Hells Angels and Mongols Fight at Sturgis Rally 2011 (Video)

Video shot from the balcony of One Eyed Jack's, Wednesday night (Aug. 10th) of a fight in downtown Sturgis. The witness who shot this video said he was talking on his cell phone watching the Hells Angels Sturgis headquarters when all hell broke loose!

"I heard popping noises and looked down. Probably 20 Hells Angels and Mongols were going at it, fighting, etc. Within a minute, the Sturgis Police were at the scene, guns drawn and taking control. Notice the women in the clubhouse coming out with their hands over their heads. We had noticed the Mongols eating outside at the restaurant while walking in. Wonder if it was a turf deal since the restaurant is directly adjacent to the Hells Angels clubhouse?"

A member from both groups was stabbed during the downtown Sturgis gang fight between the Mongols and Hells Angels on Aug. 10 , which may also have been a contributing factor to smaller crowds at the 71st Sturgis Rally, Sheriff's Chief Deputy Tom  Wilts told the rapidcityjournal

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally by tradition is considered "neutral territory."

Following the 70th anniversary rally, it seemed likely the 71st Sturgis Rally, Aug. 4th to 14th would draw fewer rally fans. But many who were at this year's rally said every campground had vancancy signs and the crowd was 30 to 40 percent smaller than the estimated half a million crowd that attended Sturgis 2010.

According to traffic counts in and out of the rally, released to the Associated Press by the State Department of Transportation, attendance was down nearly 12 percent from last year's estimated 466,769 that was up from 442,163 in 2009. The 60th rally in 2000 drew the biggest crowd so far, an estimated 633,000.

The City of Sturgis issued 719 vendor licenses for the 2011 Sturgis Rally, down 5.5 percent from the 761 issued for the 70th anniversary rally. Sturgis is also "aging out" as a rally, according to a recent survey: 61% of the Sturgis crowd is age 41-65, including 38% that are ages 41-53.

AMD World Championship Sturgis 2011 Show Results

Japanese bike builder Ken Tabata came to Sturgis as an unknown to win the 2011 AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building, on Wed., Aug. 10th. Tabata of Tavax Engineering, Yao City, Osaka, worked for more than 3 years on "TAVAX 2011V," a bike with dynamic movement and power, "designed to look like a Cheetah about to pounce."

Top 3 in the Freestyle class: Satya Kraus of Kraus Motor Co (left) (3rd place), newly-crowned World Champion Ken Tabata of Tavax Engineering (center) and Larry Houghton of Lamb Engineering (2nd place).    Click images to enlarge.

TAVAX2011V effortlessly combines sculpted aluminum bodywork with one-off hand-made pieces that form the suspension and replace the stock engine and transmission covers. At the rear of the bike the swingarm pivots from behind the rear cylinder, arcing over the transmission, and carrying a linkage system operated single shock, a design similar to that found on many modern sports bikes.

At the front of the machine the suspension begins at the axle as a leading link fork, which then changes via a pair of links to finish as a Springer fork.

To demonstrate the performance potential of his bike Ken has forgone tall and wide wheels, favoring instead a pair of Marchesini 17in sport bike rims carrying floating rotors and Lockheed brake calipers.

Taking a less complex styling route, Larry Houghton, of Lamb Engineering, secured second place with Son of a Gun. Based around a 1951 BSA single cylinder engine (found on eBay) and Talon motocross wheels. Larry built the rest of the bike himself, often collecting material from the scrap bins of friends in the engineering trade. His careful recycling of material meant that he was able to build a World Class custom motorcycle for less than $9,000, including the gold candy silver metalflake paint wrap.

Third place winner Satya Kraus believes in the bare essentials, aptly demonstrated by his entry, "Bolide." He achieved his aim by putting a 93ci S&S Shovelhead motor in a one-off frame carrying a mono-shocked swingarm, telescopic forks and 17in Alpina spoked wheels shod with Metzeler sport bike tires.

1st Place - Performance Custom Class was won by Jim Giuffra and the girls of AFT Customs, who rebuilt a 1970 Honda CB750 café racer styled custom, complete with RaceTech suspension, Beringer brakes and numerous one-off pieces.

1st Place, Production Class: The influence that café racers are having on the current custom scene can also be seen in the design of the top placed Production Manufacturer class bike. Best known for its line of Chops and Bobbers, Darwin Motorcycles has built what it describes as an American muscle bike. Powered by a 132ci S&S X-Wedge V-twin, the RLX carries a full range of top spec components including Öhlins suspension, Beringer brakes and BST carbon fiber wheels.

Italian Sidecar Bike wins AMD Modified Harley Class: A first in 2011 for the World Championship was the entry of a sidecar outfit and it was this outfit, Abnormal Cycles' Union, that took the honors in the Modified Harley class. The Model 'U' powered outfit features a stock frame fitted with a custom sidecar body and a leaf spring Indian style front end, which includes a pair of handlebars created to also look like a leaf spring.

The World Championship of Custom Bike Building exists to showcase and promote international custom motorcycle design and engineering quality, craftsmanship and innovation; and to promote the evolution of custom motorcycling in ways that will help secure the unique enjoyment of custom motorcycles for future generations of riders.

The World Championship is a free-public-admission four-day event that opens on the first Sunday of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, culminating in an awards ceremony at 3:00 pm MST on the Wednesday of the Rally. The whole event, including the awards ceremony, is broadcast on the internet and you will find photos of all of the top bikes at www.AMDChampionship.com.

Buffalo Chip Video Spotlight: Iron Cowgirl Missy

Last night was opening night of Sturigs 2011 and  "Iron Cowgirl Missy" Covill's first night on stage at the Sam Kinison Showcase Stage at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. Playing guitar and singing original music on stage in front of a bunch of bikers is what she likes best. I met her last year up in Michigan and I can tell you, she's the real thing: A true biker who rides cross-country on her Harley softtail and will offer you a campsite and share a meal with you. The Sturis 2010 Rally was the fullfillment of a dream to play at the Buffalo Chip.

Iron Cowgirl Missy Covill will also be playing at the new "Biker Belles" charity event for women riders. "We couldn't be more excited about this inaugural celebration of women in motorcycling in Sturgis.” said Laura Klock. “Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist, a curiosity seeker, or someone looking for a new change of pace, you are welcome to join us! “Biker Belles™ will be a day of real women, real stories and real fun!” Read more.

Video of Buffalo Chip's New Zipline at Sturgis Rally 2011

Sturgis Buffalo Chip, the largest music festival in motorcycling now has the longest zipline in South Dakota! This year rally fans can fly by a live concert by Toby Keith, Poison, Def Leppard, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Alice Cooper, Jeff Bridges, Stevie Nicks, John Fogerty, or Tesla at the 71st annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: August 6 to 16th!

This link will take you to "The Hottest Events at Sturgis 2011" daily schedule of events.

'65 Harley Bobber "Just Add Violence" Ready for Sturgis 2011

Are you ready for Sturgis?

I will be posting photos from the 2011 AMD and Rat's Hole Bike Shows ASAP! Last year's Best of Show winner at the Buffalo Chip - Rat's Hole Show was "Courtesan" created by Abu Dhabi (UAE) builder, Mario  Kyprianides of Chopper Kulture.

Mario is back this year with "Just Add Violence," based on a 1965 Panhead. The bike was built before and after the Sturgis 2010 Rally for competition in the Biker-Build-Off Europe in early December 2010.  J.A.V. is for sure one of the top bikes to beat at Sturgis 2011. 

It won the AMD Middle East Championship, Best of Show, People's Choice, Free-style, and Best Paint Job at Dubai Bike Week in February 2011. Click on images to enlarge.

The bike was shipped to Daytona Beach at the end of February 2011 to compete in the World Series Showdown at The Rat's Hole Show during the 70^th Daytona Bike Week. It won against bike builders from the US, Canada and Australia, on top of winning Best Bobber.

The Harley panhead engine was rebuilt and customized by Billy at BB Racing. "We wanted to give the motor a more tech look," said Mario. "Billy and I medaled with the idea of making pan tops with glass so you can see the moving lifters  and splashing oil." Parts include an S&S oil pump and Jims hydraulic lifters. Wiseco pistons with 9:1 compression ratio with an Andrews J grind cam give the motor a little edge.

Rowe valves and guides were used and a mew aftermarket cam cover was sent to the engravers for some metal tattooing. The bike utilizes a Morris magneto G5 ignition and Cycle Electric generator. All the gaskets are from Cometic Gasket for a good no "spot marking" bike. With the glass tops on the heads, you can see the brass blocks below, with silver inscriptions: like FTW, FU etc. 
  

Because old Harleys have a unique thread size ¼’-24 that falls in the middle between coarse thread and fine thread, as well as bolts that have a unique and unusual taper of 82 degrees, all of the hardware was custom made from scratch in stainless steel by Jim from Diamond Engineering in Florida. For the transmission, Baker billet covers that look just like the original ones but polish really nice to give the whole unit a rich look.

A Chopper Kulture signature frame was used with a slight variation in order to position the drive train. Instead of the usual gooseneck, Mario decided to go straight up the backbone. "This frame has slightly more rake at 32 degrees and a slightly narrower rear end to house the 180 tire. The frontend is also a custom piece, with 2 inch stretch. The big difference is that it has the dampening springs in front of each other instead of side by side. This gives the whole bike a nice sleek look," he said. Wheels and brakes are from HHI.

The inverted "Cathedral" bars were knocked up from a straight tube and a perfect match for the previously made sissy bar, said Mario. "The forward controls were another special item that took a while to work out. They are the first and the debut of a line of Chopper Kulture forward controls. And what a perfect way to showcase them!"

"I wanted to keep the top of the transmission area clean, so I decided to combine the gas tank and oil tank," said Mario. "I came up with a two-piece idea that has a Frankenstein look, but also has the unmistakable look and feel of a Custom Kulture bike."

As usual, all of the chroming was sent to California MecLec. A seat pan was also sent to California, where Duane Ballard did the custom leather and tooling.

The frame and all important sheet metal parts were sent to Connecticut to be painted by Robert Pradke.  While Mario was showing "Courtesan" at the Sturgis 2010 Rally, Robert worked non-stop for six weeks (300 hours) on the candy tangerine metal-flake wrap. Custom brass units were made for all of the gas and oil fillers and sent to the engraver, along with the handle bar risers and shifter knob -- "Gas Hole" for the fuel and "Lube Hole" for the oil; and on the risers "Love" and "Hate." The brass shifter knob bears the inscription "Thug Life" ... Just Add Violence.

Written by MJ Lloyd Reynolds, owner of Motorcycle Event News at www.MotorcycleEventNews.com and MJR Media.

23rd Sturgis Rat's Hole Bike Show, Aug. 11th

The 2011 Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show is headed back to the Buffalo Chip to help celebrate the Chip’s 30th Anniversary during the Sturgis Rally.

Admission is free at the Chip's East Gate entrance to see the competition: 10am to 4pm Thursday, Aug. 11, featuring 100 or more top bikes from all over the world.

The Rat's Hole Bar will be open throughout the Sturgis Rally, serving cold draft beer every day in economic souvenier mugs. Come take a look at their incredible collection of Rats Hole bikes, and don't miss the bike show near the Chip Event Center.

"Come out for the fun, and with the coverage we got last year, if you want to get noticed enter the show and show us what you got!" said show owner, Ted Smith. 

The Rat's Hole Show will be one of the best events at Sturgis, and the "Best of Show" trophy winner will take the stage with the winning bike to receive the award before thousands of fans on the main stage at the Buffalo Chip on Thursday night. 

To register a bike visit: www.Ratshole.com


"Best of Show" builder, Mario Kyprianides of Chopper Kulture in Abu-Dhabi, UAE on the main stage at Buffalo Chip with his winning bike, "Courtesan" at the 2010 Rat's Hole Show.

  

Congrats to these 2010 Rat's Hole Sturgis Bike Show Class Winners:

OVER 1000cc STOCK – Sponsored by Custom World
3rd Place – Doug Wood – Everett, WA
2nd Place – Marwan Mansour – North Port, NY
1st Place – Garry Kriz – Minneapolis, MN

OVER 1000cc CUSTOM – Sponsored by Cimo & Cimo Inc.
3rd Place – Craszy-Drive.com – Zurich, Switzerland
2nd Place – Dan Dabney – Roy, UT
1st Place – Bob Wyman – Bowie, MD

OVER 1000cc RADICAL – Sponsored by Custom World
3rd Place – Sam Baldi – Cherry Valley, CA
2nd Place – A T American Cycles –Neuffen, Germany
1st Place – Bugs Custom – Irsingen, Germany

Over 1000cc SUPER RADICAL – Sponsored by Ride Now Magazine
3rd Place – Hugh Whitsit – Setauket, NY
2nd Place – Waco Wilson – Montrose, CO
1st Place – Troy Kyne – Greeley, Co

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

Jay Allen Talks About The Original Sturgis Broken Spoke Saloon

Always a smokin' party at the Original Broken Spoke in downtown Sturgis, SD
Sturgis 2011 Rally photo by Sasha Mullins Lassiter.

Interview that follows, pre-sturgis rally 2011 with the one-and-only Jay Allen!

As many of you know, Jay Allen is no longer involved in the operation of Broken Spoke Saloon properties in Daytona Beach, Myrtle Beach, Laconia or the Sturgis Campground, having relinquished his management role to The Target Companies based in Boston.

Jay's only comment was, "I hope they do well because I still have an investment."

The good news is that Jay is in charge of entertainment at The Original Broken Spoke Saloon in downtown Sturgis and he has just announced a killer music lineup including Big Engine and Jasmine Cain and a couple of great rides, along with S&S and Baker Drivetrain events. Jay Allen knows how to throw a party at the Sturgis Rally... something he's been doing for 20 years!

Join Jay for the Michael Lichter & Sugar Bear Ride at 10:30am Sunday, Aug. 7th.    CK out the full lineup, Aug. 4th to 13th at

The Original Broken Spoke Saloon.

"Sometimes you just have to step back in order to move forward to do the things that you really want to do," said Jay in a recent phone interview. "I want to race bikes and get back to shooting videos, like what I was doing with Johnny Chop and Indian Larry. In fact, I just got a new Johnny Chop tattoo on my back to go with the Indian Larry tattoo I have on my arm... And this time," Jay noted "I am older and wiser, I own the production company so I can continue to shoot footage at events all over the country and share everything I'm doing with the men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan because that's who I am. You know the people who serve in the military are always starved for entertainment and videos from back home."






"I'm at large and in charge and ready to rock it!" said Jay, when he posted this video to his Facebook page 2 hours ago. 


Now that he is not tied to such a demanding schedule at the big four rallies, Jay is looking forward to visiting and getting involved in some of the newer events and rallies.


"I am one of the luckiest guys around, I have a wonderful family, great friends and the best job in the world. I get to go on some of the coolest rides and watch the history of the motorcycle industry happen before my eyes. You know, I don't feel like I'm getting any older..."

In 2009, Jay set a new Land Speed Record of 157.2765 mph in the MPF Class with this bike at the Bonneville Salt Flats, and later that same week, posted a 184.667 mph record in the 3000cc APS-PF class on his 2005 S&S 124 cubic inch engine, 6-speed Baker transmission racer.
Click here to connect with Jay Allen on Facebook.

The original Broken Spoke Saloon & Museum at 905 Lazelle Street was a lumberyard in the late 1980's when  Dave Iversen bought the property. He needed workspace and ample room for his collection of car and motorcycle memorabilia. The bar helped to pay the museum bills, but later became too much work. That is when Jay Allen became the owner, and the rest is history.

The Broken Spoke Saloon opened for the first time during the 1988 annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and Races.  With the large open front doorway motorcycles were allowed to drive through the bar itself and park inside. Vendor spaces were created along the back and side walls that offered tattooing, mechanic repairs and food. Most available free space, high and low, was used for display. The small stage offered live music most afternoons and evenings.

The love of collecting is in Jay's blood as well and the museum part of the Broken Spoke is astounding. You will find a custom V-8 motorcycle sharing space with a 1920 original Harley. There is beer to be had in lots of spots in Sturgis during the rally but the original bar and museum is the most unique.

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

"Freedom" Notes From The Road by Johnny & Jay

Johnny Lange and his partner, Jay Barbieri  of Strip Club Choppers are packing up for another Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. You will find them again this year at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. I get their monthly news updates that usually include promotion of their upcoming events and franchise opportunities. But like most true bikers, Johnny and Jay are also big-hearted and patriotic, and like to show their appreciation to combat veterans. Photo by Jim Dohms/Daytona Bike Week 2011... Read this by Johnny.

"A couple of weeks ago an old friend of mine contacted me and asked me if I had parts available in flat black and without hesitation my inner salesman kicked in and I proceeded to give him the available product inventory. We chatted for a while and I quickly learned that he was upgrading a Harley for his nephew who was currently serving his third tour in Afghanistan after two successful tours in Iraq. And when I say successful, I guess that means still alive and well.

"I told him I had to leave town and would get him some stuff at my cost before Sturgis and didnt give it much more thought because I was so self absorbed in preparing for all the activities I have scheduled in Sturgis.

"Things changed dramaticlly for these young men, when on July 12th Lance Cpl Robert S Greninger of Greenfield, Minnesota was killed conducting combat operations in Afghanistan. Cpl Greninger served alongside my friend's nephew SSgt Chris Shranko and saved the lives af many of his fellow soldiers with his actions that cost him his life.

"When I was informed of this I began to think about all the young men and women who pay the ultimate price for us to enjoy all the freedoms we take for granted in this country. The freedom to take a summer vacation, the freedom to fly on an airplane, the freedom to attend a motorcycle event. And I know its a cliche, but Frredom is not free. It cost this young man who was just begining his life, his future.

"You may not personally know anyone who is serving but everyone over there is someone's son or daughter mother or father so the next time you see someone in uniform remember the reason you were able to go to the movies last night is because they paid the ultimate price to keep us free. You may not agree with the politics or the administration that is in office but these young men and women don't have time to concern themselves with that. They are too busy sacrificing their lives so you can enjoy yours.

"Obviously I felt the need to do something more so I will be donating all the parts for the bike as well as sending a care package of SCC swag to Afghanastan for the entire unit, which seems so inconsequential when compared to the sacrifices these men and women are making who serve in every branch of the military.



"I am not going to do my usual shameless self promotion at the end of this month's article suffice to say it just doesn't seem appropriate." - from the road, Johnny Lange - SSC.

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

The Horse Backstreet Choppers Announces it’s 5th Annual FREE Sturgis Bike Show

After the huge success of last year’s show,
The Horse Backstreet Choppers will bring its fifth annual The Horse Backstreet Choppers Bike Show to Michael Ballard’s Full Throttle Saloon, once again, during Sturgis Bike Week 2011. 

This FREE show will be held Monday, August 8th, 2011 and will feature guest judges, door prizes and giveaways, a burnout pit, live music and beautiful women. NO registration fee or entry fee, this is a completely FREE show.

The Horse’s mission is to recognize all hard-core, garage-built backstreet choppers, all owners are encouraged to enter.  Open, FREE registration will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, all bikes must be in by noon. The winners will be announced at 3 p.m. Prizes will be given out all day. EVERYONE who enters a bike is eligible to win prizes. Your bike does not have to win and award to win a prize.

This year’s panel of guest judges includes Roadside Marty of Flat Broke Customs, Paul Cox of Paul Cox Industries, Chuck Palumbo of CP Kustoms, Patrick Patterson of LED Sled, Jesse Dupre of Jackyl, Sugar Bear of Sugar Bear Choppers, Matt Olsen- Carl Olsen’s son, special guest judges, Michael Ballard of The Full Throttle Saloon and Angie Carlson of Full Throttle Flaunt, and many more.

“We are excited to be back at The Full Throttle,” said Steve Broyles, who heads up each year’s show. “Last year’s show was a great success so we expect even more great bikes to show up this year and to have an even better show than last year. We have made some changes this year, awards will be done earlier and we have even more prizes and swag to give away.”

Those who enter their bikes in the show will have a chance to win over $15,000 thousand dollars in door prizes from many different companies like Custom Chrome/Jammer, Factory Metal Works, Stevenson’s Cycle, Fabricator Kevin’s, Cycle X, Affliction, Papa Clutch Customs, Chop Docs Choppers, Low Brow Customs, Baker Drivetrain and many many more. Go to the website to check out the list of available prizes. You must have a bike entered to win the door prizes.

There will also be tons of crowd giveaways. But of course, no Sturgis event would be complete without great bikes, great entertainment and great babes, so be sure to enter your bike or stop by and check out all the action. FREE Registration will be open 9am to Noon. Competing bikes will be on display from Noon to 4pm at The Full Throttle Saloon.

The FREE 2011 Horse Backstreet Choppers Bike Show is sponsored by Evil Engineering, LLC, Stevenson’s Cycles, CCI/Jammer Cycle Products, Baker Drivetrain, Cycle X, Fabricator Kevin’s and many other great companies. For more information or to pre-register contact Kari at (313) 737 8888 or thehorseads@aol.com.

This news post by Lisa M. Ballard, www.dbcustomleather.com and for all of your west coast (USA) marketing needs, www.shinysidemarketing.com.

Limpnickie Lot Builders Join Sturgis Buffalo Chip Celebration

During the 2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the Limpnickie Lot of custom bike builders will be creating their own FREE Limpnickie village with over 20 Limpnickie Lot motorcycle builders and a skateboard ramp in the free area, near the Buffalo Sculpture at the West Gate at Sturgis Buffalo Chip.




Tuesday, August 9th - The 5th Annual Cycle Source Magazine Black Hills Run will roll out at noon from the Limpnickie Lot village at Buffalo Chip.

Friday, August 12th - The Limpnickie Lot builders and Cycle Source Magazine present The Cycle Source Free Night Time Chopper Show. The bike show will feature 10 classes, free entry and prizes from Legends Air.

"We have watched what Chris and Taber have created over the last few years and feel like the Buffalo Chip is the perfect place for them to realize their fullest potential in Sturgis. We see this as a long-term partnership that will round out the world class attractions that the Buffalo Chip already offers," said Rod Woodruff, owner of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.

"This new free area of the facility will be a combination of the laid back Limpnickie attitude and the world-class destination of the Chip," said Chris Callen, owner/editor of Cycle Source Magazine and co-owner of the Limpnickie Lot.

The Limpnickie Lot took the motorcycle industry by storm in March of 2008 during Daytona Bike Week when the original 11 Limpnickie Lot members took over the parking lot in front of the Stone Edge Skatepark. It was the first time young builders and small parts manufactures had joined together in an effort that would combine their passion for custom motorcycles and their cultural identifiers like skateboarding, punk rock and metal music. They had a successful week that changed the face of motorcycling and finally gave the rising next generation of motorcycle builders a united voice.

"We wanted to have our own kind of rally and found other like-minded next generation builders who shared our common interests. It has blown up over the last few years and we are really stoked to be at The Buffalo Chip this year," said Taber Nash, co-owner of Limpnickie Lot.

The Legendary Buffalo Chip will be celebrating "30 Years Strong" with a packed music lineup that includes Alice Cooper, Bachman Turner, Buckcherry, Charlie Brechtel Band, Edgar Winter, Def Leppard, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, Greg Allman, Jeff Bridges & Friends, Lukas Nelson, Lynrd Skynrd, Poison, Pop Evil, Puddle of Mudd, Saving Abel, Styx, Sweet Cyanide, Tesla, Toby Keith, and Williams & Ree. 

Details & reservations at BuffaloChip.com 

Source: Limpnickie Lot

Posted by MJ Lloyd Reynolds/MJR Media marketing services for the motorcycle industry - mjr.media@earthlink.net

 

Buffalo Chip Announces Biker Belles Celebration at 71st Sturgis

The Legendary Buffalo Chip will host the first annual Biker Belles (TM) celebration during the 71st Sturgis Rally. The event on Wednesday, Aug. 10th will "recognize the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling" while also raising funds for two charities, chosen by Helping with Horsepower (TM.) The charities chosen are Abbott House and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.

The inaugural Biker Belles™ celebration will begin in the historic town of Deadwood, where the Lodge at Deadwood will roll out the red carpet and host a special welcome reception complete with events, entertainment and activities catered to women. A women's-only ride to The Buffalo Chip for a concert and party will be led by Meg McDonough, a member of the Motor Maids. 

“Each year the Buffalo Chip sees more and more women riding through our gates”, said Toni Woodruff, daughter of Buffalo Chip president, Rod Woodruff. “It’s so exciting to have an event during the Sturgis Rally that caters to women riders and benefits local charities in the process!”

To highlight the Biker Belles™ festivities at The Chip, 4-time national land speed record holder and pilot of the original “World’s Fastest Bagger,” Laura Klock of Klock Werks Kustom Cycle, will unveil “SALT,” a customized Harley-Davidson® built under her direction and guidance with the girls and young women of the Abbott House. While at the party, Laura and her staff will be selling raffle tickets to win this special bike that will be given away in support of the Abbott House next fall. “We couldn’t be more excited about this inaugural celebration of women in motorcycling in Sturgis.” said Laura Klock. “Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist, a curiosity seeker, or someone looking for a new change of pace, you are welcome to join us! “Biker Belles™ will be a day of real women, real stories and real fun!”

Tickets for the 2011 Biker Belles™ celebration are available now on www.bikerbelles.com or by calling (605) 347-9000. The Biker Belles™ celebration requires a $75 contribution that goes directly to its chosen charities. The finishing touches are being worked out for the 2011 celebration, with details to be announced at http://www.bikerbelles.com/

Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame, Class of 2011 Announced

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame has just announced the list of inductees for 2011, which includes one of the best known riders in motorcycle history: Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame is designed to recognize individuals or groups who have made a long term positive impact on the motorcycle community. The lifetime achievement awards will be presented at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast at 9 a.m., Wednesday, August 10 at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, SD.

This year's list (arranged alphabetically) includes:

Don Emde – Don Emde comes by his passion for motorcycling naturally. He was born to a motorcycling family in 1951, and spent much of his youth either working in the family’s dealership or tearing up the tracks of Southern California as an amateur scrambler, dirt tracker and road racer. He turned pro in 1969, and set numerous records with his Daytona 200 win in 1972. Emde and his father became the first (and so far only) father son pair to win the Daytona 200. After his racing career, Don went on to become a successful publisher and author. He currently publishes Drag Specialties Magazine, Parts Magazine and Parts Europe Magazine.

Del Hofer – Del Hofer has been a Harley-Davidson dealer for 50 years, first in Huron, South Dakota, then in Fargo, North Dakota. His love of motorcycling is obvious through many of his activities. Del is active in the American Motorcyclists Association and is the longest serving member of the Harley-Davidson Dealer Advisory Board. A long-time AMA amateur racer in all styles of racing, Del also served as an AMA referee and District Congressman for quite some time. Del’s passion for motorcycling is evident to anyone who meets him. He encourages men and women alike to take safety courses, get active in riding and enjoy it in a safe and fun way.

Robert Craig “Evel” Knievel – Probably one of the best-known motorcycle riders in history, Evel Knievel liked to live on the edge. From riding his bicycle at an early age to pole vaulting when he was in the army to playing semi-pro hockey, Evel tried it all. In the early 1960s, Evel joined the motocross circuit with moderate success until a broken collar bone forced him to take a job as an insurance salesman. The insurance business didn’t hold him for long, though, and soon he moved his family to Washington where he started his first daredevil show. During his career, he attempted 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps, many successfully. In 1974, Knievel was unsuccessful in his attempt to jump across the Snake River on a steam-powered rocket – the Skycycle X-2. Knievel died of pulmonary disease in 2007 at age 69.

Michael Prugh – While Michael Prugh is certainly well recognized as a motorcycle designer and manufacturer, it’s his work educating others that has taken him beyond the title of “builder.” Michael has been involved in many builds for charity and as a competitor. He took second place two years in a row in the AMD’s World Championship of Custom Bike Building and has been featured in numerous publications featuring various builds. In 2010, Prugh led a team of students from Western Dakota Tech to build “Method” a true “one off” bike that was auctioned at the annual Legends Ride. This year, Prugh is again teaming up with Western Dakota Tech, Black Hills Harley-Davidson and the Buffalo Chip to build a bike for the Legends Ride.

Gloria Tramontin Struck – You’d never believe this outspoken 85-year-old woman is the same girl who in 1941 at age 16 tearfully told her brother “I do not want to know how to ride!” Well, her brother won that argument and she’s been riding from that day until today. She’s owned 14 motorcycles in her lifetime, has traveled every state in the continental U.S. as well as Canada. At the age of 76, she took two trips to Europe, traveling a total of over 6,500 miles in 8 countries. Gloria has been a Motor Maid for 65 years, having joined in 1946 and is the longest member still riding. She continually encourages women to ride and to be involved. Gloria is an inspiration to riders and non-riders alike.

Mike & Margaret Wilson – While both Mike & Margaret Wilson have contributed individually to the sport and lifestyle of motorcycling, those who know this couple consider them to be a pair. Mike was an expert dirt-track and TT racer both before and after his stint in World War II. Right after his return, Mike bought a 45 cubic inch Harley-Davidson motorcycle as a birthday surprise for Margaret. Mike and Margaret were business partners in a Harley-Davidson then Honda dealership in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for over 25 years. Both Mike and Margaret have been avid riders and have spent countless hours encouraging others to ride, too. Known to an entire generation of women raiders, Margaret is a golden life member of the Motor Maids celebrating 60 years this year. Mike and Margaret both serve on the Board of Directors of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and continue to work to preserve the heritage of motorcycling through their involvement.

Breakfast tickets are available for a $35.00 donation, tables of eight for $300.00. Tickets can be purchased through the Museum at 605.347.2001 or on line at www.sturgismuseum.com/cart/