Pack Your Bags For The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Published July 29, 2009 By Rod Krause 5th Bomb Wing Safety Office MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Finally... it's that time of year again to wash and pack up the bike and make way to the Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, S.D. on Aug. 3 to 9. Whether you're a first timer or a long time veteran of the event, hopefully this article will be a useful document providing a wealth of information including a brief history of the event, safety tips and travel tips. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was organized by Clarence "Pappy" Hoel and members of the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club. The first Sturgis Rally was held in August 1938, and featured the Black Hills Classic, an event which featured nine participants and a few spectators. It was determined that the event would be held annually on the first week after the first full weekend in August to avoid conflicts with other nearby events. By 1961 the event expanded to include Hill Climb and Motocross races and in 1963 the event expanded to three days. The Sturgis rally continued to grow and in 1975 it included a seven day event and by the year 2000 the event attracted over half a million visitors annually, in fact the 2000 rally attracted over 600,000 visitors. An unfortunate aspect of Sturgis is the frequent occurrence of the disappearance of motorcycles during the event. Estimates indicate approximately $250,000 worth of motorcycles are stolen each year during the event. Motorcycles on the higher end of the price spectrum as well as custom bikes and show models are those most likely to be stolen, but all participants should take precautions to avoid becoming a victim. Care should be taken to park in well lit, high traffic locations as opposed to dark areas. Additionally, participants should avoid leaving valuables such as cameras, leathers and of course helmets on their bike. Those who will be attending the event should also invest in a high quality lock to secure their bike. Even higher quality locks are not fool-proof to experienced thieves but they are a definite deterrent. Participants who will be traveling long distances to the event on their motorcycle should also be aware of safety issues while traveling. At the present time there is heavy construction on Interstate 90 through the Rapid City- Sturgis area. Even those experienced with long distance rides should take safety precautions to ensure a smooth trip. One precaution is to create a copy of your detailed itinerary to leave in the possession of a friend or relative who will not be traveling with you. Riders and visitors alike are also warned against traveling alone. Whenever possible, have at least one other rider accompany them on their trip. Taking frequent stops to rest and retiring for the night before fatigue sets in is also advisable. Of course, we cannot forget to mention required personal protective equipment. Military members are required to wear all required gear IAW AFI 91-207, and DODI 6055.4. Above all, don't drink and ride, with the amount of other vehicles large and small passing through the area, the curvy roads, and the other riders not paying attention, you are asking for a death warrant. So please ride safe and ride smart... have a game plan set before you go and stick to it! Ride Safe and I'll see you at the rally!