Sturgis 57785 Home of the Black Hills Motor Classic!

TruTV has had an eye full of Sturgis Rally fun and decided to make a show featuring Micheal Ballards Full Throttle Saloon. This will be a One-Hour Series Premiering Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 10 p.m. (ET) TruTV Goes Behind the Scenes at Michael Ballard's Biker bar The Full Throttle Saloon claiming the title of the worlds largest biker bar.

The shows will detail the events and also the struggles of running this operation. It will detail the behind the scenes of running a operation that is 30 acres of tattoos, leather, alcohol, Harley Davidsons and the ladies and gentlemen that ride them. The Full Throttles set up includes indoor and outdoor bar, a famous burn out pit, numerous stages with live music, tattoo parlor, wresting ring, stores, vendors, cabins for rent, and parking for thousands of bikes.

What an operation! This is all planned for the two weeks of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

I wish Micheal the best as he has always been a friend and helpful to us. Micheal has donated a booth to our non profit organization and helped us with fundraisers for the Rapid City Club for Boys for many years. It will be interesting to see the behind the scenes of the Full Throttle Saloon!

This Celebration of Friends and expression of cherishing their presence in our lives! We can celebrate friends EVERYDAY of course and should. But, dedicating a day, a month, a week, or even a moment in time is such a delightful way to extend our appreciation for our friends, for friendship, and to promote friendships.

The Contest is here on Squidoo http://www.squidoo.com/Lens-Contest
I want to thank GypsyOwl for creating this contest!

A big thank you to the judges!
Brenda Carter
Joan Adams!
Nancy Hellams
MiMi aka GrowWear
Carrie White
Janusz Biela

Every year modern-day cowboys are seen frolicking around South Dakota. They prepare to race and to show their unique physical feat riding their iron horses. There are thousands of them and all are motorcycle enthusiasts. Bikers from different places travel to the so-called Mecca of hardcore motorcycle fanatics to witness the event called "The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally," which is held in Sturgis, South Dakota. This event happens only during the whole first week of August every year. This is where bikers break away from all the hustle and bustle of their daily stressful lives. At the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, radical motorcyclists create their own nirvana.

The goal of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is to gather people as well as motorcycles. Bikers coming from all walks of life, converge to participate in this grand event. You may be surprised to know that there are doctors, teachers, engineers and other blue-collared professionals included in the crowd. These individuals are those who consider motor cycling a lifestyle rather than a simple means of getting from one place to another or from point A to point B.

It all started when Clarence Hoel, also known as Pappy, bought his Indian Motorcycle Franchise in the same city where the rally is held every year. Soon afterwards, the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club was born. This club owns the field areas, tracks and hill climbs where the rally takes place. Only a year after, the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) recognized the club. It was in August 14, 1938 when the first Sturgis Motorcycle Rally began. Back then, it was popularly known as the Black Hills Classic. There were only 19 participants and a few members in the audience. The rally included a half mile track and unbelievable stunts. The stunt performances included intentional board-wall crashes, motorcycle jumping on ramps as well as head on collision with another motorcycle or a different automobile. Johnny Spiegelhoff from Milwaukee won the majority of the prize money given by four local businessmen. Five hundred dollars was a huge amount of money during those times. The first Sturgis Motorcycle Rally lasted only for two days.

Author Bio
Visit Irv online and check out the motorcycle saddle bags and accessories he has picked out for next year's Sturgis trip.

Please Scroll Down for part 2

The Hoel Motor Ride took place Wednesday August 6th 2008. The ride will left the Full Throttle Saloon at 11am. On the ride celebrities included were Jesses James Dupree of Jackyl, Roman Glick of Jackyl, and Angie from Angieland and Michael Ballard owner of the Full Throttle Saloon. On the way to Hewlett Wyoming for no panties Wednesday with lunch in Hewlett. Donations will be accepted for the cost of the ride. Proceeds from the donations will be given to the Humans Society. For participating in the ride each registered rider will be given a gift package with various Full Throttle Saloon merchandise.

In 1938 Pappy Hoel along with his wife Pearl, gathered with friends who were motorcycle enthusiasts for a "good time" including riding, picnics and racing. Little did the Hoel's know that this gathering would grow into the World's Largest Motorcycle Rally, the "Grand Daddy" of them all, or did they? Over the past 68 years, Pappy and Pearl Hoel were dedicated to nurturing and expanding this motorcycle event to ensure its success. This dedication continued until the passing of Pappy in 1989 and just a short time ago with passing of Pearl.

The Hoel's vision was to promote motorcycling and have everyone on two wheels. Pappy became an Indian Motorcycle dealer in 1936 and not just any dealer but one of the best in the nation. His passion for the sport of motorcycling created many opportunities for his community. Pappy, one of the founders of the Jackpine Gypsies, was the first to suggest short track racing that would be given his name and was credited for starting the "Sturgis Motorcycle Rally" that would encompass the entire Black Hills of South Dakota.

We now honor and continue in Pappy and Pearl Hoel's footsteps and vision. We continue the adventures just as they have over the years. With Hoel Motors we ensure the life of their spirits.

J.C. "Pappy" Hoel was born and raised in Sturgis, South Dakota. As a young man Pappy owned a natural ice business. When the refrigerator was introduced, natural ice was no longer a commodity and with that, Pappy began a career in the motorcycle industry.

Thank You Pappy! Thank You Pear! And Thank You Mr. Refrigerator!

f you are a true motorcycle enthusiast, you can't miss the annual Sturgis Bike Rally in South Dakota. The rally is one of the oldest and largest in the world. You can enjoy scenic rides, entertainment, other bike enthusiasts, and a great Main Street.

The Sturgis Bike Rally takes place the first week after the first weekend in August each year. Sturgis has a normal population of around 6,400 people. Attendance at the rallies generally tops 400,000 bikers and enthusiasts.

Once you get to Sturgis, you'll have a range of choices for lodging. Whether you want to stay at a hotel, RV park, or campground, you'll find lodging that meets your needs. Many bikers prefer campgrounds and RV parks during the rally because of the flexibility and camaraderie that they offer. With common areas, campgrounds offer a better chance to get to know other bikers and party.

While you're in Sturgis, don't miss the area's attractions. Take a scenic ride into the Black Hills and see Mt. Rushmore. Sturgis also has the Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. You'll see a variety of motorcycles, memorabilia, and photographs.

The Sturgis Bike Rally includes a number of great events. You'll find concerts going on all week by great bands. Whether you like rock, classic rock, or country, you'll find music that makes you want to dance and party. For example, the Rock 'n the Rally natural amphitheater hosts a number of national acts during the rally. Have the urge to get up on stage yourself? Hit one of the karaoke events.

You'll also find hundreds of different vendors in Sturgis for the rally. You can participate in demos for new motorcycle models or see new products coming to the market to customize your bike. Whether you're looking for apparel, parts, or accessories for your motorcycle, you'll find it at the bike rally. You can also see thousands of bikes owned by other bikers that can give you ideas on how to customize your own ride.

Many campgrounds also put on activities during the bike rally. Activities range from motorcycle rodeos to beauty contests to races. Check at the campground you'll be staying at to see what will be happening during the rally week.

The Sturgis Bike Rally is a must do for any bike enthusiast. You'll meet other bikers and enjoy the beautiful scenery around Sturgis. This is one event that you need to do during your lifetime and once you go, you'll want to go back every year.

Learn how to take great Harley Davidson pictures at Sturgis and visit BigCyclePro.com to make sure you look good in your Harley Davidson apparel.

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Since then, the rally has been held annually. However, the rally was cancelled during the World War II. This is to support gas rationings for war tanks. Moreover, young men were also brought overseas to be part of the country's armed forces.

When the war was declared over, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally came back to life, gaining tremendous popularity. For the first time in history, the main street of Sturgis was blocked just to have a ceremony that lasted for two hours. During the early years of 1960's, the club of the Jackpine Gypsies introduced the Hillclimb and Motocross races. One block of the Sturgis' main street was closed to be used for motorcycle parking purposes. The rally became a three-day course. However, by 1965, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally became a five-day event. About one thousand motorcyclists from all over the U.S. attended the rally.

At the same, the event included a feeding program led by the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce held in the city park. Awards were given to the longest married couple, oldest rider, best dressed male and female, and the cyclist who traveled the most distance just to reach Sturgis in South Dakota.

In 1989, a sad day befell everybody as they mourned over the death of Pappy Hoel, the founder of the rally. The whole week of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was dedicated to the father of the said motorcycle event. He earned a national citation for his dedication in making the said motorcycle event into one of the biggest occasions in the world of motorcycling.

In 2000, there were more than 600,000 participants who attended the year's rally. This is the highest figure they have so far. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally had also recently celebrated their 67th anniversary, attracting more and more people, both bikers and non-bikers.

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Author Bio
Visit Irv online and check out the motorcycle saddle bags and accessories he has picked out for next year's Sturgis trip.

Sturgis 2009 - 69th Annual Motorcycle Rally

Author: Woody Longacre

2008 has come and gone, many things have changed. We elected the 44th and first black president of the United States, the economy has sunk to a historical low, we're all living in shacks and looking for new jobs. One thing hasn't changed however and that is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Yes indeed no matter how things change you can always count on the Sturgis Rally to lift your spirits. This year being the 69th :) is set for August 3rd - 9th. Are You Ready! Don't count on the world stopping and waiting for you, it's time to make your plans. Before we know it, August will be here and we'll be right back in the middle of Main Street madness and partying mayhem, loving every minute of it!

Many of us begin planning for "next year" soon after leaving "this year". The excitement and memories are hard to let go, new friends are made and old acquaintances are renewed, deciding to come back and do it all over again is a no brainer. Some folks will be coming for the first time, and others will just show up. No matter what group you fit, you are sure to make some wonderful memories, new friends and have a fantastic time.

The beauty of the Black Hills is breathtaking and the roads are pure joy for a biker. There are many places on this planet that offer this kind of riding but Western South Dakota in August is unbeatable. Incredible roads like Iron Mountain, Needles Highway, Spearfish Canyon and the Wildlife Loop take you to amazing destinations. Rides to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, Bear Butte State Park, the Badlands and Devil's Tower National Monument are truly incredible rides you are sure to enjoy. Highway 14A's big, wide turns transport you to the infamous town of Deadwood and the mining town of Lead, and the awesome Highway 385 meanders past towns like Hill City, Silver City and Custer, all contained in the Black Hills National Forest. These rides are awe-inspiring and amazing and are a joy that will be remembered until the day you (insert own word or phrase here).

In addition to the roads and day trips there are many events: concerts, races, and bike shows, five blocks of Main Street bikes-only street vibe, the 7th Annual Mayor's Ride, Michael Lichter's annual exhibit, the 6th Annual World Championship of Custom Bike Building, free style stunters, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, organized rides, the Limpnickie Lot, some pretty impressive watering holes, custom legends, blue skies, warm and sunny days. There are many other of motorcycle related events to keep participants occupied. Boss Hoss demo rides are featured throughout the event. Burnout competitions are popular with spectators and are offered a few times during the week at the Full Throttle Saloon. There are demos and exhibits throughout the day each day of the event and shows featuring custom bikes from around the country. There will also be many vendors on hand offering everything from motorcycle related merchandise to tattoos as well as great food and of course your favorite beverages are plentiful.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an experience of a lifetime, if you haven't started your planning now is the time to begin. The town of Sturgis has a population of less than 7,000 so it is understandable that an event attracting over half a million bikers would create logistical problems with lodging concerns. If you are planning to attend, it is wise to make reservations for accommodations well in advance of your trip to ensure you can secure a room close to the main site of the rally. Below is a list of some great places where your sleeping accommodations can be made.

To find lodging in the Sturgis area go to: http://www.blackhillsmotels.com/.

Camping is the most popular option for those attending the rally (mostly because there is not enough lodging for everyone), don't sweat it though, some of the best parties are in the camp grounds! Nearby campgrounds include the following:

Big Rig RV Park: - features wireless Internet access and spacious lots of 60' and 100' close to the rally site.

Bulldog Campground: - features RV camping as well as cabins which accommodate 2-8 guests. This campground is located five miles from Sturgis and features nightly entertainment and happy hour as well as an onsite restaurant.

Creekside Campground: - located 4 miles from Sturgis, this campground features RV camping, tent camping as well as cabins. Highlights of the campground include an onsite store selling food and beverages and easy highway access.

Glencoe Camp Resort: - has been catering to Sturgis participants for over 20 years. This campground has over 160 acres of camping with ample shade. In 2006 they will unveil a 34 acre outdoor amphitheater which will feature live music all week long. A 24 hour restaurant is also onsite for the convenience of campers.

Hog Heaven Campground: - with over 150 acres of camping, this campground situated in the Black Hills is an ideal location for Sturgis participants. The campground is open from July 31st through Aug. 13th this year and will host live bands providing entertainment for guests.

Katmandu Campground: - features 250 RV sites, cabins and 50 acres of camping. Located just two miles from Sturgis, this location is convenient for participants. Highlighted amenities include laundry facilities and wireless Internet access.

Sturgis View Campground: - located only 1.5 miles from downtown Sturgis. This campground is famous for its spectacular views. Other highlights include RV camping, cabins and ample acreage for tent camping.

For more information about these accommodations do a web search using the respective venue name as the key phrase.

One Word of Caution
Don't want to be a downer here but please be advised. An unfortunate aspect of Sturgis is the frequent occurrence of the disappearance of motorcycles. Estimates indicate approximately a $250,000 worth of motorcycles are stolen each year. Considering today's prices this is equivalent to 3 to 10 bikes or so. That's not many considering there could be 200,000 bikes at the event. However if it's your bike that gets stolen this fact will only make you feel worse. Motorcycles on the higher end of the price spectrum as well as custom bikes and show models are those most likely to be stolen, but all participants should take precautions to avoid becoming a victim.

There are many great websites available with complete event information and news to help you plan a great and enjoyable adventure. For more information about Sturgis 2009 do a web search on key phrase "Sturgis Motorcycle Rally".

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/motorcycles-articles/sturgis-2009-69th-annual-motorcycle-rally-755296.html

About the Author:

This article written by Woody Longacre and is brought to you on behalf of HarleyResource.net, - Harley News, Videos, Articles, Chat Forum and Online Shopping for Everything Harley!

All over the country and indeed, all over the world, bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts will be taking to the streets to visit and participate in conventions, expositions, rallies, rides, festivals and other events. Motorcycle enthusiasts love to get together to party, look at each other's bikes, get some new accessories, eat, watch fireworks, ride and just generally have a good time. Here are some of the largest and most popular motorcycle events in the U.S.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Pretty much the top event of its kind in the nation, the Sturgis Rally is held in Sturgis, South Dakota during the first week of August. Considered a "classic" rally, due to its inception in 1938, the rally draws motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life, including families as well as die hard bikers. Annual attendance can sometimes reach over 500,000 people.

Americade

This "touring rally" bills itself as the world's largest. It takes place in Lake George Village, New York every year during June. This event attracts over 50,000 people.

Bikes, Blues and BBQ

This is an event held in Fayetteville, Arkansas during September or October each year. This event starts of with a ride into the city from the beautiful Ozarks. The rally began in 2000 but has since grown to become the fastest growing rally in the world, hosting over 350,000 people in 2006 alone. One of the main events at Bikes, Blues and BBQ is a barbecue. This event also benefits charity and is considered to be very family friendly, with many bikers bringing their children.

Daytona Beach Bike Week

This event consists of a rally, street festival, concerts and many parties in Daytona Beach, Florida. Regularly attracting 500,000 people and up each March, this event competes with the Sturgis rally for the title of the largest and most popular motorcycle event during the year. A motorcycle race is a big part of this event, covering a 3.2 mile course that switches back and forth between pavement and beach. The event is held over a period of 10 days and also hosts a classic and custom bike show as well as a clambake and seafood festival.

Laconia Motorcycle Week

This is another rally type event held each June in Laconia, New Hampshire. Laconia Motorcycle Week features a wide variety of events including vintage races, swap meets, tours, fireworks, concerts, bike demos and bike shows.

Laughlin River Run

The largest motorcycle "run" in the western U.S., the Laughlin River Run is held each April in Laughlin, Nevada. Festivities include concerts, bike shows, charity events and a Poker Run.

Love Ride

A Southern California event, it bills itself as the largest one day motorcycle event. Largely a fund raiser, the ride boasts a range of celebrities as participants including talk show host Jay Leno, a well known auto enthusiast. Also joining the ride, celebs like Larry Hagman, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Hulk Hogan, Steven Tyler, Mary Hart, Pat Boone, Nancy Sinatra and Pamela Anderson. This event takes place each October and will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2008.

by Lydia Quinn writes for PhatSportShades, a leading performance eyewear provider, offering motorcycle goggles. Visit us at: http://www.phatsportshades.com/

Actually Twitter is and has become way more than this title implies!

I am really enjoying my life on Twitter! I hope you will visit rate a favorite lens of mine
What Do You Call Our Twitter Community?

Please leave your name, contact info along with your favorite pet name for http://twitter.com
How about you?

The last four months have kind of blurred together since I joined this social media powerhouse, Twitter.com. and started hanging around the Twitterhood I now live in...
So much has taken place!

I have made new friends, found old friends, developed some great partnerships, have been helping many people develop their web presence, tweeted 12810 times to date, have been praised and criticized, received feedback positive and negative, learned many new things, applications, seen many money making systems, direct messages, blogs, web sites, opt in pages, dig deep every day to find the latest and best links to post, blipped great songs, listened to others blips, posted pics on twitpic, videos on Youtube.....ahhhh wow!

Twitter.com is definitely the hot spot to be!

I know there are many others and I also enjoy my friends on Facebook, TBD, MySpace ect, hands down though I spend the most time with folks on Twitter! It just is my favorite!

I have made some adjustments though! I get so involved every time I jump on that it is hard to get as much done as when I am not scanning tweetdeck, retweeting, repling ect...

The most important thing is not the ratings, the influence, the sales, the deals, the hype, pomp and circumstances... it is you! You and the relationships you are building while Twittering your time away!

In the months and years to come that have built strong, vibrant relationships on Twitter. Those we call when we need a little encouragement or some help getting over some tech issue.
We have a large slice of the internet world to help us define and redefine our systems and progress along the way.

We are approaching a huge change in the way the internet does business. The wealth and resources are transferring from the takers to real internet community, the givers and doers, the people who actually care and help people when no one will ever see or be able to repay you your help!
The truth is that Twitter is just plain fun, it has opened new door for multitudes of us to make friends, talk, network share and help each other.. It is way bigger than our programs, lists ratings, any and all of that!

It is about strong people helping each other to overcome and prosper in the most tumultious economic times this nation have seen in many years..

To all of my friends in the Twitterverse a big shout out and thank you from mrken777!
Having fun in Sturgis 57785 Home of the Black Hills Motor Classic!