A professional photographer on Main Street will photograph models selected during Bike Week. Contestants must be fun, energetic, and comfortable in front of the camera. Contestants do not have to be professional models to apply.

Contestants must be planning to attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and be available on Wednesday, Aug. 10 from 3 to 5 pm. Contestants must be 18 years or older. Hot Leathers would prefer that contestants have their own motorcycles at the rally, though this is not required for entry.

Winners of the modeling competition will be featured in Hot Leathers marketing materials, which may include catalogs, an online store, newsletters, billboards, and advertisements. Winners will also receive free Hot Leathers merchandise.

To enter the nationwide Hot Leathers modeling contest, send several photos (both headshots and full-body shots) to photos@hotleathers.com with the subject line: “Sturgis Photo Shoot.” Please include your name, address, phone number, and email, and include something about yourself in the body of the email.

Hot Leathers will contact winners via email. Specifics on location, time of shoot, and items to bring will be discussed when winners are chosen.

For more information or to check out Hot Leathers’ flaming hot merchandise, visit hotleathers.com/blog.

Hot Leathers, who designed the  “Slant Artist” logo, will have a limited amount of “Slant Artist” t-shirts for sale during the rally at their Buffalo Chip store across from the Lichter exhibition hall

This year’s Motorcycles as Art exhibition will focus on artist Jeff Decker and will be open daily from August 6-12th. A large majority of the display will consist of Jeff’s personal collection including ten beautiful bronze sculptures. There will also be an eclectic display of motorcycles and wall art culled not only from his personal collection, but from friends and other artists filling the 7,000 square foot Lichter Exhibition Hall located on the grounds of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. Decker will also be working on a new sculpture in the gallery for several hours each day during which time visitors can chat and ask questions from the basics of “lost wax” bronze casting process to motorcycle history or how ”Slant Artists”, the incredible motorcycle racers who climb steep inclines against the clock and each other, have impressed him. Each person will be challenged to come away with their own understanding of Decker’s inspirations, aspirations and what makes this eccentric tick, and perhaps what inspires artists in general.

Bikes from Decker’s own collection include historic pieces such as his 1914 Harley-Davidson Twin (that he rode across the United States in the Motorcycle Cannonball race) to unusual bikes like his 1930 H-D DAH hillclimber or a 1949 H-D WR racer.  He has personally customized machines that were previously considered off-limits, like his 1941 Crocker and his 1952 Vincent.  Add to the mix his respect for bikes like ex-pro-boarder Jason Jessee’s 1949 Black Tibetan Panhead and many of  Cole Foster’s bikes and you can see how diverse this artist really is.

Decker’s interests lie not only with motorcycle related sculpture, but all aspects of motorcycling.  With his fascination for motorcycling history and with the aid of the impressive library on the subject he has built, Decker’s understanding is thorough and deep. He could easily fill a position for historian or archivist if one were posted, and if he were looking. Of course, Decker is much too busy and happy doing what he does, which in addition to sculpting has him collaborating with Langlitz Leather, reviving great motorcycle history and many such endeavors throughout Italy and Japan.

The passion for motorcycling and art that you sense in Decker’s presence can be traced back to his childhood, when his father took him along on visits to Steve McQueen, Ed Roth and Von Dutch.  As a young aspiring artist, he worked with well-known sculptor Stanley Wanlass.  Today, Decker’s own sculptures (the only sculptures to be licensed by Harley-Davidson) are collected and exhibited around the world. His commissions have grown in scale to the point that a 16’ 5,000 pound bronze now graces the entrance to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.

Regarding his involvement with the Motorcycles as Art Exhibition, Jeff Decker states “Since the inception of Michael Lichter’s museum quality exhibits in Sturgis, I’ve been able to participate in them often and am extremely honored to be the focal point this year.”

In addition to Decker’s personal collection, there will also be an impressive array of notable bikes on display including:
A 1941 Crocker Big tank Custom
1952 Vincent Black Lightning
Wall of Death Bike 1930 Indian Scout
1949 JAP Speedway Bike
Keith Nelson/Billy Lane Custom Motorcycle
1934 Harley-Davidson CAC Speedway Racer

Other noteworthy art pieces include an HD Daytona 1968 poster, several original portraits and sketches by legendary artist, David Uhl, a selection of rock show posters, and a Rat Fink Kustom Kulture poster, just to name a few.

An internationally anticipated FREE exhibition showcasing the works of the most influential master builders and artists in motorcycling, Motorcycles as Art has become the prominent exhibition of the annual Sturgis Rally. Assembled by world-famous motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter, the exhibition captures the personal expression, creativity and spirit that pervade the history and culture of motorcycling. As in past years, Motorcycles as Art curator, Michael Lichter will work with Decker, as well as the additional artists and builders involved, and the staff of the Legendary Buffalo Chip to create the themed exhibition that will fill the 7,000-foot exhibition hall.

“These yearly exhibitions are not only a labor of love but a chance for me to openly express my creativity and introduce friends and colleagues to a venue and audience that have been incredibly loyal and generous,” explains Lichter. “Thanks to Jeff we’ve got a really great exhibit this year, unlike any other.”

“The guests at the Chip absolutely love Lichters’ exhibits,” adds Sturgis Buffalo Chip owner, Rod Woodruff. “They have become a hallmark of our Sturgis Rally Week festivities. No other showcase in the industry exemplifies the spirit, passion and complexities of the motorcycling culture. We’re honored to capture the brilliance of Michael Lichter and Jeff Decker at this year’s exhibit, right here at the Chip.”

The most celebrated FREE exhibition of its kind, the Motorcycles as Art exhibition provides Sturgis rally-goers with a memorable and irreplaceable experience at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. Hours for the FREE exhibition this year will be August 6th-12th 10 a.m.-.10 p.m. with the exception of Tuesday August 9th where hours will be limited from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. for an invite only industry reception.

Visit motorcyclesasart.com for more information.

Legendary Buffalo Chip Salutes Women Riders with First Annual Biker Belles

The Legendary Buffalo Chip will recognize the passion, diversity and spirit of women in motorcycling during the 71st annual Sturgis Rally.  Women from across the globe will hit the road, Wednesday – August 10, 2011 for the first annual Biker Belles celebration.  The event was created to help celebrate women’s role in shaping the culture, history and sport of motorcycling, while helping to raise significant funds for two charities chosen by Helping with Horsepower (TM), including the Abbott House and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.

The inaugural "Biker Belles" event happens at the Legendary Buffalo Chip in Sturgis 2011

The inaugural Biker Belles celebration will begin in the historic town of Deadwood as the Lodge at Deadwood will roll out the red carpet and host a special welcome reception complete with events, entertainment and activities catered to women.  From Deadwood, Motor Maids member Meg McDonough and friends will lead a women’s-only ride to The Chip for a special Biker Belles shindig put on by “The Best Party Anywhere®.”

“Each year the Buffalo Chip sees more and more women riding through our gates”, says Toni Woodruff, daughter of Buffalo Chip president, Rod Woodruff.  “It’s so exciting to have an event during the Sturgis Rally that caters to women riders and benefits local charities in the process!”

To highlight the Biker Belles festivities at The Chip, 4-time national land speed record holder and pilot of the original “World’s Fastest Bagger,” Laura Klock of Klock Werks Kustom Cycle, will unveil “SALT,” a customized Harley-Davidson® built under her direction and guidance with the girls and young women of the Abbott House.  While at the party, Laura and her staff will be selling raffle tickets to win this special bike that will be given away in support of the Abbott House next fall.

“We couldn’t be more excited about this inaugural celebration of women in motorcycling in Sturgis.” says Laura Klock. “Whether you’re an avid motorcyclist, a curiosity seeker, or someone looking for a new change of pace, you are welcome to join us! “Biker Belles will be a day of real women, real stories and real fun!”

Tickets for the 2011 Biker Belles celebration are available now on bikerbelles.com.  The Biker Belles celebration requires a $75 contribution, of which 100 percent goes directly to its chosen charities. The finishing touches are being worked out for the 2011 celebration, with details to be announced on bikerbelles.com.

Known as the largest music festival in motorcycling, the Legendary Buffalo Chip has teamed up with GEICO for a special “30 Years Strong – Sturgis Buffalo Chip” bike give-away during this year’s 71st annual Sturgis Rally. Ever since the first riders rode through its “Welcome Home Bikers” gates, The Chip has enjoyed a hard-riding love affair with motorcyclists from around the world.

Victory Motorcycles, another one of The Chip’s official sponsors, provided one of their classic, Kingpin 8-Ball cruisers for renowned builders Klock Werks Kustom Cycle from Mitchell, SD to customize for the giveaway.  The owners of Klock Werks, Brain and Laura Klock saw the potential for their daughters Erika and Karlee to design, build and fabricate a mini-bagger with help from parts sponsors Bassani Exhaust, Gearwrench, Interstate Batteries and Sportech. The finished motorcycle will encompass the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s annual celebration of music, motorcycles, freedom and camaraderie.

30 years stong schematic of the Victory

Fans of the Legendary Buffalo Chip can register to win the Klock Werks customized Victory Kingpin by following this link buffalochip.com/EVENTS/contests/bikegiveaway.aspx to the Buffalo Chip’s official website and filling out a contest form.   One lucky winner will be chosen from a group of finalists live on The Chip’s main stage Friday, August 12th to highlight the Sturgis Rally activities.
“GEICO is thrilled to be celebrating 30 Years Strong with the Sturgis Buffalo Chip,” says Kelly Arsenault, GEICO marketing.  “The Buffalo Chip is the most iconic entertainment venue and travel destination of its kind. We can’t wait to celebrate with the best fans of the Sturgis Rally!”

“It’s humbling to think about all the riders that have made the Legendary Buffalo Chip their home-away-from-home while attending the Sturgis Rally over the last 30 years,” says Rod Woodruff, The Chip’s owner.  “Every year, we strive to make the party bigger and better and our extended family continues to grow.  We have the most passionate and loyal motorcycle riders in the world and this special promotion is a way not only to celebrate 30 years strong in Sturgis, but the fact that we’re just getting started.”

The Legendary Buffalo Chip has been offering its guests a true Sturgis motorcycling experience for 30 years.  It’s going to be one rowdy, high-caliber good time with headliners like Alice Cooper, Pop Evil, Bachman & Turner, Styx,  Def Leppard, Toby Keith, Poison, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tesla, George Thorogood, Leon Russell, Jeff Bridges and Friends. Don’t miss it!  Visit buffalochip.com now and make your reservations for the 71st annual Sturgis Rally at “The Best Party Anywhere! (TM)”

crowd at the Legendary Buffalo Chip

This year as Sturgis’ premier entertainment venue and motorcycle travel destination celebrates its 30th anniversary; they are going to great lengths to provide guests with an illustrious music lineup guaranteed to strike a chord with bikers around the world. The Legendary Buffalo Chip is proud to once again heat up this year’s Rally Week festivities with a selection of big name acts including Alice Cooper, Toby Keith, Def Leppard, Styx, Lynyrd Skynyrd, George Thorogood, Leon Russell and Bachman & Turner. This is only a partial list with several big names still to be announced.

Guaranteed to rock and shock the Chip’s celebrated outdoor amphitheatre for what’s sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime performance on Saturday, August 6 is the world’s most beloved heavy metal entertainer, Alice Cooper. American rock singer, songwriter and musician whose career spans more than five decades, Cooper is a multi-platinum artist with hit singles that include “I’m Eighteen,” “School’s Out,” “Under My Wheels,” “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” Billion Dollar Babies,” “Only Women Bleed,” “Welcome to My Nightmare,” “Poison,” and “Muscle of Love”. Cooper invented his own breed of theatrical rock and is infamous for his riveting and bizarre stage shows. With a garage rock heavy metal fusion sound that is all his own and performances often described as a cross between a horror movie and a vaudeville show, Cooper is sure to shock and entertain. That same night Detroit rockers Pop Evil will take the stage.

Also performing on Saturday, August 6 is American Rock Band, Pop Evil. Hailing from Grand Rapids, MI, Pop Evil’s debut studio album, Lipstick on the Mirror, was released in 2008 and features several radio favorites including “Somebody Like You”, and “Stepping Stone”. They have toured the country with hard rock superstars such as Puddle of Mudd, Tesla, P.O.D, and Saliva.

The Legendary Buffalo Chip welcomes Canadian rock group, Bachman & Turner Sunday, August 7. Randy Bachman and C.F. “Fred” Turner, co-founders of 70′s rock quartet Bachman-Turner Overdrive, have reunited after more than 20 years apart and will be bringing their long list of hits to a packed house of rowdy Chipsters. With a staggering 120 platinum, gold and silver discs, Bachman & Turner’s stripped down blue-collar rock ‘n’ roll is a perfect fit for the hoards of motorcycle-riding music lovers who will be congregating at the Legendary Buffalo Chip for the iconic biker campground’s 30th anniversary. One of the biggest hit machines of the 1970s with classics such as “Takin’ Care of Business”, “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet”, “Roll On Down The Highway”, “Let It Ride”, “Hey You”, “Not Fragile” and “Four Wheel Drive”, many of Bachman & Turner’s songs have become anthems for the motorcycling community.

Monday night, August 8 will be buzzing with excitement and electricity as Def Leppard takes the stage to celebrate Sturgis Rally Week’s official opening day. What many describe as the real British invasion, the iconic English heavy-metal rock band was formed in 1977. Def Leppard emerged from Sheffield as part of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement in the late 70′s and later went on to create their own unique sound with hits such as ‘Rock of Ages’ and ‘Photographs’. Def Leppard has sold more than 65 million albums worldwide, and is one of only five rock bands with two original studio albums selling over 10 million copies in the U.S. With a slew of hits including “Billy’s Got a Gun”, “Women”, “Animal”, “Pour Some Sugar on Me”, and “Hysteria”, you can be sure that Def Leppard will be pouring some of their proverbial sugar on a giant swarm of ecstatic bikers opening night.

A Buffalo Chip favorite, Toby Keith will be serving up good times and good music on Tuesday, August 9. Unapologetic, undeterred and unbelievable on stage, Toby Keith represents the pride of American Country music with a style that bleeds red, white, and blue. Chipsters will be treated to an array of hits from more than two decades of successful music making, including those from his new album, “Bullets in the Gun”. An American country music singer-songwriter and record producer, Toby Keith has proven himself as an exceptional musician and champion of the working class American. With more than 70 million career radio air spins and hits such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy”, “How Do You Like Me Now?!”, “Wish I Didn’t Know Now”, “Who’s Your Daddy?” , and “American Soldier”, few others have attained the level of success and recognition that Keith has. Sturgis music fans expect the very best from the Legendary Buffalo Chip and Toby Keith delivers.

On Wednesday, August 10, Chipsters are in for a treat with Southern Rock luminaries, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Ripping it up onstage since 1964, Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of America’s paramount live bands. The term Southern rock may have never been coined if not for Skynyrd and their unique, bluesy trademark sound with ripping guitar licks and knack for lyrical detail. The guitar-heavy Jacksonville group embodies the Southern Rock lifestyle and consistently tears it up onstage unlike any other. With such legendary hits as “Sweet Home Alabama”, “Free Bird”, “That Smell”, “Gimme Three Steps”, “They Call Me the Breeze”, “I Know a Little”, and “Smokestack Lightning”, Skynyrd has provided motorcycle enthusiasts with an impressive string of biker anthems. The band was inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2006 and has also been voted as one of the top 100 greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine and VH1.

Also gracing the renowned stage of the Legendary Buffalo Chip is celebrated artist, George Thorogood and the Destroyers. On Saturday night, August 13, Delaware Destroyer, George Thorogood is a multi-platinum artist who has successfully blended blues with a rock attitude and virtuosity on his trusty slide guitar that is unequaled in rock. Described as one of the hardest working men in rock and roll, with sixteen studio albums and five live albums he also boasts several hits including “Move It On Over”, “Who Do You Love?”, “Madison Blues”, “Bad to the Bone”, “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer”, “The Sky Is Crying”, “Who Do You Love”, “I Drink Alone”, and “Get A Haircut”.

Buffalo Chip: 30 year strong

For thirty years the Legendary Buffalo Chip has proven itself as the heart of Sturgis Rally Week. Poised and ready to once again offer their visitors the complete biker experience, the Legendary Buffalo Chip has rounded up an enormous selection of biker-centric fun and festivities in addition to offering the summer’s biggest and most authentic music experience of Rally Week. More music announcements are forthcoming and reservations for multi-day passes or daily admissions are available online at BuffaloChip.com.

In addition to the incredible bikes, races, live music and unbeatable biker atmosphere, the Legendary Buffalo Chip will also be adding mind-blowing jumps and multiple world record attempts to their selection of world-class entertainment during their 30th anniversary Sturgis Rally Week celebration.

The Chip has literally kicked into high gear preparing for their 30th year as Sturgis’ premier entertainment venue and travel destination by penning a contract with motocross Pro Riders and distance jumpers Trigger Gumm and Derrick McClintock. As a result, the Chip’s Sporting Complex will stand witness to an array of once-in-a-lifetime feats and skill testing jumps.

Derrick McClintock

The daredevils will be performing 200 plus jumps daily from August 5 through August 13 with all jumps taking place at midnight. Attempting an array of world record distance jumps including one astounding world record breaking jump on a Harley Davidson during the course of the week, Gumm and McClintock are looking forward to showing Chipsters what a gnarly jump really looks like.

Trigger Gumm is a five-time Guinness Book World Record holder for longest distance jump. He last held the distance record of 277.5 feet in 2005 when he launched his service Honda 500 cc motorcycle over 90 yards in the air. He also held the record for height in jumping after achieving an 80 ft high vertical.  Although both records have since been beaten, Gumm remains a legendary contender and constant threat within the Moto X Empire. Originally from San Clemente, CA, Gumm has appeared in over 15 videos and is attracted to the risk, excitement and wild times that Moto X is renowned for. A Pro Rider for life, Gumm has broken world records and an array of bones to maintain his status as the man of steel, capable of jumping anything that crosses his path.

Derrick McClintock began racing motocross at the age of three but once introduced to the world of Freestyle Moto X; he quickly became intrigued by the new riding style and was soon a freestyle riding force to be reckoned with. Originally from Orange County, CA, at the age of 16 he turned pro and raced the AMA Supercross and Outdoor Nationals. One of McClintock’s greatest triumphs is being able to ride with childhood hero, Trigger Gumm who has also played a large role in turning him on to distance jumping. This year McClintock has big plans and is scheduled to jump multiple distance jumps.

“We’re thrilled to have Trigger and Derrick amaze and astonish our guests with their multiple world record distance jumps,” explains Buffalo Chip owner, Rod Woodruff. “They will be performing a number of outstanding feats and we’re proud to have them on board as part of our entertainment lineup. We strive to provide visitors with a large and varied selection of things to do and see and I think we’ve accomplished that with these two.”

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to witness these legendary jumps in person. The Legendary Buffalo Chip offers the most authentic Sturgis experience around and there really is no reason to go anywhere else. Visit  buffalochip.com now to make your reservations for Sturgis Rally Week 2011 and enjoy the largest selection of entertainment and events at the Best Party Anywhere!

The summer’s largest biker party is at the Legendary Buffalo Chip during Sturgis Rally Week, August 6-13. The Legendary Buffalo Chip is proud to celebrate their 30th anniversary as Sturgis’ premier entertainment venue and motorcycle travel destination by offering guests an outstanding selection of world-class entertainment, food, amenities, art, vendors, charitable efforts, and countless memories. To experience the true spirit of Sturgis Rally Week 2011 visit buffalochip.com.

Legendary Buffalo Chip

Attending Sturgis and visiting the celebrated grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip has been number one on the biker bucket list for decades, but many have still been unable to make it to the legendary event. So what if Sturgis came to you instead?  Looking to take the spirit of Sturgis on the road to those who have yet to experience it first hand, a number of Sturgis institutions including the Legendary Buffalo Chip and Loud American Roadhouse, have partnered with promoter, Motoring USA and the Eastern Regional Harley-Davidson Dealers Association (EHDDA) to officially take Sturgis on the road.

The motorcycle industry’s traveling salute to the one and only Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the Sturgis Road Show will be making its way to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, PA from April 15-17 and will include an array of concerts, food, motorcycling sponsor and vendor displays, art presentations, custom and vintage motorcycles, competitions, motorcycle memorabilia and more.

One of the highlights of the Sturgis Road Show is the array of once-in-a-lifetime concerts on the Legendary Buffalo Chip Main Stage. Since 1981 the Legendary Buffalo Chip has proven itself as the heart of Sturgis Rally Week and has offered guests an unbelievable line up of musical all-stars. The Buffalo Chip now brings the most authentic music festival in motorcycling to the Sturgis Road Show.

At a recent press conference at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, PA, John Detrick, CEO of Motoring USA announced recent additions to the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s musical lineup including Tesla, Styx and Canadian rock band, Bachman Turner.

American hard rock band Tesla, was formed in Sacramento, CA in 1984 and have sold an impressive 14 million albums in the United States alone. Often referred to as heavy metal and blues metal, Tesla has released such hits as 80′s power ballad, “Love Song” as well as “Gettin’ Better” and “Modern Day Cowboy” and “Stir it Up”.

Styx is a legendary American rock band that became well-known in the 70′s and 80′s for their unique melding of progressive rock, hard-hitting guitar rock and phenomenal ballads. Best known for hits such as “Lady”, “Come Sail Away”, and “Mr. Roboto”, Styx rose to rock stardom in the 80′s and is still in a league all their own.

Bachman & Turner known for their stripped down blue collar rock & roll have achieved 120 platinum, gold and silver discs in their career. Creating a huge fan base that has successfully weathered the sands of time, Bachman & Turner are reuniting after more than 20 years apart to play a number of their biggest hits including “Takin’ Care of Business”, “You  Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” and “Four Wheel Drive”.

Tickets for the Sturgis Road Show have gone on sale and can be purchased online and printed exclusively from SturgisRoadShow.com. Tickets are $35 for a weekend pass, $17 for Friday Day-Pass, $22 for Saturday Day-Pass, and $10 for Sunday Day-Pass.

Whether on the road or on their distinguished grounds, the Legendary Buffalo Chip provides visitors with a barrage of world-class entertainment, art, vendors, food, amenities, charitable efforts and countless memories. The Legendary Buffalo Chip offers its guests the undisputed ultimate Sturgis experience and there really is no reason to go anywhere else.

For more information on the Sturgis Road Show visit SturgisRoadShow.com.

After being canceled completely last year due to the bad economy, Love Ride organizers went back to the drawing board and switched things up this year. Rather than going another year without the event, they decided to scale things back and hold a “retro” version.

Love Ride "Retro" 2010

Love Ride Retro 2010 will take place Nov. 7 with Jay Leno (has served as Grand Marshal at every Love Ride since 1985) leading the ride from the Glendale Harley-Davidson dealership and winding up at the Calamigos Ranch in the Malibu Hills, site of the original Love Ride in 1984. The ride will be capped at 1,000 bikers and the sign up fee is $100.00 (with all proceeds going toward Autism Speaks) and are available at http://www.loveride.org.

The dust is just beginning to settle after Sturgis Rally Week 2010 brought tens of thousands of motorcycles and motorcycle enthusiasts to the distinguished grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip. Once again proving itself as the best party anywhere, Sturgis’ premier entertainment venue and travel destination celebrated Sturgis Rally Week’s 70th Anniversary in true biker fashion. Providing record-breaking crowds of visitors with an array of entertainment, art, vendors, food, amenities and countless memories, the Legendary Buffalo Chip is already counting Sturgis Rally Week 2010 as one of its most successful rally gatherings ever.

Sturgis crowd

Rally Week 2010 at the Legendary Buffalo Chip included a vast and impressive selection of celebrated musical guests resulting in the biggest and most authentic summer music festival of its kind. Performances that graced the Chip’s four entertainment stages included; Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Dylan, Kid Rock, Motley Crue, the Scorpions, ZZ Top, The Doobie Brothers, Dave Mason, Lee Rocker, Tesla, Drowning Pool, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, The Guess Who, Trailer Choir, Buckcherry, Orianthi, Stone Sour, Jason Aldean, Williams & Ree and Disturbed.

In addition to its unparalleled musical lineup, the Legendary Buffalo Chip was proud to host Michael Lichter’s 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art exhibit. From August 7 through August 13 throngs of bike enthusiasts filled the Lichter Exhibition Hall on the grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip and were captivated by the machines and photographs on display by custom motorcycle photographer and curator, Michael Lichter. Focusing on the explosion of interest and passion for custom motorcycles seen over the past thirty years, this year’s retrospective was entitled “Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind”. Described as one of the finest industry collections ever assembled, this year’s exhibit consisted of thirty bikes built by 15 pairs of renowned builders tied together by family, respect, friendship or apprenticeship. By melding art and motorcycles together in a way that bikers can genuinely appreciate, year after year Lichter has truly been able to capture the essence of the motorcycle lifestyle.

The Legendary Buffalo Chip’s 2010 Sturgis Rally festivities also included the third annual Legends Ride. Signaling the official start to Sturgis Rally 2010, more than 300 bikers from around the world converged to take part in the renowned ride for charity. The star-studded and scenic 50-mile expedition from historic Deadwood through the Black Hills to the grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip raised a jaw-dropping $53,000 to benefit the Sky Ranch for Boys and the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame and Museum.

The epic grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip have witnessed an impressive assortment of recording artists and celebrities during Rally Weeks past.but nobody quite like this. The quirkiest addition to the Chip’s 2010 Rally lineup was eccentric funnyman and American icon, Pee-wee Herman. As part of “Pee-wee’s Big Sturgis Adventure”, on August 8 & 9, Herman participated in a number of entertaining events which helped kick off the Chip’s Rally Week festivities in style. “Pee-wee’s Big Sturgis Adventure” included an “extreme makeover” of Pee-wee’s iconic 1947 red Schwinn bicycle. A mix of nationally renowned and local South Dakota motorcycle and bicycle builders took part in transforming donated TRANSIT 3-Speed Electric Schwinn bicycles into high-tech, tricked out, ultra cool rides uniquely suited for Pee-wee Herman. Steve “Brewdude” Garn of BREW Bikes, built the winning bike. An “Easy Rider” themed bike dubbed the “Pee-wee Rider” complete with an American flag paint job was the bike that Pee-wee chose and inaugurated as Captain of the third annual Legends Ride.

Tequila!

Pee-wee also orchestrated the “World’s Largest Tequila Dance” and although not officially submitted to the Guinness Book of World Record, it sure was fun. He acted as the 2010 Miss Buffalo Chip Beauty Contest Celebrity Judge. In addition, “Pee-wee’s Big Sturgis Adventure” was nationally highlighted on an episode of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”.

Victory Motorcycles was also proud to return as an official sponsor of the Legendary Buffalo Chip for the 70th Annual Sturgis Rally. On Thursday, August 12 the annual Victory Riders Association (VRA) Ride and Sturgis Party were held on the grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip, with over 200 Victory riders participating. Beginning at the Deadwood Gulch Resort, the annual scenic ride concluded at the Chip with a party of raucous proportions exclusively for Victory riders.

Also part of the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s event schedule was the 2nd Annual PinkNProud Ride4Women. On Friday, August 13, riders, cancer survivors and celebrities turned the hills pink during a 50-mile escorted ride through the Black Hills. Celebrating motorcycling and the spirit of women riders in order to help eliminate cancer, all rider contributions were given to the Rapid City Regional Health Foundation and Keep-A-Breast Foundation. A Chip-sized finale awaited PinkNProud riders at the Buffalo Chip Event Center following the ride including a pink parade through the campground, a delicious dessert bar, champagne toasts and a great night of concerts including Disturbed and The Scorpions.

Rally-goers also took advantage of a significant selection of Hot Leathers’ specialty-printed Sturgis Rally and officially licensed Buffalo Chip merchandise including t-shirts, hats and other miscellaneous products for men, women and children. Merchandise flew off the shelves at a number of Hot Leathers locations in and around Sturgis during Rally Week this year including a permanent location on Main Street Sturgis as well as a number of strategically located spots at the Legendary Buffalo Chip. In addition to the officially licensed Buffalo Chip merchandise, the industry leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories, also partnered with Pee-wee Herman and created a unique and stylish line of merchandise to commemorate Pee-wee’s Big Sturgis Adventure at the Buffalo Chip. Known for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road, Hot Leathers was proud to showcase its quality products at Sturgis Rally Week this year.

Sturgis Rally Week 2010 at the Legendary Buffalo Chip was a truly legendary experience. Bikers from across the country converged on the Chip to enjoy the best facilities, food, vendors, music and entertainment that Sturgis has to offer as well as to celebrate Sturgis Rally Week’s 70th Anniversary. The Legendary Buffalo Chip has been offering guests the true Sturgis experience for 29 years. Next year the Chip will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary and its going to be rowdy, high-caliber good time. You’re not going to want to miss it. The Chip is Sturgis and there really is no reason to go anywhere else. Visit buffalochip.com now and make your reservations for Sturgis Rally Week 2011 at the best party anywhere!

Word is spreading that the Legends Ride is the ride to be on during the Sturgis Rally. The August 9 Legends Ride, one of the largest charity-celebrity events in motorcycling, is on track to be at full capacity once again in 2010. This is the third year for the Ride, and it sold out the first two years.

The Legends Ride begins in Deadwood and takes riders on a scenic path to Sturgis and the Legendary Buffalo Chip through the Black Hills of South Dakota. Celebrities and the nation’s top bike builders will join the riders. The Legends Ride raised nearly $100,000 for its charities in its first two years. Contributions from the 2010 Ride will benefit The Sky Ranch For Boys and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum.

“The Legends Ride continues to gain momentum as the premier ride during the Rally, and it’s great to see such charity and support from riders,” said George Milos, executive director of the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, a partner in the Legends Ride. “2010 looks to be bigger and better, and we look forward to donating even more to charity and having a lot of fun while we’re at it.”

An all-star roster of celebrities are scheduled to participate including Pee Wee Herman (Paul Reubens), America’s Most Beloved Survivor, Rupert, and Lorenzo Lamas, plus masterbuilders Roger Bourget, Brian and Laura Klock, Michael Prugh, Mike “Kiwi” Tomas and many more. Rod Woodruff, the Buffalo Chip’s owner, said “We’re all thrilled with the generosity shown by Legends Riders and look forward to making it
all look good to a national television audience.”

Betsy & Genevieve at 2009's Legends Ride

Legends Ride riders donate $150 to participate in the ride, 100 percent of which goes to the two charities. That tax-deductible contribution entitles the Riders to participate in the pre- and post-ride events in Deadwood and at the Buffalo Chip. Other benifits of paticipating include: free parking, complimentary food and drink at the post-Ride reception, meet-and-greet opportunities with master builders and celebrities, a special souvenir gift pack and attendance to concert performances by Trailer Choir, Buckcherry and ZZ Top.

The pre-Ride schedule in Deadwood runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex on Deadwood’s Main Street. Other Deadwood Legends Ride event locations include the Deadwood Tobacco Co., where riders can enjoy a stogie with tobacconists and avid motorcyclists John and Vaughn Boyd. The Silverado-Franklin will also showcase the works of top motorcycle and Black Hill’s artists. The riders depart Deadwood at 3 p.m. as the convoy heads through the Black Hills and Vanocker Canyon before reaching the Buffalo Chip for the pre-concert reception and auction, which begins at 5 p.m.

The 2010 Legends Riders will also have a chance to bid and ride away from the reception on the 2K10 bike built by Michael Prugh and students at Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City. This is truly a custom bike, designed by Michael Prugh with parts actually manufactured just for this one-of-a-kind Screaming Eagle-powered bike built specifically to support the Legends Ride. Prugh, of Prugh Design, has been a feature builder of the Discovery Channel’s Biker Build-Off series, and has been featured in numerous industry publications.

“This bike is an absolute work of both form and function,” says Lon Nordbye, Buffalo Chip Sponsorship Director. At the conclusion of the live auction, it can be assured that its owner will be riding off with one of the best custom motorcycles built in 2010.”

The Legends Ride is sponsored by the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, Deadwood Tobacco Company, Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Black Hills Harley-Davidson, First Interstate Bank, Hot Leathers, Interstate Battery Systems of America, Inc., Knology, K & G Cycles, Pepsi Cola Bottling Co., Progressive Insurance, the Renewable Fuels Association and Victory Motorcycles. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit legendsride.com

Broken Spoke Campground-Sturgis 2010

How can you beat that? The earlier you get to the County Line, the better chance we have to look it over — so come out and be seen! Plus, you can sign up for the S&S Smokeout on Thursday – a thrilling event where one participant out of 500 will win a brand new S&S engine. Just for being in the Smokeout!

There is no cost for showing your bike, since that would be a drag. All you have to do is show up on Thursday, August 12th and be ready to show ‘em if ya’ got ‘em! The Broken Spoke Campground is located on Highway 79 North, just past Bear Butte State Park in Sturgis, South Dakota. It is the best place to stay for the Sturgis Rally and spots for RV’s and tent camping on 600 beautiful acres can be reserved now on-line at BrokenSpokeCampground.com.

The Broken Spoke Campground is wall-to-wall entertainment for the entirety of the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The 2010 festivities include multiple camping options (tents, RV’s and cabins), the IMBBA Bike Show and Hall of Fame Awards, Easyriders Rodeo, the Michael Lichter & Sugar Bear Ride, the Cycle Source Ride and Chopper Show, the Vietnam Veterans Wall, the Baker Drivetrain Smoke-Down Showdown, the S&S Smokeout, the World’s Biggest Biker Pool with Hot Tubs & Tiki Bar, Legends Art Gallery, Good ‘ol Days Raceway, Hill Climb, America’s Original Extreme Motorcycle Thrill Shows, the Limpnickie Lot – where attendees can interact with the next generation of bike builders, the Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow, Hot Contests with Cash Prizes, Free Spoke to Spoke Shuttle, Live Music Day and Night, and an on-site General Store including all the items campers need!

Top national concerts are free for campers and only $10.00 after 6:00 p.m. for non-campers and will feature Blackfoot* (August 7), .38 Special (August 8), Dokken and Great White (August 9), Black Oak Arkansas and Eddie Money (August 10), Confederate Railroad, comedian Gallagher and Warrant, (August 11), The Kentucky Headhunters and Black Stone Cherry (August 12).

The Legends Art Gallery is an exhibit of fine art that will feature a plethora of works including David Uhl’s fine art prints, the photography of Josh Kurpius, pin-striping by Russ Mowry and illustrations by Jody Wyse. The collection of bikes will include the Indian Larry “Rat Fink Chopper,” Dave and Jill Iversen’s 1915 Harley Davidson Boardtrack Racer, The Naked Knuckle, 1941 Indian Military Scout 741 and Jay Allen’s, Bonneville record holding fastest 1946 Indian Chief.

"Stella" by Dave Uhl

The Legends Gallery, located on the second floor inside the main Saloon is free and open to the public. The Broken Spoke will celebrate the opening of this extraordinary exhibit on Saturday, August 7th at 8 p.m. at The Broken Spoke Campground.

David Uhl will be presenting his Sturgis Commemorative Collection, including “70 & Counting” – his newest piece commemorating the 70th anniversary of the “rally”. The exhibit will be also feature “Stella” and “Evelyn”, which are the two last pieces in the Women of Harley-Davidson Collection. Uhl’s artwork is displayed throughout the world, and sought by serious art collectors and celebrities alike. Charles Osgood, of CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood, referred to Uhl as “The Norman Rockwell of Harley-Davidson artists”.

photo by Josh Kurpius

Josh Kurpius, known for his photography, work has graced the pages of Forbes, HOG, Street Chopper, Road course, Kustom Garage, IronHorse, DiCE, American Iron, Rod N’ Custom, 6 Over, Iron Works and Car Kulture Deluxe among many others. His most recent work captures the “Lifestyle” of motorcycling. He is known for shooting while piloting his bike standing and hands free. This unique perspective allows the viewer to feel as if they are on the road with his subjects.

Master Pinstriper Russ Mowry is one of the world’s most prolific motorcycle rally stripers. A veteran striper Russ executes the most intricate symmetrical designs with unparalleled speed. Mowry is known for his elegant lines and incredible hand lettering. Mowry travels from rally to rally; his work has transformed so many motorcycles he has literally changed the biker world. Russ will be painting live in the Gallery.

For more info visit brokenspoke.com

Broken Spoke Campground is the place to stay at the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The same rubber chunking, heart pounding, hair raising event that first graced the County Line during the 2009 Sturgis Rally is kicking off round two in 2010. To top even last year’s amazing event, the Broken Spoke and S&S Cycles will raffle off an S&S motor!

On Thursday, August 12th at 7:30pm, 500 lucky individuals will line up their motorcycles to become part of history and create a one-off burnout that could probably be seen from the far reaches of space. Of course, safety is the number one priority and The Broken Spoke will bring in concrete jersey barriers for contestants to pull up to.

Each and every rider will receive a number and a corresponding certificate for their participation in this one of a kind experience. They will also receive a raffle ticket for their chance to take home that shiny new S&S motor. This is the only way to get your shot at the motorcycle history books and a killer prize from America’s premier horsepower provider, so don’t miss out! Check out the website for full details about the S&S Smokeout.

THE COMPLETE STURGIS 2010 CAMPING EXPERIENCE IS AT THE BROKEN SPOKE CAMPGROUND!

The Broken Spoke Campground is the place to stay at the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. They have 600 acres at the foothills of beautiful Bear Butte with tent camping spots, private air-conditioned cabins, and oversized RV spots with hook-ups, plus the best facilities and amenities in the Black Hills. Spots are still available and can be reserved now on-line at BrokenSpokeCampground.com or by calling (877) 653-6679 (8-SPOKE-ON-79). The Broken Spoke Campground is located on Highway 79 North, just past Bear Butte State Park in Sturgis, South Dakota. 

Broken Spoke Campground is the place to stay at the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

BROKEN SPOKE CAMPGROUND CAMPERS WILL ENJOY:

• FREE Concerts featuring: .38 Special, Dokken, Great White, Eddie Money, Warrant, Gallagher, The Kentucky HeadHunters, Black Stone Cherry, Confederate Railroad, Black Oak Arkansas, Blackfoot*, Houses of the Holy, Dallas Moore, Jasmine Cain, Laura Lynn & Lucas Hoge and many more.
• Clean, Hot, Private Showers
• Fully Equipped General Store
• 600 Acres in the Pristine Foothills of Beautiful Bear Butte
• Oversized RV Spots
• Private Air-Conditioned Cabins with Mini Fridge & Microwave
• FREE World’s Biggest Biker Pool with Hot Tubs, Tiki Bar, Live Music & the Sexiest Barmaids in the Black Hills!
• Food vendors ranging from Pizza Hut to Dirty Willies to Hickory Hollow Smokehouse
• FREE Beer Hour 4-5pm Daily with One Time Purchase of $5 Broken Spoke Mug
• FREE Pool Concerts Daily – Laura Lynn & Lucas Hoge
• Good ‘Ol Days Raceway
• Hill Climb
• Gill Montie’s World Famous Tattoo Mania
• An amazing array of motorcycle related vendors on-site
• Limpnickie Lot
• Baker Burnout Box
• Legends Art Gallery
• Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall – “The Wall That Heals”
• FREE WiFi
• FREE SPOKE 2 SPOKE Shuttle to / from Downtown Spoke & Campground

The Broken Spoke Campground is wall-to-wall entertainment for the entirety of the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The 2010 festivities include multiple camping options (tents, RV’s and cabins), the IMBBA Bike Show and Hall of Fame Awards, Easyriders Rodeo, the Michael Lichter & Sugar Bear Ride, the Cycle Source Ride and Chopper Show, the Vietnam Veterans Wall, the Baker Drivetrain Smoke-Down Showdown, the S&S Smokeout, the World’s Biggest Biker Pool with Hot Tubs & Tiki Bar, Legends Art Gallery, Good ‘ol Days Raceway, Hill Climb, America’s Original Extreme Motorcycle Thrill Shows, the Limpnickie Lot – where attendees can interact with the next generation of bike builders, the Lucky Daredevil Thrillshow, Hot Contests with Cash Prizes, Free Spoke to Spoke Shuttle, Live Music Day and Night, and an on-site General Store including all the items campers need!

The Broken Spoke Saloon is the world’s biggest biker bar, with locations across the country. There are two Broken Spoke Saloon locations in Sturgis, SD plus one in Daytona, FL; Myrtle Beach, SC and Laconia, NH (now open year-round). You’re bound to be close to one of them, so stop by during the next rally! The Broken Spoke Saloon in downtown Sturgis, SD is located at 905 Lazelle Street.

Visit: www.brokenspoke.com

Fundraising Contest with Top Motorcycle and Bicycle Designers to Makeover Pee-wee Herman’s Famed Schwinn Ride

As part of “Pee-wee’s Big Sturgis Adventure” at The Legendary Buffalo Chip August 8 & 9, a mix of nationally renowned and local South Dakota motorcycle and bicycle builders are taking part in an “extreme makeover” of Pee-wee Herman’s iconic 1947 Schwinn at the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Pee Wee's bike!

Schwinn has donated TRANSIT 3-Speed Electric bicycles to be redesigned and fabricated especially for Pee-wee. Each participant will have only a few weeks to transform these electric bikes into high-tech, tricked out, ultra cool rides uniquely suited for Pee-wee Herman.

All entries will be presented at The Legendary Buffalo Chip’s Event Center on Sunday, August 8 from 5:30-7:30 pm. Pee-wee will choose his new bicycle, and then autograph all the other entries for a fundraising auction of these unique one-of-a-kind Pee-wee collectibles to benefit The Kids & Chrome Foundation, who supports various Black Hills children’s charities and The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. The following day, Pee-wee will inaugurate his “New Ride” as Captain of the Buffalo Chip’s Annual Legends Charity Ride that starts in Deadwood on Monday, August 9 at 3:00pm.

“My old red Schwinn is my best friend, but I’m ready for something new,” said Pee-wee. “I’m so grateful to Schwinn and all the cycle builders for their amazing donations. I’m really proud to be a part of this fundraiser, and can’t wait to be a part of all the fun at Sturgis.”

Fabricators include Steve “Brewdude” Garn of BREW Bikes, LLC. BREW has been building custom bicycle frames since 1987, and 2008 BREW received the Easyrider Old School Builder of the Year Award. Bryan Schimke of TPJ Customs started his custom bike building business in his garage. Bryan builds only handmade bikes with the highest quality parts to withstand the abuse of the real world. Jesse Hansen founded Rushmore Mountain Sports from his love of bikes and people and it soon became everyone’s favorite local bike and outdoor shop located in beautiful downtown Spearfish, South Dakota. Recycled Cycles started out in 1978 selling just used and reconditioned bicycles today they are a full service Schwinn dealer located in Fort Collins Colorado.

Playing host to the largest and most prestigious motorcycle music festival of its kind, the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s 2010 Sturgis Rally Week musical lineup is guaranteed to provide visitors with the ultimate Sturgis experience. To celebrate Sturgis Rally Week’s 70th Anniversary, Sturgis’ premier entertainment venue and motorcycle travel destination has not only rounded up an enormous selection of legendary musical acts but offers its guests an array of accommodations, created to suit any travelers’ needs. The Chip boasts a cozy selection of campgrounds and RV areas as well as travel trailer and cabin rentals.

Also set to perform at the Chip’s infamous outdoor amphitheatre are Bob Dylan, ZZ Top, Kid Rock, Motley Crue, Ozzy Osbourne, The Doobie Brothers, and The Scorpions. Visit www.buffalochip.com to make your reservations for Sturgis Rally Week 2010- you simply can’t miss this!

When is Mountain Dew® more than just the world’s most refreshing and exhilarating soft drink? When it’s also a coupon worth $2 off the 2010 Official Sturgis Buffalo Chip Event shirt, that’s when!

Do the Dew and get $2 off the 2010 Official Sturgis Buffalo Chip Event shirt

In a unique marketing collaboration between Admiral Beverage and the Legendary Buffalo Chip beginning June 21, 1.5 million specially marked cans of the world’s favorite soft drink will be distributed in retail outlets and vending machines in Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota and North Dakota. Each can contains a coupon on its side panel worth $2 off Hot Leathers’ premier Buffalo Chip 2010 Event Shirt available only at the Buffalo Chip Official Logo Store in the campground’s amphitheater.

Hot Leathers, the industry leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories, in conjunction with the Legendary Buffalo Chip has fashioned the renowned Sturgis hot-spot with an officially licensed event shirt to specifically commemorate Sturgis Rally Week 2010.

“We’re ecstatic to be partnering with Mountain Dew®,” said Rod Woodruff, campground owner. “It’s natural that the world’s favorite biker party would collaborate with the world’s favorite soft drink. The Legendary Buffalo Chip is celebrating its 29th year and is a perfect fit for the active, freedom-loving bikers who choose the distinct taste and refreshing formula of Mountain Dew®.”

If you are among the millions of people who have made Mountain Dew® the largest selling soft drink in the world, make sure to bring your Buffalo Chip Mountain Dew can to the Chip and receive $2 off the 2010 Buffalo Chip event shirt. So, do the Dew! You’ll save some dough!

The New England weather is almost always predictable during this week. It either rains cats and dogs (which happened during the first weekend) or it’s oppressively hot and sticky, as it was on the day we went up.

Laconia Bike Week 2010

the main strip

We’ve been going to Laconia for bike week for 20 years, more or less, and I have to say it’s a much different rally today. I remember it being a lot more wild, signs that read “Show us your tits” were every ten feet and people lined the streets on the way to the beach sitting in their lawn chairs with coolers of beer next to them.

These days it’s much more family-friendly. Over the past 10 years if any woman flashed her goodies she might get a ticket from the local authorities. Cops are everywhere. To say it’s been watered down is an understatement. It’s almost so subdued that it can be a bummer.

"Weirs" the beach? har har.

But still, we go mainly for all the motorcycles, great people watching, bad food, good music and to scope out the merchandise!

Here’s a few photos from the day:

stogies & motorcycles=perfect match

a whole lotta bootie shorts

look at that pink bike! It has streamers!

Vampire skull tank

can't you just smell this just by looking at the pic?

local bike builder, Dave Perewitz

a girl after my own heart: great helmet stickers and a Patriots paint scheme

events

H-D blowup

Old School Choppers

veterans tribute motorcycle

Love seeing flags flying on bikes.

Laconia, for me,  is still a fun rally with all the comforts of home sprinkled in. We had a great- but much too-short time there!

Related posts:

• a few photos from Laconia 2009
• Laconia motorycle week 2008
• Video Tuesday: Laconia Bike Week 2007
• Having a blast at bike week-wish you were here!

]]> http://www.rippin-kitten.com/2010/06/24/photos-from-laconia-bike-week-2010/feed/ 8 http://www.rippin-kitten.com/2010/06/16/the-2010-legends-ride-to-kick-off-the-70th-annual-sturgis-rally/ http://www.rippin-kitten.com/2010/06/16/the-2010-legends-ride-to-kick-off-the-70th-annual-sturgis-rally/#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:11:39 +0000 Lizzie http://www.rippin-kitten.com/?p=3409 Registration is open for premier charity ride Aug. 9 between Deadwood to the Legendary Buffalo Chip.

Celebrities, the nation’s top bike builders and riders looking to ride for charity will converge in Deadwood August 9 to take part in the 3rd annual Legends Ride. The Legends Ride takes riders from Historic Deadwood to the Legendary Buffalo Chip in Sturgis through the Black Hills of South Dakota. Riders’ contributions from the Ride benefit the Children’s Home of the Black Hills and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. In just two years, the Legends Ride has raised nearly $100,000 for these charities.

The 2010 Legends Ride to Kick off the 70th Annual Sturgis Rally

Special guests confirmed to participate on the 2010 Legends Ride include actor Lorenzo Lamas, reality television star Rupert Boneham, comedic icon Pee-wee Herman (Paul Reubens) and a host of the nation’s top bike builders and industry dignitaries.

“The past couple years have proved that the Legends Ride is the premier charity and celebrity event in motorcycling. We are proud to be part of this worthy cause, and it’s truly amazing to see Rally-goers come forward to be part of this great ride,” said George Milos, Deadwood Chamber of Commerce director. “And now that we’ve established the Ride as a must-do during the Rally, we are only going to see more support.”

The cost of the ride is $150 per person. That tax-deductible fee offers riders the opportunity to join celebrities, world-class bike builders, cigar aficionados and other special guests on a stunning 50-mile ride from historic Deadwood, S.D., to the Legendary Buffalo Chip for the Legends Ride finale, capped by a concert by rockers Buckcherry and legends ZZ Top. A ticket to the concert is included in the registration. Other perks include free parking in Deadwood and the Legendary Buffalo Chip, food and drinks prior to the concert, meet-and-greet opportunities with master builders and celebrities and a special souvenir gift pack. Registration for the 2010 ride is now open, and space is filling quickly as the Legends Ride heads for its third consecutive sellout.

Also in 2010, the Legend’s Ride reception at the Legendary Buffalo Chip will be highlighted by a special live auction featuring “Method,” a one-of-a-kind custom motorcycle built by Discovery Channel bike builder Michael Prugh and the students of Western Dakota Technical Institute in Rapid City, S.D.

The Legends Ride schedule in Deadwood runs from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex on Deadwood’s Main Street.  Other Deadwood Legends Ride event locations include the Deadwood Tobacco Company, where riders can enjoy a stogie with tobacconists and avid motorcyclists John and Vaughn Boyd.  The Silverado-Franklin will also showcase the works of top motorcycle
and Black Hill’s artists including Marc Lacourciere, Michael Lichter, David Uhl, Eric Herrmann and Kristi Goodell as part of the Buffalo Chip’s 2010 Essential Artists of the Sturgis Rally. The ride departs Deadwood at 3 p.m. as the convoy heads through the Black Hills and Vanocker Canyon before reaching the Buffalo Chip and a pre-concert reception and auction, which begins at 5 p.m.

This week Hot Leathers simply can’t wait to get to their next 2010 rally stop, the one and only Laconia Motorcycle Week. Celebrating its 87th Anniversary this year, Laconia Motorcycle Week promises a high-octane mix of action, racing, entertainment and events. Synonymous for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road, Hot Leathers will not only be setting up shop at the popular rally scheduled for June 12-20, but will also be a presenting sponsor and the official merchandiser of Laconia Motorcycle Week.

Laconia Motorycle Week 2010

One of the foremost motorcycle rallies in the nation, Laconia Motorcycle Week is located in beautiful Weirs Beach, New Hampshire. From its majestic mountain peaks to its gorgeous coastline, New Hampshire offers an array of stunning landscapes as well as a selection of sizzling scenic byways for bikers to experience and enjoy.

This summer’s rally will be Hot Leathers 25th year in attendance at Laconia Bike Week, which boasted nearly 40,000 visitors during last year’s events. Hot Leathers has become a staple at the yearly celebration and is proud to offer patrons the opportunity to purchase quality and price-conscious motorcycle apparel and accessories to commemorate this legendary event. Hot Leathers is proud to showcase its quality products at the Lobster Pound and at several locations up and down Lakeside Avenue.

Notorious for packing up their merchandise and visiting a number of rallies and festivals throughout the nation, Hot Leathers goes to great lengths to ensure that motorcycle enthusiasts from coast to coast have the opportunity to peruse and purchase the ultimate in riding gear at Hot Leathers’ simple one-stop-rally-shop.

Follow Hot Leathers as they comb the nation, outfitting motorcycle enthusiasts with the quality merchandise that they desire and deserve. Check out hotleathers.com to see their full 2010 rally schedule and to peruse their diverse and original merchandise.

The day of the demo ride finally arrived! Honda split us up into three separate groups to ride: morning, mid-afternoon and late afternoon. I ended up being in the middle group, which gave me some time to kill. I missed watching the morning group leave because I was having breakfast, but I did get out there earlier in the morning to photograph the motorcycles before there were lots of people around.

When my group gathered with all our gear in tow, they almost didn’t let me ride. Something about not having a DOT approved helmet, blah blah (they never said I had to have one, but I suppose I should have known better. Please no lectures about riding safety, I’m well aware). One of the ride leaders let me borrow a helmet: a full-faced one, to my chagrin. Talk about sensory deprivation…

photo by Kevin Wing

Anyway it was suggested I take the standard model out first and when we got to the canyon we’d all switch bikes and I’d get to ride the DCT back. Sounded good to me.

And here begins the convergence of a perfect storm of comedy (and a whole lotta stress and frustration) for me: wearing a full-face helmet that I’m not used to, riding a motorcycle that I’m not familiar with (and uncomfortable on because I’m leaning forward and my feet are behind me), in a group of people I’ve never ridden with before on roads that I’ve never driven on…ever.

photo by Kevin Wing

I felt like I was back in my first day of the MSF course, I kept stalling out the damn bike. I ended up lagging way behind the rest of the group at the beginning of the ride. I had a really difficult time with the clutch because the friction point was a lot further out from where I’m used to (and although it’s adjustable we didn’t have enough time ahead to do anything about it).

The entire ride up to the canyon was a struggle for me and I’m sure it made some of the Honda guys doubt my riding abilities. I kind of wished that they had let us take a quick spin around the parking lot before we headed out for the ride so that we could set our expectations. [After all was said and done I was happy to learn that I wasn't the only one that had a bit of difficulty with the manual bike.]

After lots of swearing and finally catching up to the group I tried to focus on the gorgeous scenery and the bike itself. The ride was very smooth and first and second gears last a lot longer than I expected. Honestly, we never ended up going very fast for long enough to really get the bike going. I guess when the group of journalists went out a few days before us, one of the groups was pulled over for speeding. So Honda was very conservative while bringing the consumer groups out.

When we got to the canyon, I jumped on the DCT. Immediately it felt foreign not to be holding in the clutch while waiting for the rest of the group. I think the Honda guys were a little concerned about me because I did struggle initially. But you know how it goes, after a half hour on an unfamiliar bike you finally used to it and become a lot less nervous. And plus, hello automatic motorcycle!

photo by Kevin Wing

Off I went, this time second in line. That’s the silly thing about being on an automatic: you just go. I always thought riding an automatic felt a little like cheating because you’re not doing any work. But in this instance I quite enjoyed it in contrast to my frazzling time on the manual model. I got to enjoy the scenery, I kept up with the front of the group just fine. I didn’t fiddle too much with the controllers. I did toggle it into “S-mode” over “D-mode.” Most everyone who rode the DCT agreed they would almost never ride in D-mode, maybe the only reason to would be if you’re in heavy traffic.

It was interesting for me to see where the motorcycle’s computer decided to change gears versus where I normally would have. And I did notice if I seemed to be traveling in between gears I heard  “click-clack click-clack” while it tried to decide what gear to be in. There were a few spots where the road declined that I would have downshifted sooner than the computer did. And stopping was a little strange. Again, no clutch means no downshifting. You just use the brake to stop. Weird!

photo by Kevin Wing

If the ride had been longer I would have loved to have tested out the paddle switch in manual mode. The ride was only about an hour total, a half hour on each bike. Not nearly enough time to play around with all the features like we would have wanted to. But since this was Honda’s first time doing a consumer demo ride I can understand them being cautious.

I don’t know that I’d give up my street cruiser anytime soon for this one, but I really liked the DCT’s ability to toggle between manual and automatic and am intrigued by the paddle switch. I personally didn’t find the sporty style of it particularly comfy, based on my posture while riding, but the other folks who like this style found it very comfortable.

Everyone had lots of opinions, good and bad, about the VFR after the ride and didn’t hesitate sharing their thoughts. I hope American Honda finds that holding that kind of an event is successful and decide to do it again. If they do then they’ll be more aware of what worked and what didn’t. Oh, and I hope they invite me again, too! It was a great experience.

photo by Kevin Wing

Check out all of my photos from the Honda Consumer Event on my Facebook page!

Go to Honda Powersports for more information on the Honda VFR1200F DCT.

And if you really want to nerd out with other VFR fans, join them at VFRworld.

Related post: Anatomy of the Honda VFR1200F DCT

The Journey

I was dropped off at Boston’s Logan Airport by one half of the Hungry Mouse team: The Angry Chef and their new fluffy addition, Miss Penelope.

Penolope

I arrived with much time to spare before my flight. Had an overpriced yogurt for breakfast. Cracked open a new book and began reading through sleepy eyes (didn’t get much sleep the night before). Then boarded the plane, snapped myself into my seat and waited nervously for the plane to take off. Once in the air I…Zzzzz. Yup, fell asleep on and off for the next five hours while the two guys next to me chatted like ladies at a book club meeting.

Connecting flight was in Phoenix AZ. High temperatures of 103 degrees during the day. Wha…? Whoa. This would be one day I’m glad I’m not staying in Phoenix…

The second flight was only an hour but I seriously couldn’t wait to get both my feet on the ground again.

The Destination

Made it to Santa Barbara airport and first thing that struck me was: all of the mountains and how mild the weather was. Oh, and the airport is pretty small too, but very nice.

Welcome to Santa Barbara

There was a hotel shuttle waiting  to take me to Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort. It’s a beautiful, sprawling resort on 25 acres of land with all the amenities you could ask for, not to mention a beach right across the street. This is the first time that Honda has ever done something like this aimed at consumers and they’re doing it up right so far.

Fess Parker's DoubleTree Resort

After getting settled in I notice a big Honda trailer and tent set up in the parking lot behind my room so I head out to say hello to all the Honda folks and some of the other lucky contestants here to ride this VFR1200. My first impression: these guys are hardcore fans. They’re talking about all the different generations of the VFR, lots of tech specs, specific gear and helmets and some have encountered each other on different sport-touring message boards.

I start to feel dreadfully out of place. But I’m not discouraged.

Later in the evening comes the meet and greet with the Honda folks. They are all pretty generous and gracious. There’s a pretty extensive and informative presentation with a little history about Honda and the engineering behind the VFR1200 DCT and 1200F. Clearly they are excited about this model, which I’ll go more in depth about in a future post.

presentation slide

The group starts firing out a lot of questions. I felt like I was at a Comic-Con with a bunch of Trekkies firing questions about what episode in the Original Series can you see the U.S.S. Enterprise is seen orbiting a planet from right to left, only these are motorcycle fans. They were getting pretty granular about what they were asking. And the Honda folks were nothing less than delighted.

goodie bags

Honda schwag

We then had a lovely dinner, many drinks and were split up into riding groups for the next day. I will be riding in the second group which will head out in the afternoon. We will get the opportunity to ride both models of the bike while we’re out.

Honda VFR1200F and DCT

Then we’ll find out if this baby is worth the hype!

Stay tuned for an in-depth post about the bike and my ride experience. In the meantime, if you’re on Twitter follow @HondaPowersports!

On her blog Christina announced that she will be hitting the road, with her daughters no less- from June 26 – July 11th, making her way up the coast from San Francisco to Vancouver. The show will include a video projection show of some of the ladies featured in Chicks On Bikes, she’ll talk about her experience in tracking down and photographing those featured in the book and will include images left out of the book and on the editing table. Best of all it’s free and she will sign your copy of the book with her favorite silver Sharpie (I got mine!).

"Chicks on Bikes" West Coast book tour

She is looking to book events all along the way and is taking bookings right now, particularly looking for venues in Seattle and Vancouver. If you think you have a venue that you’d like her to be at you are her ideal contact if you:

• a. love women and at least suspect that women are indeed smarter than men.
• b. Think motorcycles are the perfect vehicle
• c. are fascinated with the frozen moments and million words embodied in great photography.
• d. own a motorcycle related shop
• e. belong to a motorcycle club, great excuse to gather your buds.

If you think you have the perfect place and want Christina there, email her through her site ChicksOnBikes.us or comment on her blog at Christina Shook photography.

Hot Leathers is headed for sun and surf this week at the legendary Panama City Beach Motorcycle Rally. The industry leader in motorcycle apparel, synonymous for offering the best selection of motorcycle merchandise in stores, online and on the road is looking forward to a large presence at the much anticipated event being held April 28-May 2.

Panama City motorcycle rally 2010

A mainstay on the biker rally scene, twice a year thousands of riders descend on Panama City for the Panama City Beach Rally for a long weekend of motorcycle revelry along one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Hot Leathers is a sponsor at this year’s celebration which promises to be an action-packed five days of motorcycle-centric festivities including parties, rides, vendors and live music. The Panama City Beach Rally also provides the perfect opportunity for Hot Leathers to showcase a number of their superior products. Florida rally-goers will have the chance to browse amongst a significant selection of Hot Leather’s premier merchandise including t-shirts, hats and other products for men, women and children.

In addition, Hot Leathers has designed and produced an array of premier rally apparel and merchandise exclusively for this year’s Panama City Beach Motorcycle Rally. Creating original designs for all of the major bike parties across the nation is a staple of the Hot Leathers Brand. Notorious for packing up their merchandise and visiting a number of rallies and festivals throughout the nation, Hot Leathers goes to great lengths to ensure that motorcycle enthusiasts from coast to coast have the opportunity to peruse and purchase the ultimate in riding gear at Hot Leathers’ simple one-stop-rally-shop.

Hot Leathers has been serving the motorcycle community for over 25 years. As a result, the company’s growing wholesale and printing facilities have earned it a place as one of America’s top 50 volume screen printers. Keep an eye out this summer for the Hot Leathers logo. It’s a brand you can trust with prices you can easily afford.

Follow Hot Leathers as they comb the nation, outfitting motorcycle enthusiasts with the quality merchandise that they desire and deserve. Check out hotleathers.com to see their full 2010 rally schedule and to peruse their diverse and original merchandise.

Sporting polished chrome and miniature American flagswhipping in the frigid reeze, a multitude of seasoned bikers made their way to Daytona Bike Week 2010 to support the “A Walk with Heroes” Veteran Tribute. The tribute, sponsored by the Legendary Buffalo Chip in conjunction with the Plaza Resort & Spa, has been heralded as one of the largest and most successful Veterans Tributes and celebrations in the United States.

R. Lee Ermey speaks at the "A Walk with Heroes" Veteran Tribute

The homage which included a selection of prestigious speakers, top level entertainment and the largest balloon launch in Veteran memorial history was supported and attended by more than 75 Veteran related associations and ten Veteran
motorcycle organizations. Highlights of the tribute included a replica of the Vietnam Wall which was escorted to the Plaza Resort & Spa by Rolling Thunder along with a number of other Veteran related motorcycle groups, a ceremony and evening of entertainment to formally honor Veterans of every branch and a balloon launch to pay tribute to fallen heroes.

Gunnery Sgt. R. Lee Ermey was also on hand as the event’s keynote speaker. A former Marine and award winning actor best known for his performance as the abrasive drill sergeant, Hartman, in the critically acclaimed film, “Full Metal Jacket”, Ermey also stars in his own shows on the Discovery and History channels including “Mail Call” and “Lock N’ Load with R. Lee Ermey”.

A well known and outspoken advocate for the United States Marine Corps, US Armed Forces and Veterans groups, Ermey has also just announced that he will be participating in this year’s salute to Veterans at the Legendary Buffalo Chip during
Sturgis Rally Week 2010. Known as the best party anywhere, the Legendary Buffalo Chip is also synonymous for taking special pride in honoring America’s Veterans. To find out more about the Legendary Buffalo Chip’s tribute to Veterans check out their website at legendarybuffalochip.com.

Related post:
A Walk with Heroes veteran tribute in Daytona

An impressive list of world-class builders, industry elite and media gathered at the Doghouse Bar and Grill on Main Street Daytona to raise funds for Soldiers’ Angels. A volunteer-led non-profit that provides aid and comfort to active servicemen and women of the U.S. military as well as veterans and their families, Soldiers’ Angels go to great lengths to demonstrate care and concern for those who daily fight for our freedom and safety.

Special hosts at this year’s celebration included Major General (retired) USAF, David Scott and Master Sergeant U.S. Army Special Forces, Scott Neil. Bert Baker, of Baker Drivetrain and Bryan Fuller of Fuller Hot Rods were the evening’s emcees, directing the night’s festivities.

A highlight of the evening’s celebration included a presentation of the Special Ops Sidehack built specifically for wounded Special Ops veteran, Romy Camargo. A Special Forces soldier paralyzed by a gunshot wound while serving in Afghanistan, Romy has achieved a number of personal freedoms others take for granted, but one major hurdle remains- once again feeling the wind in his hair from a motorcycle. As a result, Romy’s friend, Special Forces teammate and custom bike builder, Izzy Izquierdo along with three additional Special Forces brothers created a bike/sidecar combination just for Romy. Funds for the bike were raised by the Post 911 Foundation.

Special Ops Sidehack

Romy is presented the Special Ops Sidehack

Preceeding the event, Romy was accompanied by a large assembly of motorcyclists and a police escort from Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley Davidson Beach Street Daytona store to the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse amongst the cheers and applause of thousands of bikers there to offer their support to the war hero.

The smile says it all.

The night’s additional festivities included a live auction with proceeds going to Soldiers’ Angels. A number of renowned builders were also on the scene such as Steve Broyles, Paul Wideman, Izzy Izquierdo, Matt Hotch, Cory Ness, Athena Ransom, Bryan Fuller, Kyle Shorey and Matt Olsen. The night’s revelry was all set amidst artwork in the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse by Mike Lichter, Sara Liberte, Paul Cox, Peter Grant, Jeff Cochran and Buck Wild.

left to right: Mandy Rossmeyer, Shelly Rossmeyer-Pepe, Ken Conte, Carrie Repp, Mike Cole, Andy George, Dar Holdsworth, Kyle Shorey, Bryan Fuller, Donny Loos, Steve Broyles, Paul Wideman, Kris Krome, Athena Ransom, Matt Hotch and Rollin Carroll. photo credit: Michael Lichter Photography

Sponsors for this year’s event included the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse, Hot Leathers, Bare Knuckle Choppers, R&R Promotions, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona, Spectro Oil, Baker Drivetrain, K&G Cycles, Rise Above Consulting, Limpnickielot.com, Intrepid Powerboats, Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping.com, and Lefty Brothers Cycles.

A good time with a purpose, this year’s Biker Fusion event proved to be a celebration of compassion and philanthropy amongst the motorcycle industry. Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse’s Biker Fusion has quickly become an industry staple and will continue raising support for our troops for years to come. To learn more about the Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse visit them online at www.hrroadhouse.com.

Related post:
Seminole Hard Rock Roadhouse Biker Fusion: good times for a purpose

An HD Garage Party attendee learns the proper way to pick up a motorcycle.

We ladies already have the month of May as “Women Riders Month” and now March is “National Garage Party Month,” which encourage thousands of women across the country to learn to ride. These events are for women only, hosted by hundreds of HD dealerships, offering seminars, basic information and hands-on tips (like learning how to pick up a fallen motorcycle). You can also shop for all the gear you’ll need to ride safely and of course, find the right HD for your personal style.

Check out the Harley-Davidson website if you would like to find a Garage Party near you.

Enter the National Garage Party Month Sweepstakes

During March, enter online or attend a Garage Party™ event at participating H-D® dealers for a chance to win a weekend getaway in L.A. with three girlfriends and America’s wellness expert and H-D rider Jillian Michaels.

H-D rider Jillian Michaels

The weekend will feature participation in the H-D Rider’s Edge® New Rider Course, spa treatments and a motivational talk with Jillian on how to live a better, healthier life. Enter the Sweepstakes.

*Rippin-Kitten.com is in no way affiliated with this giveaway. We’re just passing along the message. If you have any questions, please visit H-D’s National Garage Party Month Sweepstakes page.

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Oh yes, it’s Ladies Night and the feeling’s intimidation-free

Two-Wheeled passion seminar successfully reignites enthusiasm for V-Twin Industry

Despite having to make their annual voyage through wintery conditions that nearly shut down the entire East coast, a barrage of V-Twin dealers and exhibitors trekked their way to the 10th Annual V-Twin Expo in Cincinnati the weekend of February 6-8. The industry’s premier trade show, the V-Twin Expo is an opportunity for dealers and manufacturers to strike a deal and ascertain the overall state of the industry from veterans and colleagues. In addition to browsing an impressive array of V-Twin parts and accessories, this year’s expo also featured the “Eternal Combustion-Opportunity in the Wind” seminar.

Sponsored by the Legendary Buffalo Chip and Hot Leathers, this round table gave audience members the chance to converse, listen and learn from an impressive selection of successful and established bike builders and discuss the current climate of the V-Twin industry.

Turn out for the seminar was remarkable as an impressive assortment of industry giants discussed how they have managed to capitalize on their passion within the current climate and how they have successfully turned difficulty into opportunity. The seminar was moderated by celebrated motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter and the panel consisted of industry notables Kevin Baas, Bryan Fuller, Brian Klock, Gary Mauer, Dave Perewitz, Matt Olsen, Kirk Taylor and Paul Yaffe. An overwhelming sense of passion for the industry permeated the room while journalists, industry insiders, dealers, manufacturers and builders discussed the industry; how it has changed since starting out, how to adapt to these changes and refocus business as well as how to pass this passion down to the next generation of bike builders.

At the conclusion of the seminar celebrity moderator, Michael Lichter also revealed the theme, participants and the logo, designed by Hot Leathers, for the 10th annual Motorcycle as Art exhibit to be displayed at the Legendary Buffalo Chip August 7-13. Titled “Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind” this year’s exhibit will focus on the explosion of interest and passion for custom motorcycles seen over the last thirty years. The display will include 30 custom motorcycles from 15 pairs of custom builders and will feature the photography and limited edition prints of the renowned photographer. This internationally renowned and highly anticipated yearly exhibit will be on display at the Lichter Exhibition Hall on the grounds of the Legendary Buffalo Chip August 7-13. An opportunity to peruse, mingle, discuss and learn this year’s V-Twin Expo and highly anticipated “Eternal Combustion-Opportunity in the Wind” seminar was the perfect opportunity for those involved in the V-Twin industry to rekindle their passion for the business and introduce this years Motorcycles as Art exhibition.

Sturgis Buffalo Chip Presents 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit: Eternal Combustion- 30 in the Wind

More information on the free Motorcycles as Art 2010 Exhibition, “Eternal Combustion-30 in the Wind” is available at motorcyclesasart.com and buffalochip.com.

Related post:
Sturgis Buffalo Chip Announces Motorcycles as Art Exhibit for 2010

Despite the countless motorcycles still in hibernation in garages across the country, the countdown has officially commenced.

Now only over six months out, the Legendary Buffalo Chip has already begun preparations for the 70th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2010. The epicenter and purveyor of the ultimate Sturgis experience; the Legendary Buffalo Chip has once again set out to provide rally-goers an array of entertainment, art, vendors, food, amenities and a myriad of raucous memories.

By bikers and for bikers, The Legendary Buffalo Chip has consistently proven itself as the best party in Sturgis. Synonymous with providing patrons a world-renowned assortment of musical acts, this year’s lineup is sure to deliver. Locked, loaded and ready to grace the Chip’s infamous main amphitheatre stage is rock and roll luminary, ZZ Top. That little ol’ band from Texas is sure to deliver the familiar and intricate riffs that landed them in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and in the hearts of fans the world over. The notoriously bearded blues-rock power trio will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary next year and is looking forward to ringing in this musical achievement with a rowdy crowd of Chipsters.

Another musical powerhouse booked for this year’s festivities is hard-hitting American rock band, Disturbed. Since the band’s inception in 1996 they have sold over 11 million albums worldwide, making them one of the largest grossing rock bands in recent years. They have also released three consecutive studio albums that have debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

An additional can’t-miss attraction at this year’s Sturgis Rally Week is Michael Lichter’s 10th Annual Motorcycles as Art Exhibit. An internationally renowned exhibition showcasing the works of the most influential master builders and artists in motorcycling, Motorcycles as Art has become the token exhibition of the annual Sturgis Rally. The exhibit curated by legendary motorcycle photographer, Michael Lichter, has been successfully captivating rally-goers for the past decade and has effectively touched on a variety of relevant and significant themes within the motorcycle community.

Last year’s 2009 exhibit entitled “Rebel Rousers- Motorcycle Icons that Inspired Us to Ride” inspired thousands of enthusiasts to come out and witness for themselves an array of revered images and sacred memorabilia central to the biker culture. Quickly becoming the most eagerly anticipated exhibition of its kind, the Motorcycles as Art exhibition provides Sturgis rally-goers with an unforgettable experience.  This year’s theme soon to be announced, is guaranteed to follow in the rich and unforgettable Motorcycles as Art tradition.

The Third Annual Legends Ride has also been confirmed for Sturgis Rally Week 2010. The Legends Ride is your ticket to join celebrities, world-class bike builders and over 500 riders on a stunning, 50-mile ride from historic Deadwood, SD to the Legendary Buffalo Chip. All proceeds from the ride benefit two local Black Hills charities including the Black Hills Children’s Home and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Within the past two years, the Legends Ride has quickly become the premier charity-celebrity ride of the motorcycling community and has raised nearly $100,000 for local charities. The ride is scheduled for Monday, August 9 with details still being worked out.

The Legendary Buffalo Chip offers visitors the ultimate Sturgis experience- there’s really no reason to go anywhere else. The countdown has officially begun so visit buffalochip.com now to secure your reservation for Sturgis 2010. Join ZZ Top, Disturbed, Michael Lichter and thousands of rowdy bikers at the Legendary Buffalo Chip for Sturgis Rally Week 2010 and join in the celebration. It’s going to be a wild ride!

What do you do in January when it’s too wet or chilly to ride your motorcycle? How about heading out for a night of motorcycle related literature and photography? Christina Shook and Ed Milich will be touring motorcycle destinations in San Francisco and northern California beginning January 26 2010 to promote their recently released motorcycle books: Milich’s “Wrenched: Man and Machine” and Shook’s “Chicks on Bikes“. Milich recently completed a 10-day West Coast book tour in December of 2009 with Mark Gardiner (Roadracer X, Classic Bike), author of Riding Man. Shook shared the Werkstatt SF tour stop with Gardiner and Milich, and the idea for January’s “Wrenched Words and Chick Pics” Tour was born.

Christina Shook is a San Francisco East Bay based professional photographer. “Chicks On Bikes“, Shook’s first book, compiles her photographs of and writings on female motorcyclists drawn largely from the San Francisco Bay Area’s diverse population of female riders. The book depicts female racers, commuters, cruisers, and mechanics in their natural environments from San Fransicso’s streets to dirt bike trails, to the racetrack. The hard bound “Chicks On Bikes” is 154 pages and is $24.99 from chicksonbike.us.

Chicks on Bikes by Christina Shook

Wrenched: Man and Machine by Ed Milich

Ed Milich is a Los Angeles based writer and contributor to Motorcyclist Magazine, Café Racer Magazine Sports Car Market Magazine, a national roadracing champion (WSMC, AHRMA), proprietor of motorcycle websites Guzzitech.com, Ducpower.com, and Motobastard.com and a professional Mechanical Engineer. “Wrenched, Man and Machine“, the first book from the Los Angeles based Milich, documents his motorcycle racing, wrenching and riding experiences in largely unrhymed free verse. In March of 2009, Milich debuted “Wrenched” at the Daytona International Speedway Bike Week Vintage Races where he punctuated the book release by winning four out of four races. *Wrenched, Man and Machine* is 142 pages and is $15 postpaid at wrenchedbook.com.

If you live in the N. California area I highly recommend you go see these guys and show them your support!

"Chicks Rule" trailer

The tour officially kicked off during the 2009 Toys in the Sun Run with featured guests the Motor Maids, Leslie Kay of Leslie Kay’s Insurance and Jeffrey Phipps of Jeffrey Phipps Custom Saddles. The Chicks Rule & Boys Drool Tour is a traveling display of what is available for women motorcycle riders, from clothing and parts to motorcycles styled with the woman rider in mind. The tour will feature Athena “Chickie” Ransom and her unique hand-crafted custom motorcycles as well as featured special guest appearances by an array of other unique women in the motorcycle industry.

Athena "Chickie" Ransom

Formulated specifically for women, it also gives men an opportunity to see “the other side” of a culture commonly associated with males. Validating the concept that women riders are more than just a “chick on the back” within the motorcycle industry, the tour also provides a forum for ladies to express her likes and dislikes in a setting that is not full of skulls, iron crosses and spikes.

The tour will include 12 national event stops throughout 2010 including the Heavy Hitters, Daytona Bike Week, New Orleans Bike Week, Sturgis Rally, and coming to an end at the 2010 South Florida Bikers Bash and Toys in the Sun Run. Look for the Vagabond set up at rallies near you.

For more info check out: vagabondchoppers.com and chicksruleandboysdrool.com