrication techniques. And stunt riders, The Star Boys, will once again turn Main Street into their stage.
"They do things on, I guess what we call crotch rockets that most of us just say, 'Boy, I gotta wear a helmet and full body armor if I ever wanna think about that,'" LaRue said.
But another major attraction is one that stays the same every year.
LaRue says you can go about anywhere and ride a motorcycle, but there's a certain attraction that riders have to the Black Hills.
"The biggest thing we've got to offer is the beautiful riding in the Black Hills. I mean you can go to Daytona. You can go to Laconia. You can go anywhere else. Where else do you have 60 miles and 90 miles of mountain roads to enjoy," LaRue said.
That is why as long as Mother Nature doesn't get in the way, the mayor is confident it will be a beautiful rally.
The Mayor also signed a contract with Jack Daniels, who will be one the main sponsors of the event.
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