When Clarence "Pappy" Hoel purchased an Indian Motorcycle franchise in the depths of the Great Depression, he had no idea that he was about to begin the most famous motorcycle gathering in the world. It all began in 1938, when Pappy, his wife, Pearl, and his newly founded Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club decided to host a race in Sturgis. Nine participants and a mere 200 spectators attended. Today the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally is one of, if not 'the' largest gatherings of motorcycle enthusiasts in the world. The Rally occurs every August in the Black Hills of South Dakota, home to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse National Memorial and Devil's Tower Monument to name a few of the area's most recognized 'icons'. The 2012 Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally, August 6th - 12th, celebrates the 72nd Anniversary of the event that has become known to motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the world as the "Granddaddy of 'em all”. Attendance for the 2011 Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally was estimated at 416,727 with participants from all 50 states as well as Canada and dozens of other international communities including Japan, Australia, Germany, England, etc. From South Dakota’s Governor, to entertainment and sports superstars, to motorcycle industry legends, you’re likely to find them all strolling Main Street and enjoying the sights and sounds that are “Sturgis”!

Seven hundred twenty seven (727) temporary vendors set up shop within Sturgis city limits for the 71st Annual Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally. Statistics from the South Dakota Department of Transportation indicate an average traffic count in Sturgis of 55,550 plus per day during the official week long reporting period. And, the South Dakota Department of Revenue reports over $10.3 million dollars in taxable sales transactions collected to date for the 2011 Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally. The Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally Department annually takes a survey conducted in partnerships with Rally sponsors, SD Department of Tourism and Black Hills Vacations.com. Respondents to the survey indicated that www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com is there number one go to source for information on the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally, as well as word-of-mouth! How can you capitalize on this phenomenon and capture the attention of this market? Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally sponsorships offer you customized packages that combine a unique blend of on-site visibility and promotion during the Rally itself, as well as year round exposure through the Rally's official website and related promotional vehicles, in order to establish top of mind awareness for your brand with Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally attendees.