T his is the big one, folks! Big Daddy Rat’s Grandaddy! Decades of history have made the Rat’s Hole shows one that simply can’t be equaled. It’s where gems are discovered, fresh talent is uncorked and careers are launched on meteoric trajectories. Just ask guys like Donnie Smith, Dave Pere- witz and Arlen Ness. When Big Daddy Rat Karl Smith established the Rat’s Hole Show in Daytona in 1973, he made it a showplace for custom craftsmanship. His son Ted has con- tinued that tradition. And this year it’s even bigger: it’s the 30th anniversary of the Sturgis edition of the show, marking three decades of wicked steeds and far-out parties. Expect a few anniversary sur- prises! e revered bronze rat trophies will be bestowed on the winners in 16 classes as usual, plus best of show includes a trip for two to Switzerland for the renowned Swiss-Custom Customizing and Tuning Show. And from the celebrity judges of History’s “Counting Cars,” Ryan, the show’s pinstriper, cre- ated a special one-off award. e Count’s crew will be on hand to hang out, talk shop, and mingle like the gearheads they are. Of course, Rat’s Hole is more than a bike show. It’s a celebra- tion of the chopper and custom scene and it’s perfectly placed at the Chip CrossRoads. e Rat’s Hole free tattoo show and Black Hills Bagger Show- down, two shows within the show, go down at the same time. So whatever kind of machine gets you going, roll in to see the best customs of the Rally at the Rat’s Hole and celebrate their 30th anniversary. ratshole.com. STURGIS RIDER DAILY ® STURGIS RIDER DAILY • FIELD OF FLAGS • MULLET MADNESS CONTEST • VETERAN’S CHARITY AUCTION DON’T MISS TONIGHT 10:30 PM KID ROCK 8:30 PM LITA FORD 7:05 PM SCATTERED HAMLET TOMORROW 10:30 PM JOHN KAY & STEPPENWOLF 8:30 PM YELAWOLF 7:05 PM TED Z & THE WRANGLERS STURGIS BUFFALO CHIP’S WOLFMAN JACK STAGE 30th anniversary show happens today! STURGIS WEATHER Courtesy of weather.com Thurs 8/9 Fri 8/10 Sunny Sunny 88/66 92/68 RAT’S HOLE CUSTOM BIKE SHOW 10:30 PM 8:30 PM 6 7 THURSDAY AUG. 9, 2018 OF FREE TONIGHT What: 2018 Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show When: Thursday, August 9 Registration: Online or before 10:00 a.m. Tattoo Show: 2:00 p.m. Judging & Public Display: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Awards 5:00 PM Where: Buffalo Chip CrossRoads
Transcript
This is the big one, folks! Big Daddy Rat’s Grandaddy! Decades of history have made the Rat’s Hole shows one
that simply can’t be equaled. It’s where gems are discovered, fresh talent is uncorked and careers are launched on meteoric trajectories. Just ask guys like Donnie Smith, Dave Pere-witz and Arlen Ness. When Big Daddy Rat Karl Smith established the Rat’s Hole Show in Daytona in 1973, he made it a showplace for custom craftsmanship. His son Ted has con-tinued that tradition.
And this year it’s even bigger: it’s the 30th anniversary of the Sturgis edition of the show, marking three decades of wicked steeds and far-out parties. Expect a few anniversary sur-prises!
The revered bronze rat trophies will be bestowed on the winners in 16 classes as usual, plus best of show includes a trip for two to Switzerland for the renowned Swiss-Custom Customizing and Tuning Show.
And from the celebrity judges of History’s “Counting Cars,” Ryan, the show’s pinstriper, cre-ated a special one-off award. The Count’s crew will be on hand to hang out, talk shop, and mingle like the gearheads they are.
Of course, Rat’s Hole is more than a bike show. It’s a celebra-tion of the chopper and custom scene and it’s perfectly placed at the Chip CrossRoads. The Rat’s Hole free tattoo show and Black Hills Bagger Show-down, two shows within the show, go down at the same time.
So whatever kind of machine gets you going, roll in to see the best customs of the Rally at the Rat’s Hole and celebrate their 30th anniversary. ratshole.com.
SturgiS rider daily®SturgiS rider daily• FIELD OF FLAGS
• MULLET MADNESS CONTEST
• VETERAN’S CHARITY AUCTION
Don’t miss
tonight10:30 pmKid RocK8:30 pm
Lita FoRd7:05 pm
ScatteRed HamLettomorrow
10:30 pmJoHn Kay & SteppenwoLF
8:30 pmyeLawoLF
7:05 pmted Z & tHe wRangLeRS
SturgiS Buffalo Chip’Swolfman JaCk
Stage
30th anniversary show happens today!
sturgis weather
Courtesy of weather.com
thurs 8/9 Fri 8/10
Sunny Sunny88/66 92/68
rat’S hole CuStom Bike Show
10:30 pm
8:30 pm
6 7thurSday
aug. 9, 2018
of
Free
tonight
What: 2018 Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show
When: Thursday, August 9Registration: Online or before
10:00 a.m.Tattoo Show: 2:00 p.m.
Judging & Public Display: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Awards 5:00 PMWhere: Buffalo Chip
CrossRoads
Thursday, augusT 9, 2018 page 3SturgiS rider dailyThursday, augusT 9, 2018page 2 SturgiS rider daily
Don’t head back home on suspect tires. Continental Tires has a deal for you: Buy the rear, get the front free–plus installa-
tion. And if you’re worried your riding time would be interrupted, don’t be: Indian Motorcycle has
loaner bikes on hand for your use—FREE—while your tires are installed. It’s like adding a demo ride to your rally experience.
Wrangler is at the CrossRoads with an awesome deal: Buy 2/Get 1. One what? One anything they have! You can mix and match, men’s & women’s, tops & bottoms. See them near the Sons of Light Pancake Breakfast.
Biker Nation is new this year and you don’t want to miss their eclectic selection of rider wear. Owner Sylvia Cochran says it best: “We have a wide selec-tion of American-made ladies clothing from Lib-erty Wear, top hats from Voodoo / American Hat Makers as well as men’s shirts by Affliction, ladies jeans by Platinum Plush and stainless steel jewelry.”
kinison sTage6PM .............................School of Burlesque7:55 PM ...........................Buffalo Dreamers9:55PM ............................Buffalo Dreamers10PM ..................................The Flaunt GirlsMidnight ................Ted Z and the Wranglers
roadhouse sTage10PM, Midnight Live Music: Charlie Brechtel
JVc crossroads sTageNoon ..................... Mullet Madness Contest1:30PM .....................Live Music: Big Skillet3PM ............................Freedom Celebration4:30PM ........ Live Music: Crossroad station6:30PM ....................... Biker Games Hosted by Tumbleweed
crossroads eVenTs7–11AM ..................Free Pancake Breakfast9–10AM ............CrossFit at the CrossRoads9–3PM .............................Blade Aces Axe & Knife Throwing Championship9AM–6PM ..............Miss Buffalo Chip Bikini Bike Wash9AM–6PM ...................... BMW Demo Rides10–5PM .....................Rat’s Hole Bike Show11:30–Noon ..... Ives Brothers Wall of Death11:30–Noon ......... Stunt Show: Clint EwingNoon–1:30PM .....Live Music: Pat Terranova1–1:30PM ........ Ives Brothers Wall of Death1–1:30PM ............. Stunt Show: Clint Ewing1–4PM ...................... Free Fuel Happy Hour3–3:30PM ..................... Blade Aces Awards5–6PM .......... Rat’s Hole Bike Show Awards6–7PM .............. AMA Supermoto Pre-Party w/ Micky Dymond 6-7PM .......... “Rebel On the Highway” Actor Autograph Sessions & “Rough Boys” Movie Auditions6–6:30PM ............. Stunt Show: Clint Ewing6–6:30PM ........ Ives Brothers Wall of Death7–7:30 PM ....... Ives Brothers Wall of Death
Schedules are subject to change.
M otorcycles As Art is the Buffalo Chip’s prestigious custom motorcycle & art exhibition, curated by photographer
Michael Lichter. This year’s theme, “Passion Built” focuses on people who don’t build custom bikes for a living, they build for the love of the subject. A longtime fabricator and mechanic, Skeeter Todd could be the poster child for the theme.
“I’ve been doing this probably longer than any-one else on the list,” said Skeeter Todd when we talked in mid-June. And even if I didn’t already know that was true, it was starkly evident for this reason: Skeeter’s bike was all but complete, weeks ahead of schedule.
Motorcycle people know Skeeter from his stints at Rolling Thunder frames, Orange County Chop-pers, and NEMPCO (Google that!) but Skeeter never made bike building his business; it has been and remains his pleasure. “It’s different when you have no customers,” he said. “I’m just here hav-ing fun in the woods!” There’s no stress, either, so you have to be driven from within. “When it’s not a business, when you’re on your own motivation, ingenuity and creativity, it’s all out of your own being,” he said.
And Skeeter’s motivation over many years can best be described as maintaining stealth. Seldom flashy but always remarkable, Skeeter’s designs make the complicated appear very simple indeed, though he’ll tell you it’s all simple.
He figures there are two kinds of people who look at his bikes: those who get it and those who don’t. When people give a casual glance and walk by, who needs them. But he delights in watching people do double takes, come back and look more closely, then stoop down to peek under. When they
get out the smart phone flashlight, he knows he’s got them.
The bike he built for Motorcycles As Art is FXR-style—a.k.a. Skeeter-style. There’s not a lot of frills, it’s heavy on street attitude, and the neat stuff is all hidden. “If you find it easy, then it’s not well done,” he says.
“It’s not an FXR—it’s a figment,” he said, then explained: he drew up the frame and sent it to Roll-ing Thunder to be built. Then he had Brock make the swingarm from a design he’d massaged years ago. The bike has an S&S 145” engine, 180 rear tire and stainless exhaust by Greg Dahl. “It has as much engine as I could put in it,” he said.
Other considerations: “I love fuel injection but
I hate it. It’s tough to hide the sensors and wires so I worked all that into an industrial theme. I did everything else I could in carbon fiber: the wheels, body panels and more. And I used some metric stuff because it’s lightweight and efficient.”
Then we get back to motivation. Why build such a light, slight motorcycle with all that power? He explained, “I built the bike I was lusting after when I was 20. I would have given anything for a motor-cycle like this back when I was TT’ing.”
See Motorcycles As Art: Passion Built in the Buffalo Chip Event Center. Enter free at the EAST gate. Chip campers can enter through the amphitheater. Daily 2 - 10 p.m. August 4-10. Admission is FREE.
maa Builder Skeeter todd
Shopping at the CroSSroadS
Instigated by stealth
Grab a deal!
In the heyday of grassroots street drag racing, the setup was simple: run what ya brung, trash talk your rivals, winner takes all. It was in this spirit, with a ton of fun tossed in, that yesterday’s Street Drag Invitational with Crazy John was run in the Chip amphitheater.
Sooty fumes filled the air on an already sizzling, sunny day; an excellent day to smoke the compe-tition. And when the smoke cleared, performance proved key. Pipes Gilliland, Brock Davidson and Dustin Markwald ruled the strip!
But everybody won, really, said Crazy John. “The bikes were all running well. Once we got some rub-ber down, the track got faster and faster. It was a free for all! 50 bikes registered and everybody ran hard.”
No matter how much a cross-country road trip beckons, it’s not always fea-sible. Enter companies such as Daily
Direct/Haul Bikes and JM Logistics PA.These two firms transport all of the dynamic
custom bikes in the Buffalo Chip’s Motorcycles As Art exhibition again this year. They can help you, too, when you want to ride your own bike at the rally but can’t afford the time to pilot it there yourself.
JM Logistics PA runs a “Sturgis Express,” an east-coast-to-Sturgis service that gets your bike to the Buffalo Chip and back home. The company is owned and run by people who ride. In fact, they bring their own bikes for the rally! They serve the entire country moving display materials for ven-dors and general freight as well.
DailyDirect/Haul Bikes, a longtime motorcy-cle hauler, moves motorcycles – and only motor-cycles - for dozens of custom builders you know. It’s their exclusive business and they’re passionate pros. They work with top-name auction compa-nies, a sure sign of their expertise and reliability.
Their 54 specifically-configured vehicles have two levels inside and lift gates—drivers are spe-cially trained. They cover the entire country with
few exceptions. That’s what Sturgis is about; riding in the wide-
open spaces of the American west. Don’t let time restrictions hold you back.
rippin’ good fun
Ship to the Chip
Street Drags with Crazy John
Contributors: Aaron Packard, Jordan Axtman, Brad Schneck, Grant Ekroth, Jack McIntrye, Cindy Erato, Nyla Griffith, Mary Panerio, Jeff Smith, Rachael Silver, Vincent Stemp. Other material contributed by staff of the Rapid City Journal.CirculationThe Sturgis Rider® Daily is published seven consecutive days during the Sturgis Rally. 9500 copies are distributed each day at 70 locations in the Black Hills and to campers at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.
DisclaimerThe Sturgis Rider® Daily neither endorses nor warrants the products or services of advertisers, nor does it warrant the completeness or accuracy of the data provided herein. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers, advertisers, editors, contributors, or their agents. Sturgis Rider® is a registered trademark owned by Rod Woodruff. Reproduction or transmission of content herein, in whole or part, without expressed written consent is not permitted.
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Tell us what you love about spending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at the Buffalo Chip. Or shoot us a picture and show us how your rally adventure is playing out. We may print your words or photos in the Sturgis Rider Daily!
Advertising SalesRapid City JournalPaul Mitchell, Sturgis Buffalo Chip
Design & PrepressAmy Menerey, Lost Cabin Photo & Design
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267-538-6466
Daily Direct/Haul Bikeshaulbikes.com/
1-888-HAULBIKES
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iT’s aBouT honor and respecT
The Buffalo Chip has honored America’s mili-tary and veterans with vigor since the beginning. A number of events occur annually, including the emotional and soul-stirring Field of Flags, backed by the AVTT Veterans Memorial Wall. Today, Thursday, August 9th, the 27th Buffalo Chip Freedom Celebration recognizes seven brave veter-ans who’ve fought for our great country with the conferring of Bob Hanson Distinguished Service Awards. The day is dedicated to American freedom and American warriors who’ve stood up for us so that we can live free.
Among today’s important and moving events is the Veteran’s Charity Auction, which takes place at 4:00 p.m. at the CrossRoads. Everyone can participate in this live and silent auction benefit-ting America’s Mighty Warriors, The Warrior Dog
Foundation and Combat Wounded Coalition.At 7:30 this evening and every evening, join
Rod Woodruff and Greg Smith in the nightly mil-itary toast on the Roadhouse Deck. Tonight’s toast is followed by special presentations to the Veteran Assistance K9 Program and to USMC Veteran Tyler Southern, a war-wounded triple amputee who has overcome tremendous challenges. At the Chip’s main stage at 10:00 p.m., the Bob Hanson Distinguished Service Awards are presented, as we honor those who’ve served and, in some cases, lost their lives.
An additional recognition, the 2018 Bob Han-son Distinguished Patriot Award, which honors those who have gone above and beyond in sup-port of veterans, will be given to Mark Halvorson and Mandy Walden. Their remarkable support of America’s military personnel through the Chip Freedom Celebration knows no bounds.
Stand with us as we honor those who stood for us, today at the Buffalo Chip Freedom Celebration.
Buffalo Chip freedom CeleBration27th Annual
The 2018 Bob Hanson Distinguished Service Award Honorees:
4:00 p.m. Veteran’s Charity Auction; 7:30 p.m. Roadhouse Deck Military
Toast; 8:00 p.m. Tyler Southern Trike & K9 Program
Presentations; 10:00 p.m. Bob Hanson Distinguished
Service Awards Where: Buffalo Chip
CrossRoads and Amphitheater
Wayne MundT, spec 5, coMBaT Medic us arMy
Mundt served in Vietnam with the Fourth Infantry Division and 2/327th Infantry and 101st Airborne Division in 1970 and 1971. Specialist Mundt was wounded three separate times but never left his comrades in the field. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Silver Star
ian FreeMan sergeanT FirsT class, us arMy (reT.)
Freeman served in the US Army Reserve for 18 years and deployed to Iraq in August of 2006 as part of a route clearance platoon oper-ating in the Al Anbar Province. He sustained six direct hits, suffered Traumatic Brain Injury, and was unable to return to combat.
nick gaines us arMy special ForcesA graduate of US Army Special Forces, Nick
Gaines also completed numerous medic and
practitioner courses while serving. He is a sur-vival expert who served in the Middle East and South America, and saved countless lives in combat situations. Currently, he’s a Wilderness Medical Associates instructor.
p.o. 2 Marc lee, naVy seal, us naVyP. O. 2 Lee completed SEAL Qualification
training in May of 2005 and was assigned to SEAL Team 3. He deployed to Iraq in May 2006 and was mortally wounded in Ramadi on August 2, 2006: the first Navy SEAL killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lee was posthumously awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with Valor and the Purple Heart.
keiTh helFrich, special Forces operaTion sergeanT
Keith Helfrich joined the Army in 1986 and attained the rank of 18Z, Special Forces Opera-tions Sergeant. He served in combat through various intense operations plus Bosnia and
Iraq. After four tours in Iraq and 26 years of service he retired with 100 percent disability. He was awarded the Bronze Star
MaT BesT, sgT, 2nd BaTTalion, 75Th ranger regiMenT, us arMy
Mat Best joined the Army at 17 and deployed five times to Iraq and Afghanistan, where he served in over 400 direct actions as a Team Leader and Master Breacher. He was awarded an ARCOM with Valor Device. Mat later deployed overseas as a contractor with the CIA.
eVan haFer, sergeanT FirsT class, 19Th special Forces, us arMy (reT.)Evan started his career as an infantryman
and transitioned into Special Forces. He had multiple deployments in Southeast Asia and the Middle East including Iraq. After service Evan worked with the CIA in an operational capacity.
Wayne Mundt Ian Freeman Nick Gaines Marc Lee Mat BestKeith Helfrich Evan Hafer
Some might remember the opening sequence of the brief 1969 TV show,
“Then Came Bronson.” The lead character pulls up on his Sportster beside a frazzled businessman at a stoplight. The man looks at him, sighs, and says, “Man, I wish I was you!”
It tugs at the human psyche, the yearning to step away from the daily grind and hit the road. A new film, shot partly at the Buffalo Chip over the last several rally weeks, will feed that longing when it’s released next month.
“American Dresser,” starring Tom Berenger, Keith David, Bruce Dern and Gina Gershon, depicts a flinty, vexed Vietnam veteran try-ing to do the right thing for his family after sev-eral life-altering events shake his foundations. Reaching for answers, he strikes out on a cross-country motorcycle journey with a buddy, rekindling his love of riding, taking solace from the open road, and being impacted by the experi-ences they encounter.
Like some of the best films with motorcycle themes, “American Dresser” is about motor-cycles, yes. But it’s about life and redemption, too, and the catharsis every person can encoun-
ter if growth and healing are allowed. Said the film’s writer/director Carmine Cangialosi, a lifelong motorcyclist and actor who also appears in the film, “It’s time this generation gets a great motorcycle movie.”
“American Dresser” is in select theaters and on demand September 21.
ameriCan dreSSer
Sneak PreviewSneak preview of Sturgis Car Museum. The newest, coolest car museum intown with a Swedish flair, featuring one of the largest collections of Saabcars in the world. Get out of the heat/rain. Get a free water and cool off
while you enjoy the 100+ vehicles newly arrived here!
Biker friendly! Throttle on over and check us out!Located @ Southwest
corner of Exit 32 ( Junction& Vanocker Canyon Rd.)
940 Dickson Drive
Admission $8 per personor $15 couple
From 1950 to 2011:1950 Saab 2 Cylinder @ 25HP1955 Harley Davidson Panhead
1957 Seagrave Convertible FiretruckBonneville Salt Flat Record Holder
200+ MPHOpen Road Racer– See the car used by Jerry Seinfeld on theshow Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee!
- Hear the story of selling a Saab to Jay Leno!JUST TO NAME A FEW!
The Buffalo Chip’s ubiquitous Rod “Woody” Woodruff loves to meet campers. He turns up everywhere at the Chip, so keep your eyes peeled for his smiling face and say hello. Also look for Woody in the pages of the Sturgis Rider Daily to win Chip merch. Each day there’s a different Woody cari-cature hidden in a photo of an event or location he especially recommends. The first three readers who report their find to the Chamber of Commerce/Rally Info Center at the Chip Crossroads win a prize bag. And don’t forget to notice where Woody is hiding out, because that’s definitely the place to be each day.
where’s wooDy?
Scout 60 Giveaway winner
Congrats to the winner of the Moto Stampede Giveaway Bike—Kenny Harvison from Rapid City, SD, who takes home a custom 2017 Indian Scout Sixty. “First I beat 120 people at Robbinsdale to be one of the eight finalists, then I beat everyone! It’s the luckiest I’ve ever been!”The handsome Street Tracker customized by J&P’s Pauly White, made its race debut on Wednesday with the RSD Super Hooligans in the Buffalo Chip Amphitheater—proving its light weight, maneuverability and reliability.Congrats to Kenny! We can’t wait to see what the Moto Stampede Team comes up with next time.
In the spirit of iconic road films
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It was a remarkable day that started in Deadwood with a gathering that was over the top. Celebs mixed with fans and amazing items came up for
auction, including the one-off, remarkable Paul Jr. Designs motorcycle.
A spirited ride through the Hills culminated at the Chip Crossroads for rest and relaxation before Legends riders filtered into the amphitheater for the Lynyrd Skynyrd farewell concert. The Ride That Rocks™? Exactly!
a worthy CauSe2018 legendS ride
With the theme of “Shifting Gears,” the Biker Belles
signature ride hit its stride with amped up attendance, an all-women’s bike show and an infusion of energy from the Wild Gypsy Tour. It was a celebration of real women riders, real women’s stories, and real inspiration.
inSpiring women
Biker BelleS10th anniVerSary
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Come on in, the Water’s Fine
You’ve pushed the limits of partydom for days. So, nurse that hangover, check your messages and Instagram a few pics. Downtime at the Chip’s Bikini Beach is in order. Soak up some sun, listen to some tunes, and play some zany games, at least for a few hours. Because when Eric Church takes the Wolfman Jack Stage later tonight, you WILL be there! AFT singles rider Dawson Schieffer got
his pro license the day he turned 16, which happened to also be the day of
the 2017 American Flat Track opener in Day-tona. A year later he’s as enthusiastic as ever. This year he’s riding the Terry Rymer/Black Hills Harley-Davidson 2018 Yamaha YZ450F for PDRacing in the AFT Singles Class and sporting a new national number #33.
With two AFT races near his hometown of Sturgis this week, the Buffalo Chip TT and the Black Hills Half-Mile, it’s time to show the local crowd what he’s been up to. Schieffer attends Sturgis Brown High School.
SRD: You turned pro in March of 2017 and went racing immediately at Daytona. That’s big!
DS: Yeah! It was a challenge all day. Learning a whole new concept, the paperwork and every-thing, it was a whole new process.
SRD: Now you’re comfortable with it?DS: It definitely helps to have a year under
your belt. But it’s been insane this year. We’ve worked really hard and there’s still a lot to learn.
SRD: How did you get started in racing, and how old were you?
DS: I learned about riding from my dad mostly, through his race career. When I got to be about 4 or 5 I wanted to ride. I started on a Yamaha TT-R50. My dad taught me every-thing. After a while I started doing flat track and Supermoto, mostly in Sioux Falls and Denver.
SRD: So your dad has been a major mentor. Any-one else?
DS: My mom has been a big fan and the most help of all. She does, well, everything and is my biggest supporter. And Terry Rymer from Black Hills H-D has helped out so much. They’ve both motivated me to be the best I can be and have shown me how to come to the track ready to race.
SRD: Are there other racers you learn from?DS: Probably Henry Wiles. We have some of
the same friends in Gillette so I was around him and got to know him. He helps me out a lot. He has a great attitude.
SRD: Like when he crashed in the Chip TT last year? He handled that so well!
DS: I know how that is! You feel terrible inside but there are all kinds of people around you and you have to keep your composure, especially when something bad happens. You try not to say the wrong thing, even if you’re frustrated.
SRD: In addition to Black Hill H-D who are your other sponsors?
DS: We also have Rekluse Vance&Hines, Strider, Ohlins and MotionPro. Gary Kinzler of Lightshoe has made a shoe for me every year since I was 5!
SRD: What are your goals for the 2018 season? DS: It’s gone good. I’ve had some tough breaks
like with bike problems in the main. But I’m try-ing for a top 5 finish. I have the potential and I know I can put myself there.
dawSon SChiefferRacer Q&A:
Bruce Brown’s “On Any Sunday” is one of very few motorcycle films that garnered mainstream attention and praise. Its posi-
tive image of motorcycling set it apart and con-ferred cult status that’s persisted for generations, especially among motocross riders.
You can join luminaries of Motocross and Supermoto today, Thursday, August 9th, at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Big Engine Bar when “On Any Sunday” forms the backdrop for the first annual gathering of stars, courtesy of Stur-gis Guns. National Motocross Champion Micky Dymond and AMA Hall of Famers Jeff Ward, Doug Henry and David Bailey get together in the afternoon for Supermoto School, held at the track looping around the CrossRoads Field of Flags. Everyone is welcome.
At 6:00 p.m. they’ll gather in the Big Engine Bar for an autograph signing and meet & greet. The film start about 6:45. Dymond will be signing cop-ies of his book, “The Legends of the Road: Where Physical Limits Meet Faith and Pride,” in which he tells the grueling and redemptive tale of participat-ing in the Race Across America bicycle event.
If anyone can talk about learning how to reach for your dreams and pushing past your limits, it’s these remarkable men. Stunt rider Cary Hart, racer
Ben Bostrom and custom builder Jesse Rooke will stop in, and you should, too. When this crowd gets together, it’s a definite happening.
motoCroSS StarS uniteSupermoto riding lessons, and
KEYSTONE, SDKeystone is another riding destina-
tion during the rally. This monumen-tal town is home to Mount Rushmore and the 1880 Train. The main drag is lined with motorcycles on the busiest strip in the town: Winter Street/Hwy 16A.
Our favorite wood carver is located in Keystone. Dahl’s Chainsaw Art has been on the same curve off of Hwy 16A at 342 Winter Street for the last 9 years. Award-winning carvings of all sizes and shapes. Worth the stop. If you are hungry, we have had the ribs at Ruby House and they were tasty. The 1880 Train is something different, a vintage steam train takes you on a 2-hour, 20-mile round trip that winds through the Black Hills National For-est with spectacular views of mountains and Harney Peak, the highest point between the Swiss Alps and the Rockies. What we like about this is you can just sit in the train and take in the views of the Black Hills and not worry about keeping your eyes on the road. $26 round trip.
Winter Street is a people watching place. Any restaurant that has a balcony is a great place to sit back and have some food and a cold drink. There is also a Harley-Davidson dealer in Key-stone, right by the post office.
Destinations …Where should you ride today? Here’s your Daily Destination as recommended by Biker InCite. We’re betting you’ll have a story to tell or a memory to cherish at journey’s end.
Thursday, augusT 9, 2018 page 11SturgiS rider dailyThursday, augusT 9, 2018page 10 SturgiS rider daily
Time to prepare for the ride home? The Buffalo Chip Garage can help. Mechanic Ian Fix can help you choose and mount new Con-tinental tires and change your bike’s oil using premium Spectro
products. Mechanical issues or accessory installs? He can handle that, too.
CheCk it out Before you hit the road
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(605) 578-1223The Bonicelli Family | 21735 Vanocker Canyon RdNemo, SD 57759 | Just 12.5 miles south of Sturgis!https://www.facebook.com/CusterCamp1874/
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Not everyone knows that the Buf-falo Chip is named after Jim “Buffalo Chips” White, a U.S. Cavalry scout and
loyal follower of Buffalo Bill Cody. So it’s in the spirit of Buffalo Chips, that we acknowledge the indomitable friends of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground, the happy campers who return year after year, bring their friends, and create a palpable family reunion ambience. Some say there’s something special in the air at the Chip, others say it’s in the dirt. We believe it’s in the hearts and souls of the people who’ve become Chip Family. And, as Cody appreciated White, we salute them!
SRD: When was your first journey to the Buffalo Chip Campground?
Mark: 1997. I was in North Dakota and I came down in a car with no bike. I had a tent, and I came for Def Leopard. As soon as I saw that concert I knew the Chip was for me.
SRD: Which year has been your most memorable?Mark: Last year, and hopefully this year! I
got to be a part of the Field of Flags, and I feel honored to do this for our veterans. Last year, my wife and I donated $20,000 to the veterans. My mother passed away from cancer, and she wanted me to do two things: Take care of vet-erans and take care of people with cancer. I just feel honored every single day to be a part of the patriotism here. Plus, this year we’re getting mar-
ried here! That’ll make my whole year.
SRD: Do you have a favorite Chip concert mem-ory?
Mark: Yes! My mom, all through my life, would tell me to be a simple man. I got to hear Lynyrd Skynyrd play Simple Man, and I understood what she meant in that moment. It touched me on a personal level, because I finally understood after 20 years.
SRD: Do you ride? If so, what are your favorite Black Hills rides?
Mark: I have several bikes. To me, Vanocker Canyon is the most beautiful ride. Riding through these hills never gets old. You see some-thing new each time. Each ride has something special that pulls you in. The scenery can’t be beat. There’s serenity when you ride or drive through the Black Hills. It’s one of a kind, and it keeps bringing me back.
SRD: What experiences have you had with other Buffalo Chip campers?
Mark: I met a brother from Scotland. He wore a kilt every day. I called out to him and we became friends, and he ended up camping with us. I’ve even picked him up from the airport. Meeting unique people like that, and meeting people from so far away is incredible. You end up seeing each other every year, and everyone helps everyone out. We act as a family and support each other. I’m glad Buffalo Chip became a town. We know where our next residence is going to be!
SRD: What does the Buffalo Chip mean to you?Mark: The Buffalo Chip is my second home.
It’s my only vacation for two weeks of every year. I can’t wait to come back. You meet your best friends here. Like my friend, James. We met 4 or 5 years back, and we race to get to the Chip every year. Me and Mandy won this year!
The Black Hills was my mother’s favorite place in the whole world. She never got to come because she got sick, but I’m here for her. I’ve known since I saw the Sturgis Rally as a kid that this was for me.
Are you a longtime or loyal Chipster with a story to tell? Email: [email protected].
How Do You Rally? Show us!The best selfie we get each day will appear in the next day’s paper. So make it a good one and remember, it has to be printable—both in content and quality. Photos received will be submitted for the 2019 By Bikers, For Bikers Mural at the CrossRoads, too. Text: 828-205-8482 Email: [email protected] selfie came with its own caption: “We had a guest drop in unexpectedly!”
Legendary buffaLo chip famiLyOur Loyal Uberfans
Mark & Mandy Halvorson
Thursday, augusT 9, 2018page 12 SturgiS rider daily
The Reverend Horton Heat’s Psychobilly Freakout delivered rockabilly on steroids. These guys are just so darn entertaining!Capping off the night, the insanely popular Eric Church wowed the crowd with country-tinged party anthems for The Best Party Anywhere™
LAST NIGHT’S CONCERT …
BloCk party winnerS:
Titties & Beer Campground
Camp Chip
Chipstock ‘18
Each year the Buffalo Chip rewards those zany yet creative campers who transform a mere campsite into a welcome and coveted party palace. The 2018
winners received a prize pack and a one-of-a-kind flag to display as bragging rights. Here they are. Congrats to all the happy campers!
