My first experience with the Sturgis Rally was in 1980. Three of my high school buddies and I decided to drive up one night. I think we all were a little scared at first. It was a lot smaller event back then. It had more of a biker feel and appeal. I saw things that I had never seen before or ever expected to see. When we left I remember thinking, I can’t wait till next year. I wasn’t a biker, hell I wasn’t even out of high school yet but something about it made me want to come back year after year. I haven’t missed one yet. Only living 30 minutes away makes it so much easier not to miss one. For the first 19 years I attended on 4 wheels, dreaming of one day riding down Main Street. That day came in 1999. On top of my brand new Harley Davidson 1200 Sportster, heart pounding, sweaty hands and a grin from ear to ear, I turned down Main Street Sturgis and began my long awaited journey. What a thrill it was. I was now an official biker, I thought to myself. I have rode down Main Street Sturgis. To this day I still get the same feeling. There’s something about the noises, the smells, and the people and of course all the bikes that keeps me coming back. And, yes occasionally I do drive up on 4 wheels.
