The 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is underway in the Black Hills. The 2015 Rally is expected to be the biggest ever, but it's beginnings were quite humble.

  • The first Rally was held on August 14, 1938 and was called "Black Hills Classic." It consisted of one race with participants and a small audience.
  • Camping at the first Rally was in "Pappy's" back yard, behind the Indian Motorcycle Shop on Junction Avenue in Sturgis.
  • "Pappy's" wife Peral fed that first group "Weenies, sloppy joes, potato salad and watermelon for dessert." All served in a tent behind the dealership.
  • The Rally was quickly popular, the second year saw attendance reach 800 people.
  • The Rally has been held nearly every year, with two cancellations during World War Two because of gas rationing.
  • The early Rallys were focused on racing. In 1961 the Hill Climb and Motocross races were introduced.
  • The first time Main Street in Sturgis was blocked off was in 1949 for an awards ceremony.
  • The Rally's first vendor license was issued in 1974.

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