Black Hills Classic Evolves Into Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

J. Clarence "Pappy" Hoel bought an interest in the Indian Motorcycle Company in 1936 and is credited with being the founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. A local motorcycle club, the Jackpine Gypsies, was also founded in 1936 and in 1938 they were the first participants in the two day Black Hills Motor Classic event. There were nine entrants. The event initially featured stunts and races, which slowly evolved into motocross and hill climbing races. As the years passed the word got out and more and more people became interested in the annual rally. This was the beginning of what was to become the world famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The 60th anniversary rally in 2000 saw an estimated 550,00 – 633,000 people in the little town (population of around 6,300 full time residents) of Sturgis, S.D.