August 9, 2016 - Sturgis Buffalo Chip

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TONIGHT’S HEADLINER:
TUESDAY
AUG. 9, 2016
INSIDE
HALL OF FAME
Page 4
EASYRIDERS AUCTION
Page 11
SPORTSTER
SHOWDOWN
Page 13
STURGIS WEATHER
Tues 8/9
91/73
Mostly Sunny
Fast and fierce racing fury …
THE MOTO STAMPEDE!
Wed 8/10
91/63
Partly Cloudy
Courtesy of weather.com
STURGIS BUFFALO CHIP’S
WOLFMAN JACK
STAGE
TONIGHT
10 PM
CHEAP TRICK
8:30 PM
TEXAS HIPPIE
COALITION
7 PM
THE GRIZZLED MIGHTY
TOMORROW
10:30 PM
FIVE FINGER DEATH
PUNCH
8:30 PM
REVEREND HORTON
HEAT
7 PM
LOW VOLTS
Roving Reporter Roady Loner has been around the
block and that’s no lie. As a seasoned road-dog, he’s seen
it all — or just about. So we put him on the case of the
Moto Stampede. It’s just the thing to snap old Roady
back to racing’s heyday — when men were men and
women were okay with it.
I
t goes without saying that rock music and motorcycles go together like pinstripes and metalflake.
Even before the days of all these 300-watt stereos on two wheels, the spirit behind a good groove
was playing in your head while you roared down the
blacktop, mile after mile. Or was that just a flashback?
What is for sure is the combination of killer riffs
and amped-up flat track and drag race action at
the Chip today and tomorrow, August 9 and 10.
They’re kicking up the dust in a Moto Stampede!
Tuesday’s Sportster Showdown stokes the flames
as Biltwell, Led Sleds, S&S Cycle, Chop Cult, Street
Chopper and Rusty Butcher get down to business
shaking out the cool from school to celebrate the
Sportster. Rebel Yell happy hour and an after party
Super Hooligan Racing is hard scrabble, bar-to-bar action that’s electrifying to watch and addicting to do.
Be in the Buffalo Chip amphitheater tomorrow, Wednesday, August 10, and you’ll agree.
with Mothership at Bikini Beach follow.
That’s just the set-up, though. Because throwing down all day Wednesday in the Buffalo Chip
Amphitheater, the Moto Stampede brings the misty
red fury of smoky, dirty racing right into your lap.
We’re talking about full-on racing action, with a
spankin’ new drag strip and a just-completed dirt
track right there in the amphitheater! Crazy stuff,
but that’s what you have to expect from the Chip.
Here’s how it plays out: Kicking off with a practice session for the dirt junkies right after lunch, the
action really heats up when Crazy John Markwald
Continued on Page 2
PAGE 2
SHOWCASE
STAGES
Tuesday 8/9
BIKINI BEACH STAGE
11 AM ................................ Bikini Beach Party
1 PM ................................................. Karaoke
2 PM ...................... Beers And Burps Contest
2:30 PM .......................... Whip Cream Twister
3 PM .............................. Rope Swing Contest
3:30 PM ............................. Slip n’ Slide Relay
4 PM ........................... Frozen T-Shirt Contest
4:30 PM .................................... Air Sex World
Championships
5:30 PM ................ Homemade Bikini Contest
7 PM ....................................... Stolen Rhodes
Midnight .........................Sportster Showdown
After-Party With Mothership
CROSSROADS EVENTS
7-11 AM .............................Sons Of Light Free
Pancake Breakfast
8 AM-8 PM .....................Ride-Thru Weddings
9 AM-1 PM ................ Miss Buffalo Chip Bikini
Bike Wash
9 AM-9 PM ............... Husker Helicopter Rides
9 AM ........................Biker Belles Registration
10 AM-8 PM ...................... Trike Daddy Derby
11:30 AM ............................. Seattle Cossacks
Noon ......................... Clint Ewing Stunt Show
12:30 PM ............................ Seattle Cossacks
1-4 PM .........................Free Fuel Happy Hour
2 PM ..................... Sportster Showdown Reg.
2 PM ..................................Panty Party World
............................................... Record Attempt
2-6 PM ........................... Sexy Dance Routine
.......................................................Bike Wash
3 PM ..............................Sportster Showdown
4 PM ......................... Clint Ewing Stunt Show
4:30 PM .............................. Seattle Cossacks
5 PM ..............................Sportster Showdown
Awards Presentation
& Rebel Yell Happy Hour
CROSSROADS STAGE
Noon ...............................................Big Skillet
2 PM ..................................Panty Party World
Record Attempt & Biker Games
2:30 PMPanty Party World Record Attempt &
The Mods
3:30 PM .............................Panty Party World
Record Attempt & Biker Games
5 PM .......................................... Biker Games
6 PM ....................................................Nicnos
7 PM .......................................... Sturgis Rider
............................................. Rhythm Rockers
7:15 PM ...............................................Nicnos
HOYT AXTON STAGE
1:30 PM ..................................... Biker Games
4 PM ................................. The Big Dick Dash
5 PM ..................................Reformed Whores
5:30 PM ....................................Dueling Dicks
6:30 PM .......................Charlie Brechtel Band
MidnighT ................ Midnight Endurance Ride
Charlie Brechtel Band
KINISON STAGE
4 PM .......................................... Captain Jack
5 PM ............................. Pickle Lickin’ Contest
6 PM .................................... Well Hung Heart
8 PM ................................... Buffalo Dreamers
8:05 PM ............................... Well Hung Heart
9:55 PM .............................. Buffalo Dreamers
10 PM ................................... The Flaunt Girls
10:05 PM ............................. Well Hung Heart
Midnight ................................ The Flaunt Girls
12:30 AM .........................................Low Volts
ROADHOUSE STAGE
6:30, 8 &10 PM .......................Sweet Cyanide
With Sturgis Rider Rhythm Rockers
Schedules are subject to change.
STURGIS
RIDER
DAILY
IT’S A MOTO STAMPEDE
and his band of merry drag-iron noisemakers
crank up the Street Drag Invitationals. Harkening
back to the bad old days when the Sturgis police
had to fling red-blooded throttle hounds out of
city park, the Chip brings those straight-line tests
of man and machine right through the heart of
its own Main Street. John’s boys could be slinging under the bridge in three digits on all manner
of custom jewelry and artistry from the nation’s
top builders. It’s hard enough to see these bikes
through the crowd at a show, and here they are
banging them through the gears like they have
teeth to spare! Spectator vantage points abound
from the Party Deck, Iron Bridge, Stag Lounge
and Top Shelf.
The Seattle Cossacks dial it back with their
precision stunt riding as another track is readied
for a different kind of competition: flat tracking!
Equally as hallowed and storied as the throttle-fest
of drag racing, flat track events have sprung up all
over the country lately. Frankly, it’s good to see
these kids showing some sense of time and place!
Hell, most of them actually know Jay Springsteen
slung an XR, not a Telecaster — but that’s another
story. Fact is, the Roland Sands Design Super
Hooligan races will mesmerize with smokin’ hot
heats for everyone, from pro racers to loonies in
rainbow wigs. It’s bar-banging, dirt-flinging racing like back in the day — and not to be missed.
Better still, this moto mayhem is the inaugural
event on the Buffalo Chip’s new dirt track, placed
smack inside the amphitheater right in front of
the Wolfman Jack Stage. Designed by IV League
Racing’s Brian Bell, it’s an unusual TT-style track
that challenges racers by including a right-hand
turn in the mix. Bell quotes a friend saying, “Flat
track racing is ultimately controlling a crashing
motorcycle!” and if you ever tried it you know
that’s pretty dang accurate. Word is the team to
beat is the RSD crew with their fresh Indian Scout
Sixty machines, but flat track hasn’t been entertaining for this long because it’s predictable. So
stay tuned, spectators and racers!
And once the dust has settled, there’ll be a different kind of tuning. Low Volts starts cranking
about 7:15, before Reverend Horton Heat hits the
stage, laying his own genre-defying brand of rockabilly madness on the washboard of twang, power
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016
SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 10
Buffalo Chip CrossRoads
Sportster Showdown
2 PM
Ride in and Free Registration
3 PM
Showtime
5 PM
Rebel Yell Happy Hour 2 for 1
MIDNIGHT
After Party with Mothership at Bikini
Beach, 2 for 1 Pabst
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10
and punk energy. And here I thought Psychobilly
was my old roommate back in the ‘burgh! All I
know is that rocks talks, and I’ll be down to hear
the good Reverend loud and clear!
Between bands enjoy Indian Motorcycle Night
at the Chip with swag and surprises on tap. Sending the last notes of fury into the night, Five Finger Death Punch caps it off with heavy riffs and
searing leads. If you’ve been living under a rock
and missed their three gold albums, I’m sorry for
you, but it’s not too late to get in on the action.
I hope you wore your earplugs during the races,
because you’ll want your ears in top working
shape for these boys and their sonic assault!
So whether you’re into heavy metal, heavy
application of throttle, or both, it’s clear where the
action is mid-week. Assuming the ol’ FX fires up,
I’ll be there and you better show, too!
Buffalo Chip Amphitheater
12:40–1 PM
Flat Track Practice Session
1:30–3:30 PM
Buffalo Chip Street Drag Invitational
with Crazy John
3:30–4 PM
Seattle Cossacks Stunt Performance
4–6 PM
RSD Super Hooligan Flat Track
Races Presented by Indian
Motorcycle
7:15 PM
Low Volts perform on the Wolfman
Jack Stage
8:30 PM
Reverend Horton Heat takes the
Wolfman Jack Stage
10:30 PM
Five Finger Death Punch on the
Wolfman Jack Stage - Indian
Motorcycle Night at the Chip
MIDNIGHT
Red Bull After Party at Club Chip
STURGIS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016
RIDER
WOMEN RIDERS UNITE
Biker Belles 2016 is today!
T
he eighth annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Biker Belles event
is today, Tuesday, August 9.
It’s a day of real riders, real stories and
real passion, featuring a guided ride
from the Buffalo Chip to the Lodge
at Deadwood, catered lunch, Team
Diva Comfort Zone, silent auction
and a symposium titled “Two-Wheeled Transformation.” The event was created to raise awareness
of the passion, diversity and spirit of women in
motorcycling.
Participants are asked to make a $60 contribution to join the festivities, one hundred percent
of which benefits Helping with Horsepower and
the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.
Visit BikerBelles.com or call 605-347-9000.
Have Your Say!
What do you love about spending the Sturgis Rally at the Buffalo Chip? Drop us a line to say.
Not the verbal type? Shoot us a picture and show us how much fun you’re having. We’ll get it.
Text: 828-205-8482 • Email: GetSocial@BuffaloChip.com
Letters to the Editor: marilyn@buffalochip.com
STURGIS
Co-Publishers
Sturgis Buffalo Chip
Rapid City Journal
RIDER
Editor
Marilyn Stemp
Printer
Rapid City Journal
Advertising Sales
Rapid City Journal
Paul Mitchell, Sturgis
Buffalo Chip
DAILY
Design & Prepress
Amy Runestad,
Rapid City Journal
Contributors
Aaron Packard, Jordan Axtman, Jessica Nelson, Brad Schneck, Kevin Karns, Nelson Horsley,
Madeline Campbell, Jeff Smith, Vincent Stemp, Jack McIntrye, Mary Panerio, Shandell Cutter,
Max O’Connell, Roady Loner. Other material contributed by staff of the Rapid City Journal.
Circulation
The Sturgis Rider® Daily is published eight consecutive days during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. 9500 copies are distributed each day at 70
locations in the Black Hills and to campers at the Buffalo Chip.
Disclaimer
The Sturgis Rider® Daily neither endorses nor warrants the products or services of advertisers, nor does it warrant the completeness or accuracy of the data
provided herein. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publishers, advertisers, editors, contributors, or their agents. Sturgis Rider® is a registered
trademark owned by Rod Woodruff. Reproduction or transmission of content herein, in whole or part, without expressed written consent is not permitted.
PRINTED IN USA
DAILY
PAGE 3
PAGE 4
STURGIS
RIDER
DAILY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016
HAVE BREAKFAST WITH CLASS OF 2016
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame Inductees
E
Buddy’s personal museum includes 130 bikes dating from 1903. How appropriate for him to be
named to the Hall of Fame in 2016, his 50th year
as a motorcycle dealer.
ach year the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
& Hall of Fame recognizes a new group
of remarkable motorcyclists who have
gone above and beyond to build community and
emphasize the positive image of motorcycling.
They will be honored Wednesday, August 10,
at an Induction Breakfast held at The Lodge at
Deadwood presented by Allstate. For tickets, call
the Museum at 605-347-2001 or purchase online
at
http://www.sturgismuseum.com/shop/hallfame-breakfast.
If you’ve been paying attention you’ll already
recognize this year’s inductees. For those who need
a reminder, let’s meet them.
the talking and his actions speak for themselves.
Look to the media where Covington’s work has
been prominent and his charity efforts praised.
Bert Baker left behind a cushy General Motors
career for the risk of running his own business
building a better motorcycle transmission — and
motorcycling is better for it. A stalwart champion
of the American-made movement, he’s an enthusiastic gearhead with far-reaching mechanical ability; we all benefit from Bert’s solutions to making
his own bikes run better and faster. Bert is also
a V-Twin drivetrain innovator, savvy businessman
and stalwart patriot who has been described as
having a pathological aversion to conformity. And
what’s wrong with that?
A lifelong rider, Jerry Covington got his first
bike as a teenager and started modifying it right
away. He built choppers through the ‘70s and
turned his hobby into a family business in 1993
with wife Kathleen and sons David, Dusty, Peewee
and Cameron.
Located in Woodward, Okla., quality standards
are high at Covington’s Customs. Performance
is a factor in every build and details are tended:
welds never show, lines flow, and ride-ability is
paramount. You’ll seldom hear much of this from
Jerry, an unassuming man who lets his bikes do
Even if he hadn’t been such a worthy competitor and national champion rider, John Penton’s
sheer force of will dictated he’d make a mark on
motorcycling. After World War II, he and his
brothers opened a shop in their Ohio hometown
from which John started Meadowlark Motorcycle
Club. He set a cross-country record and encouraged KTM to develop a lightweight off-road bike
— appropriately called the Penton. His search for
better riding gear led him to establish Hi-Point,
an accessory and distribution business that set the
pace for modern distribution companies. His racing and riding feats are the stuff of legend. They
don’t make them like John Penton anymore.
Gary Spellman has brought his dynamic personality to bear on creative initiatives that have
resulted in huge impact for charitable causes. A love
of motorcycling and a chance meeting with Hall
of Famer John Paul Dejoria 30 years ago resulted
in the founding of the Peace*Love*Happiness
ride in Austin, Texas, in 2003. Intended to support local law enforcement, first responders and
their families, the ride expanded to three separate
events in 2015, benefitting Infinite Heroes, Meeting The Need as well as Austin’s law enforcement
community.
Gary is firm in his belief that a person shouldn’t
be recognized simply for doing the right thing.
As for the rest of us? We’re completely okay with
honoring Gary for his inspiring dedication as he
is inducted.
Buddy Stubbs has been all about motorcycling
since the start. Raised at the family Harley-Davidson dealership in Decatur, Illinois, he started riding as a 10-year-old, won his first race trophy at
11, became a Hollywood stunt rider, then opened
his own dealerships near Phoenix, Ariz. An energetic ambassador for the sport of motorcycling,
In 2001 the Sturgis Museum and Hall of Fame
instituted a special award, The Freedom Fighter.
This distinction recognizes an individual who has
fought to protect the rights of motorcyclists and
expended efforts in the political arena.
For 2016, the Freedom Fighter is Gary Wetzel,
a Vietnam veteran and Congressional Medal of
Honor recipient who has been consistently active
for decades in raising awareness of vets issues. A
longtime rider, he has ridden with Rolling Thunder since 1989 and has stepped up countless times
to advocate for the disabled.
The inaugural recipient of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Award is
a man so well known and loved in motorcycling
we almost don’t have to say his name: Arlen Ness.
No few lines of text can describe the impact and
genius of the undisputed King of Custom Motorcycling. A gentleman in the finest and greatest
sense of the word, Arlen and his work stand as a
testament to the very best in our sport.
STURGIS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016
RIDER
DAILY
PAGE 5
All about the Chip landmarks
We got the skinny about
the Chip’s iconic landmarks
from the only one who knows
the scoop: Rod “Woody”
Woodruff. And starting with
Issue 1, as part of the Chip’s
35th anniversary celebration,
we’re telling you about one
in each edition of the Sturgis
Rider Daily.
SRD: So, Woody, what’s
the story about the Buffalo Skull at the Sam Kinison Stage?
RW: Crazy George is one of those one-of-a-kind
biker folks who has intellect and talents beyond
my comprehension. He really is the first person
who actually made the Chip his home. And he
built his home out of scrap materials he’d “salvage”
from around the campground. He was also our
first unofficial but de facto branding agent.
Crazy George made that buffalo skull out of
scrap metal he reclaimed from around the campground and turned it into a work of art he felt
represented the Chip. That Buffalo Skull was first
mounted on a post about 15 feet high. We moved
it to the Kinison stage when we built it 1989. Sam
was here in ‘90 and we named the stage after him
then, which is also when we added the red lights
for the eyes. That was the same year we started
The World Pickle Lickin’ Federation and hosted
the first World Championship right here at the
Chip. The Woody Gherkin character showed up
that same year.
The Chip’s photographers swarm the campground daily for the best shots — but you’re out there
taking them, too. So share! The best one we get each day will appear in the next issue of this paper.
So make it a good one and remember, it has to be printable — both in content and image quality.
Text to: 828-205-8482. Email: [email protected].
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STURGIS
PAGE 6
RIDER
DAILY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016
WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
Thunder down under-wear
Eating well on vacation
A
Get ready to strut your stuff in your tighty whities in an attempt to break the Guinness World
Record for the most people in one place wearing only their underwear. Colorful characters in
flashy attire are welcome, too. No matter the outcome, Big Woody’s Panty Party is sure to break
the record for the wackiest party on the planet. See Page 15 for more information.
s fun as it is to travel, it doesn’t take long
to start craving comfort food. Fortunately
for Chipsters, Stage West Café in the Chip
Amphitheater offers home-style cooking — and
plenty of it.
Just west of the Buffalo Chip’s Wolfman Jack
Stage in the amphitheater, this is truly a familyrun diner, with all meals cooked fresh by Sharon
and her hard-working clan. You won’t find a better meal, this level of warm, kind service and these
prices within 200 miles.
Breakfast is served 7:30 to 11 a.m. Choose from
six hearty meals designed to get your motor running and keep you on the road all day.
Dinner is served 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Offerings
include Prime Rib Dinner with all the trimmings
at $23 and a different Homestyle Dinner Special
every night, all served with potato, vegetable and
dinner roll for only $14 each.
When you’re just looking for a snack, try Sidekick Concessions, your one-stop shop for quick
and delicious homemade meals on the go. Located
at Bikini Beach, it’s open 7:30 to 11 a.m. for
breakfast and offers a selection of lunch items and
snacks till 5 p.m. choose from breakfast burritos
with ham or sausage, egg, potato and cheese or
biscuits and gravy. For a lighter snack, pick up a
fruit parfait, a freshly baked cinnamon or caramel
roll or warm muffin. The coffee pot is always on!
Snacks and lunch fare include: Taco in a Bag,
Indian Tacos and Nachos Supreme at $8 each;
plus Polish dogs, hot dogs, Indian fried bread,
nacho chips and cheese, mini doughnuts, root
beer floats and more — all for less than that.
You put gas in your bike’s tank, right? So don’t
forget to fuel yourself!
SUMMER BBQ
Licensed To Grill
Summer BBQ is BACK
Start with a Sizzlin’ Cocktail:
Kentucky Apple Pie • Red Stag • Berry Cooler
Enjoy a Small Plate!
Pork Shoulder Tacos • Brisket Biscuits • Basket of Biscuits
Choose from our Savory Entrees:
St. Louis Ribs • Black Cherry BBQ Salmon • BBQ Mix
GrillSmoked Wagyu Meatloaf
Can’t Forget Dessert:
Bourbon Peach Cobbler
Welcome
Bikers!!
For a Limited Time Only!
2111 N LaCrosse St. • Rapid City, SD • 605.394.9505 • minervas.net
WHERE’S WOODY?
The Buffalo Chip’s ubiquitous Rod “Woody” Woodruff loves to
meet campers. He roams far and wide at the Chip, so keep your
eyes peeled for his smiling face and say hello. And if you want to
win classic Chip merch, also look for Woody in the pages of the
Sturgis Rider Daily. Each day there’s a different Woody caricature
hidden in a photo of an event or location he especially recommends. The first three campers or visitors who report their find to
the Chamber of Commerce/Rally Info Center at the Chip Crossroads win a prize. And don’t forget to take note of where Woody is
hiding out, because that’s definitely the place to be.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016
10
STURGIS
RIDER
DAILY
Reverend Horton Heat plays at 8:30 tomorrow night,
at the Buffalo Chip’s Wolfman Jack Stage
rev horton heat
T
SRD: How would you describe your music to
someone who’s never heard you play?
RHH: We really aren’t a psychobilly band but
they put that on us a lot. You could say we play
Fifties-influenced rock ‘n roll that leans a little
punk rock.
SRD: So you could say Reverend Horton Heat has
evolved.
RHH: Reverend Horton Heat grew out of the
alternative punk scene but we’d play blues rooms
and rock rooms and punk rooms — and country
shows too! In those days we would adapt. Whoever wanted us, we’d adapt our set list.
SRD: Yet your music doesn’t fit any of those categories!
RHH: I discovered the blues early on and that
made me realize that there was so much other
music out there besides what my peers were listening to. It made me ask myself the question: What
do I like? What gets me going? And to this day I
really do stick to that.
was the stand-up bass important?
RHH: It was a factor, because at the time the
Stray Cats were coming out and especially the
English Rockabilly thing was taking off and those
bands had stand-up bass, slap bass. It was very difficult finding anyone that played upright bass like
that. Hillbilly country guys played electric bass. It
was a really different time.
There was one rockabilly baas player in Houston, Jimbo Wallace, aka JimBo, and eventually I
met him at a gig and said I really need to get your
number, man. About six months later he was in
the band. That was in 1989.
SRD: Is the sound that different?
RHH: It’s a completely different animal. You
can’t get that sound out of an electric baas, especially for Rockabilly. You pull the note and it slaps
against the fingerboard, then you slap your hand
against it on the back beat. There’s a lot of great
rockabilly stuff where you would swear they’ve
got a drummer playing. But it’s the upright baas
player on the backbeat slapping the bass. He’s
playing a bass line and a snare drum beat.
he Reverend Horton Heat is the stage
name of musician Jim Heath. It’s also
the name of his Dallas-based trio, a band
that defies music genre description. We tried to
keep our chat to five minutes but the Rev was just
so compelling we talked for 10! The band takes
the Wolfman Jack Stage at the Buffalo Chip on
Wednesday, August 10.
SRD: So what influences helped create your musical style?
RHH: When I was a kid the birth of rock had
happened about 10 years before. When the Beatles hit, that was a big deal. Then I got into playing
guitar and got into blues then I was in bands that
played all sorts of different stuff. As things went
on I really got into the rock bands of the ‘50s and
rockabilly, like Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard and Chuck Berry; Gene Vincent and the Blue
Caps and some of the more obscure artists, too.
I sort of did what Stevie Ray Vaughan did
with the blues. You know, he was a straight up
blues player that got more turned up and aggressive with it. I decided to do that with Rockabilly.
Higher energy, faster beats and a little bit louder.
PAGE 7
SRD: You’ve played for a biker audience before?
RHH: Yeah, oh yeah. Bikers like blues and the
biker community now is more hip to rockabilly.
There’s a heritage there because the original bikers from the late ‘40s and the ‘50s were all about
the kind of music that influences us. Yeah, we’ve
been doing those kinds of gigs for a real long time.
We‘re really happy to be playing out here.
If there’s a goofy, off-the-wall, artsy type band
but their music speaks to me, it’s cool. But if
there’s a straight-ahead roots rockabilly band but
the sound doesn’t hit me, eh… (shrugs.) I try to
listen to my internal voice of what I like and that’s
led me to what I do.
SRD: It can be a tough business, music.
RHH: So many people get so judgmental about
music. Even though I formed my own sound I
really try to not be snobby about it. If it’s death
metal or something that’s not on my radar I’ll still
be open minded to it and still appreciate it. I have
really good friends that play all different kinds of
music. Being snobby is a sure fire way to get people to start being snobby back to you!
licks I’ve always played and suddenly I’ll hit on
something and say, whoa, that’s good! And that
leads me off to a new song.
On the lyrics side I try to stay open to a good
title, then get a concept that makes the title meaningful. It’s kind of like working a puzzle.
The inspiration comes out of the blue but once
you have it then comes the grunt work of hammering it out. And that’s almost 100 percent perspiration.
SRD: When you were getting the band together
SRD: Are you a gearhead at all?
RHH: I’ve got a really awesome highboy hotrod
’32 Ford but I’m more of a style guy. My rock stars
are metal fabricators and mechanics. But even
with those guys that are really good at customizing cars I still have to school them a little bit on
the style of it. I’m all about the style of the thing.
SRD: Are you a real Reverend?
RHH: No. I was just talking with my friend
Dale Watson about that. He is a real reverend. I
think I’m gonna be a judge. I’m gonna do divorces.
It’d be a lot more interesting.
SRD: You’re the band’s song writer?
RHH: I do 95 percent of the writing and JimBo
can come up with some good stuff. And Scott and
Taz over the years as well.
SRD: Talk about the writing process.
RHH: I get inspired in different ways. Someone will say something goofy to me and I’ll say:
‘That’s a song title!’ And I’ll put it in my phone.
Often I sit down with the guitar and start noodling around, playing the same boring, crappy
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PAGE 8
STURGIS
RIDER
DAILY
2016 LEGENDS RIDE
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016
The Ride that Rocks™
F
or almost a decade the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s Legends
Ride has brought rally goers together with stars of TV,
film, music and motorcycling to raise significant funds
for charity while enjoying an epic day. The 2016 running of
The Ride netted $30,700 for the Special Olympics and the
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.
Legends Riders, take a bow! You have made significant
impact in the Black Hills!
STURGIS
RIDER
DAILY
PAGE 9
STURGIS
PAGE 10
RIDER
DAILY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE RIDE
That’s what motorcycles are for, right?
P
eople who really like to ride visit the
Sturgis Rally when it’s not an anniversary year. They know they’ll find some of
the best roads in the country here in the Black
Hills, roads laced with iconic monuments and
western ambience to spare. When the traffic is
reduced the riding experience is amplified.
2016 is one of those “rider’s rallies,” a year
when we gladly suggest nearby places to ride to
and make your own. We’ll list some recommendations here but for more ideas visit the friendly
folks at the Buffalo Chip Chamber of Commerce at the CrossRoads. They know the area
very well indeed — and you might even score
a copy of Paul Mitchell’s Black Hills Motorcycle
Rides book.
Better still, when you leave the Chip and hang
a left you can shortcut your way via Fort Meade
Way right to I-90, getting your ride started that
much sooner. So give your steel pony a kick or
push the button. Either way, get going.
DEADWOOD
Highway 385 is a two-lane black-top that
carves through the Black Hills National Forest
leading to the gold mining town of Deadwood.
With the look and feel of an authentic Wild
West town, complete with casinos, saloons, and
rustic storefronts, Deadwood offers good food
and eclectic shopping. Don’t miss the No. 10
Saloon where Wild Bill Hickok met his demise
holding the dead man’s hand, aces and 8s.
SPEARFISH CANYON
Alt. Route 14 through Spearfish Canyon,
which can be accessed off I-90 exits 10 or 14,
is without question one of the best 22 miles
you can travel on two wheels. It’s the quintessential scenic road adorned with steep cliffs cut
through the gorge, bubbling streams, waterfalls
and striking vistas at every turn. Go at sunrise
to beat the traffic and make the most of this
beautiful part of the world. Scenes from the
film Dances With Wolves were filmed here, and
you’ll see why.
BEAR BUTTE
Though it’s not a ride of much distance, Bear
Butte is a quiet respite amid the frenzy. With
it’s prominent peak rising above the horizon it’s
easy to find — if fact, you can’t miss it. This has
long been a sacred place and ceremonial gathering spot to the Native American Nations. Chiefs
Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and Red Cloud met
here. Cruise past grazing buffalo to the visitor’s
center where Native American history is abundant. Then trek higher on to the 4,426-foot
summit for a four-state view over the lake you
won’t believe. And all with in a few miles of
town.
IRON MOUNTAIN ROAD
Part of the Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, U.S. Highway 16A, also known as
Iron Mountain Road, is a scenic roadway near
Custer. It offers spectacular views of Mount
Rushmore and includes three granite rock tunnels to pass through — always a different experience on a motorcycle instead of a cage. You’ll
also travel over three pigtail bridges, which are
corkscrew structures engineered to curl and
pass over themselves for a challenging ride and
an upper body workout. This is no superslab
sprint! Iron Mountain Road leads to Mount
Rushmore.
MOUNT RUSHMORE
You don’t have to go into Mount Rush-
more National Memorial to see the sculpture; it
easily viewed from Route 244 as you snake along
the ridge. But it’s well worth the admission to
learn the history behind the monument and the
park is beautifully designed to make the visitor’s
experience a delight. The ride there is east and
south of Sturgis and loops through Black Hills
National Forest on Highway 16/16A to the tiny
town of Rushmore. and can easily be configured
to include Crazy Horse.
NEEDLES HIGHWAY
Leaving Rushmore, you can take Highway 16A
back or continue the journey on the famed Needles Highway. A must-do for every rider’s bucket
list, it’s usually a super crowded route. It’s a challenging ride, too, with sharp turns and numerous
switchbacks.
CRAZY HORSE
The monumental sculpture of Crazy Horse
has been in progress since 1948. Way larger than
Mount Rushmore, it’s quite a site even in its
unfinished state, and the visitor’s center is not only
stunning architecturally but packed with Native
American and regional history, too. Highway 385
north will take you back toward Spearfish.
CUSTER STATE PARK
Custer State Park was established as South
Dakota’s first park. Its 71,000 acres are home to
herds of Buffalo that often quite literally stop traffic. Custer Park is home to the governor’s annual
buffalo round-up and art festival. Riding there
on Highways 385 and 16 through Black Hills
National Forest isn’t a quick ride, but it’s a pretty
one., and it passes through the biker-friendly town
of Hill City where you can stop for a burger or
some ice cream.
DEVILS TOWER
Standing 1,000 feet tall across a vast plain, you
can all but see Devils Tower from I-90, but you
probably want to take the long way. You’re here to
ride, right? That would be Route 34 W to Wyoming 24 W and 110 W through Hulett — an
interesting stop, too. It’s about 75 miles from Sturgis to this geological natural wonder.
BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK
Yes, it’s called the Badlands but there’s nothing
more exquisite than watching the waves of rock
change color with the late-day light. You’d swear
those rocky spires were about to ignite. We’re talking about terrain that is millions of years old and
far too vast to imagine, even while you’re in the
midst of it. It’s a good 90 minutes east of Sturgis
even taking the fast way, but well worth seeing.
Stop at Wall Drug, too.
HOT SPRINGS
If you’re looking for a longer trek, Hot
Springs, S.D., a.k.a. The Mammoth Site, is farther south than Custer. In Hot Springs you’ll
find rugged canyons, mineral springs and fossilized mammoth treasure at the world’s largest
Columbian mammoth exhibit and research center. Highway 385 takes you most of the way;
Highway 79 through Rapid City is a slightly
shorter option.
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TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016
STURGIS
RIDER
WHEN IT’S GONE, IT’S GONE!
Exclusive auction of rare biker art
W
hen you’re cruising around the Buffalo Chip Crossroads today, stop by
the Easyriders compound for a trip
back in time, compliments of artist David Mann
(1940-2004). Mann is described by Easyriders editor Dave Nichols as, “the Norman Rockwell of the
biker world.” Mann’s images depicting the biker
lifestyle have appeared in Easyriders since issue
number three. Now more than 20 original David
Mann paintings are available for viewing until
they’re sold at a live auction on Wednesday.
Join the editors of Easyriders and fans of classic
biker art for the auction. It’s your chance to own
a piece of biker history. These are the originals,
folks, not prints or copies. They are truly one of
a kind. Mann’s style has been imitated, but never
captured, perhaps because David Mann didn’t just
paint the biker culture, he lived it.
The auction begins on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
shortly after the Easyriders Ride-In Custom Bike
Show awards are finished, right at the CrossRoads.
You may pre-register to bid on the paintings by
visiting the David Mann art display at the Buffalo
Chip CrossRoads on Tuesday or Wednesday, or go
online to Easyriders.com
WIN
PAGE 11
a
Rally Gift
Package
There’s no fee to enter the Easyriders Bike-In
Custom Bike Show tomorrow so ride up to the
CrossRoads tomorrow to see the artwork, enter
your bike or just to spectate. Show registration
starts at 9 a.m.
A MID-WEEK SHAKEDOWN RUN
First Annual Buffalo Chip 5k!
W
hether you’re a seasoned marathon
competitor or a weekend warrior trying to keep it together, run — don’t
walk — over to the Buffalo Chip amphitheater
tomorrow morning, bright and early, for the
first-ever Chip 5K Fun Run. You’ll get in your
exercise, meet like-minded people and snag some
swag.
Yes, this is the 5K run you’ve been hearing about, the first of its kind at the Buffalo
Chip. Woody got the idea for the event from
camper Jen Knutson of Williston, N.D., when
he noticed her hiking around the campground
early one morning. When asked to map out
a route and manage the run, Jen and her band
of happy campers took on the challenge with
gusto. Within 20 minutes Jen, Tina and Stacy
had a program in place. Half an hour later they’d
mapped the route, which starts and ends in the
amphitheater, and recruited Christie, Tammy
and another Stacy to help!
It’s way easier for you to get involved. Just turn
up at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning ready to run.
There’s no registration necessary or fee required
— just be there wearing your running shoes, a
smile and a positive attitude. Top male and top
DAILY
SIGN UP N
O
W
FOR WEE
KLY RALLY
DAILY EMA
IL BLASTS
For a chance to
win a Rally Gift
Package:
ard
(1) $200 Visa Gift C
k
(1) Rally Photo Boo
n on
Winner to be draw
Aug. 16, 2016
female runners win their choice of Buffalo Chip
T-shirt from Hot Leathers and everyone gets
some goodies just for turning out. Spectators are
welcome, too.
And if the weather turns bad, that’s no excuse
to stay away. As Jen said, “If it rains we’ll just call
it a Fun Mud Run!”
rapidcityjournal.com/email
PAGE 12
STURGIS
RIDER
DAILY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016
MORE THAN MOTORCYCLES …
At 2016 Motorcycles As Art Exhibition
W
e could try to tell you about the
superb visual artwork included in the
2016 Motorcycles As Art exhibit, but
it wouldn’t do justice. This art was made to be
seen.
In addition to the three-dimensional, twowheeled art on display in the gallery at the Buffalo Chip’s Russ Brown Event Center, you also
have the opportunity to look closely at stunning
works from a select group of artists with gearhead
proclivities who emphasize the theme of Skin &
Bones, the art of tattoo.
Artists invited to show their work in the
2016 Motorcycles As Art Exhibition include:
AD Cook, Darren McKeag, George the Painter,
Latricia “Trish” Horstman, Mario Burkhardt,
Nik Pew, Tay Herrera and Timothy White.
Exhibition curator Michael Lichter also chose
this opportunity to remember artist and tattooist
Richie ‘Pan’ Panarra by not only bringing Richie’s motorcycle to be exhibited, but also hanging a representative selection of his artwork, too.
Richie, owner of Dark Star Tattoo, passed away
unexpectedly last year, but his colorful imagery
Artist Darren McKeag at work (above), tattoo
artist Trish Horstman (right), and leather inlay
work by Mario Burkhardt (far right).
continues to demand notice.
There’s also a display of Biltwell “Gringo” helmets painted by tattoo artists from around the
country and selected images from Michael’s own
photo archives.
Don’t miss it!
Richie ‘Pan’ Panarra
T
he deep colors in the richly symbolic art
of well-known and much-loved tattoo
artist Richie Pan is the centerpiece of the
visual art in the Motorcycles As Art Skin & Bones
Exhibition. It’s a fitting tribute in an appropriate place.
Panarra, killed in an accident in 2015, created
art with obvious connections to his immersion in
the world of tattooing. Richie was the owner of
Dark Star Tattoo located in Jackson, N.J., and his
work received much acclaim. In addition to creating distinctive tattoo designs, he created paintings
that depicted machines and people, all the while
continuing to pull the observer toward the aura of
ink embedded in flesh.
His love of everything motorcycle is evident
not only in the subject matter and characteristic
symbolism
displayed in most
of his pieces, but
also in the use of
intense color and
curious
design.
His
distinctive
work carved out
a place in motorcycle culture that
remains.
The Motorcycles As Art
R.I.P.
Exhibition is pleased to have this opportunity to
pay tribute to one of the bright spirits of our time,
taken away too soon. Richie’s presence is sorely
missed, but through his work his spirit lives on.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016
STURGIS
RIDER
BILTWELL BASICS
Shooting straight is back in style
Biltwell founders Bill Bryant (above) and Harold
McGoo McGruther (below).
I
n a little less than 10 years, Bill Bryant and
Harold ‘McGoo’ McGruther have established and grown their company’s reputation for providing solid, well made products at
fair prices. And they’ve carved out a product line
that doesn’t try to be everything to everyone;
it’s lean and mean with a focus on function and
quality, and it goes hand-in-hand with respecting their customers as hard-working riders who
demand — and deserve — honesty, value, and
performance.
And that’s been a formula for success. Before
that, Bill and McGoo had been building brands
in the action sports industry together, and as
they started to delve deeper into something
they’d both become excited about — motorcycles — they discovered there wasn’t anyone
catering to the 20- to 40-year-old ex- skater/
bmx’er/mx’er that was looking for something
new. They came up with the Biltwell name, logo
and initial product designs via email in 2004,
while Bill was deployed in Iraq. Thus spawned
Biltwell.
Early offerings were parts like bars and seat
hinges, but the surprise victor from the initial
catalog was a novelty metal flake helmet, much
like the ones that could be found at local swap
meets, but without the crusty, torn, and tattered
liners that made them almost unwearable. So,
in addition to bars and other hard parts, Biltwell became a helmet company. Soon a DOT
approved brain bucket followed in the form of
the three-quarter “Bonanza” and shortly thereafter they introduced the retro-inspired full face
“Gringo.”
Later this summer, watch for the “LaneSplitter” helmet, an aggressively styled offering that’ll
cater to the edgier riders who make up the fringe
of this small but growing niche. Hang out and
you’ll hear them chant the Biltwell mantra of
“Ride motorcycles, have fun” — frequently, and
at a high volume. You might even catch the spirit
and be motivated to join in at today’s Sportster
Showdown and after party.
If you still need convincing, it’s worth reading
this last bit from the Biltwell Manifesto on the
company website:
“Forget the fashion show, don’t worry about
Internet know-it-alls and the self righteous, just
build, ride and enjoy your motorcycle!”
DAILY
PAGE 13
Throwdown at the Showdown
today at the CrossRoads
Y
ou don’t have to own or ride a Sportster to
dig this show — but all the cool kids do.
See, fans of the original V-Twin sportbike
know that Sportsters are infinitely customizable
and they’re reinventing the model with creativity
and ingenuity, a trend that’s fresh, fun and pretty
darn compelling.
The crew from Biltwell is running the Showdown with input from Led Sleds’ Pat Patterson,
the Sporty guru. Along with Chop Cult, Street
Chopper, Rusty Butcher and S&S Cycle they’ll
be awarding the best chopper, tracker, vintage
and café customs of the Sportster lineage.
It’s super easy to participate: ride into the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads at 2 p.m. today, Tuesday,
August 9, and register for free. Hang out and enjoy the CrossRoads as emcee Dumptruck
keeps it rolling, until awards are announced at 5. Celebrate your win or drown your sorrows
with 2-for-1 Rebel Yell Happy Hour at the Big Engine Bar then stay for the after party and
rock the night with Mothership and 2-for-1 Pabst at the Chip’s Bikini Beach. (Campground
admission pass required for concerts and after party.)
It’s a contemporary take on a classic theme. So come out and get inspired. It’ll make you
wish you still had your first Ironhead.
YES YOU CAN!
Recycling made easy
W
e’re collecting aluminum cans for
recycling at the Buffalo Chip this
year and we’re counting on all of
you to pitch in. It’s a small thing to do, but the
results add up to big change, not only for the
environment but also for two worthy causes.
Proceeds from the collection of cans –
dropped into bright orange barrels at the CrossRoads, Bikini Beach, Patriots Pavilion and the
Amphitheater – benefit Black Hills Habitat For
Humanity and the Freedom Celebration Military Tribute in a 50/50 split. Red, white and blue
labels on the barrel lids saying “Cans For Vets”
will help you do the right thing.
So look for the hundreds of bright orange
barrels with holes cut in their lids placed around
the Buffalo Chip. And remember: they’re for
aluminum cans only! We’ll let you know the
results of your efforts.
STURGIS
PAGE 14
SHADE? SWEET!
RIDER
DAILY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016
A new feature at the Crossroads offers sweet relief
A
nyone who has been to the Sturgis
Motorcycle Rally before knows that
South Dakota’s weather in August can be
all over the place: thunder and lightning, vehicledenting hail, and 100-degree heat are all possible.
Though there’s no taming Mother Nature,
there are ways to be sheltered from some of the
elements, and a new amenity at the Chip CrossRoads is a prime example: shade!
The CrossRoads debuted five years ago as a free
access area that offers everyone a taste of the Buffalo Chip experience. Since then, changes and
improvements have been made each year. None
has the potential to do so much good for so many
people as the new shade sails in the horseshoe
area behind the Big Engine Bar.
You won’t have to look for this new feature: it
stands out on the landscape, especially if you’re
approaching the CrossRoads using the new Fort
Meade Way from I-90’s Exit 37. Just glance off
to the east and the shade sails stand out in striking contrast.
The sails are supported by 12-inch-diameter poles with 7/8-inch sidewalls that are sunk
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AT THE CHIP WITH
ON-SITE WIFI SERVICE
Sign up or get help at RallyWiFi4U
displays at the Buffalo Chip
CrossRoads or outside the
General Store in the Chip’s
amphitheater.
Or follow these steps and
you’ll be online in minutes.
1. Select wireless network #RALLYWIFI4U.
2. Open web browser and select CONNECT.
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into the ground 30 feet. The nine steel posts are
40 feet high with brilliant bronze-colored sails
strung on 5/8-inch cable.
“Everything here has to be over engineered,”
said Chip owner Rod Woodruff. “Our main concern is wind. We’ll be taking it down after rally so
we won’t have to worry about snow load.”
Still, the installation was no small task. But
as a temporary installation that will be removed
after Rally, it’s one that’s expected to get easier
each time.
So, come out to the CrossRoads and hang out
in the shade. Funny the difference a couple of
poles and a few strips of canvas can make…
1804
Their expedition held council, feasting,
and celebrations with the Teton Sioux near
the mouth of the Bad River on September
23-28, 1804. The U.S. Flag was first flown
over present day South Dakota at that
spot, near the geographic center of the
state. They passed through again in 1806
on their return trip.
The year Lewis and
Clark came through
South Dakota
TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2016
STURGIS
RIDER
DAILY
WHAT NOT TO WEAR …
Anything goes at the infamous Panty Party!
T
he Panty Party is an official Guinness
World Record attempt to gather the
most people in one place wearing only
their underwear. The party starts at 2 p.m.
today, Tuesday, August 9, and dress is casual
— very casual. Get out of your pajamas and
into your knickers then join hundreds of (un)
equally attired friends for live music, drink
specials, and a ripping good time. There is no
cost to join in; it’s quite literally a free for all.
Partiers are asked to remain in a controlled
area and be counted as they arrive — so get
there early. An official group photograph
will be taken to document the feat. We need
more than 2,270 panty-partiers to break the
record so bring a friend or two and let’s make
history!
Feeling timid? Maybe this will snap your
elastic: 100 percent of voluntary donations
tossed into collection buckets at the event go
to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. So flash
those polka dots, share some lace, and guzzle
an adult root beer float or a shot of Rebel Yell.
We’re expecting a record breaking shebang.
PAGE 15
PAGE 16
Elle King took it straight to fans with her take-noprisoners style and fans responded with gusto.
Sultry, sexy and uncensored, King showed why her
star is on the rise.
STURGIS
RIDER
DAILY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016
Lynyrd Skynyrd is so at home on the Wolfman Jack stage it’s a veritable love fest with fans. Some say
Skynyrd is the ultimate biker rock band. Last night they proved themselves to be the ultimate any kind of
band.