sturgis rider daily - Sturgis Buffalo Chip

OF
78
Friday
Aug. 8, 2014
Cheap Trick
The Pretty Reckless
Sweet Cyanide
Sturgis
Sturgis Local Weather
Friday
8/8
Saturday
8/9
Sunday
8/10
Don’t Miss
Sturgis Rider Sweeps Winner
Page 16
Epic Freedom Celebration
Page 8 & 9
Extreme ATV Racing Today @PSC
Page 12
Who Won the Rats Hole Show?
Page 13
Today’s Ride
Iron Mt. Road & Needles
Highway
Page 6
Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s
Wolfman Jack Stage
Tonight
10:30pm...........Cheap Trick
8:30pm.............The Pretty
Reckless
7:00pm.............Sweet Cyanide
Tomorrow
10:30pm...........Buckcherry
8:30pm.............Sevendust
7:00pm.............A Course of
Action
Rider
®
International flavor
Daily
The Chip Goes Global
The ease of communication these day and the custom event in Norrtelje, Sweden are the 2014 show.
across barriers that used to divide people has expanding the ties between custom builders.
International influence was apparent
truly made the world, including the Buffalo “Builders constantly look for inspiration and elsewhere at the Buffalo Chip this year as
Chip World, a smaller place. Friends who the spark might now come from anywhere,” Japanese rockers and riders MMS attended
used to meet at the Chip for a reunion once said Lichter, who included bikes from Kenji the Rally and performed. The band members
a year now keep in touch weekly or even daily “Ken” Nagai (Ken’s Factory, Japan) and were thrilled to be at the Sturgis Rally and in
via electronic media. Stronger connections Michael O’Shea (Medaza Cycles, Ireland) in Continued on Page 2
have only made the family a tighter, more
cohesive unit, and that’s a good thing.
If you follow motorcycle trends, you know
that custom motorcycle design has exploded
world wide in similar fashion. Builders
now trade influence across geographic and
cultural lines as never before. Where once
there were Bay Area Frisco-style bikes and
Midwest chops with coffin tanks and tiller
bars, custom building has now literally gone
global.
The Motorcycles as Art exhibit, hosted
each year at the Buffalo Chips Russ Brown
Event Center, is a perfect example of how
custom building has become a worldwide
phenomenon. According to curator of
the show Michael Lichter, “The interest
in custom Harleys, especially in Japan,
is huge and exciting. Every year it gets
stronger and stronger.” It’s interesting to see
styling trends move across the pond being
absorbed and reconfigured, then coming
back to influence the American builders
they started with. Shows such as Moon
It was a spectacle on the Chip’s main stage last night as well-known Chinese actor Li Chen
Eyes in Yokohama, Moto Expo in Verona took delivery of a Jesse James custom motorcycle from the man himself.
Sturgis
PAge 2
particular at the Buffalo Chip where they got a
serious taste of biker lifestyle American style.
Their attitude and enthusiasm was palpable
and it definitely translated to the crowd, even
if their song lyrics may not have.
Plenty of Canadian riders come to the Sturgis
Rally, and that’s nothing new. But visitors from
much further away were present this year: a
contingent of film stars from Beijing, China
brought film crews and a sizable entourage
to the Chip. Builder Jesse James, who was at
the Chip this year, too, brought along a new
custom bike he’d built for Chinese movie
star Li Chen which was presented to its new
owner on the Chip’s main stage and filmed for
Chinese TV. This was a first for the Rally and
it may be indicative of the pervasive appeal
of Harley-Davidsons around the world. It’s
certainly growing more evident.
Not all international influence is coming to
America. Displayed at the Crossroads this year
was Mike Tomas of Kiwi Indian Motorcycles,
who was at the Rally to announce his Round
The World (RTW) tour, soon to begin. (See
story page 4.) A U.S. citizen originally from
New Zealand, Mike and his riding buddy
Greg Johnson will make their first foray into
Rider
international adventure travel down under.
They plan to continue visiting other counties
in four to six week jaunts until they cover the
globe or decide to stop; whichever comes first.
From their determined attitudes, we’d bet on
the former before the latter.
There’s no question, motorcycles can be a
bond that brings otherwise unlikely people
Daily
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
together and makes them
friends. As American bikers
we know this is true. As the
world compacts, we may be
on the edge of discovering
that motorcycles also have
the power to bind at much
greater distances.
Hard Rockers MMS, from Japan, are also hard riders on Harleys, which
offers solid street cred in their country.
Chinese mega-star Li Chen reached out halfway across the
world to get a custom bike designed and built by Jesse
James.
REPORTING FOR
GRILLING
ALL WEEK
NEXT TO
COME SEE
General Wesley Clark
at The Buffalo Chip on Thursday Night
Follow us on
Sturgis
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
Rider
5 Minutes
with Rick
Fairless
Strokers Dallas, Strokers
Ice House,
RF Custom Parts,
Strokers Ink
So what’s with channeling the 70’s? Are you living in the
past?
Actually, it’s the 60’s & 70’s! I think maybe I do live in the
past a little bit and to be honest, I liked the 60’s & 70’s much
better than I like these stinking 2000’s! It used to be about
Peace & Love and now it’s every idiot out to beat you out of
something, anything they can!
You promote riding AND partying. Is that a consistent
message for bikers?
Sure it is, or at least it should be! First of all, partying does not
necessarily mean getting drunk. I like to have a good time
as much as the next guy and I don’t drink. But even if you
do drink, there is nothing wrong with riding and partying
as long as you don’t drink in excess. I hate it when somebody
drinks too much and tries to ride a motorcycle or drive a car.
We try to monitor it here at Strokers IceHouse and not allow
people to break the law.
When did you last have a haircut?
I have been seeing the same hair lady for 35 years. Once a
month I go in for a conditioning and she trims the dead ends,
which are caused from riding. But, I have not had an actual
haircut for 20 years and I don’t plan to ever have another one.
They’re too expensive, I can’t afford a haircut.
I understand you like to golf. A long-haired hippie biker on
the golf course? Isn’t that a mixed metaphor?
It kinda is, because when I play golf I wear my tie-dye tee shirt
and Chuck Taylors! Most of the courses around here know
me so it’s cool with them. I think I’m like a freak show to them
and the other golfers, so it’s ok with them and I don’t mind.
What honor or award has meant the most to you?
Why?
I gotta tell ya, this ride that I have been on for the last 20
years has been more than I ever could have dreamed.
It’s amazing to me that people come from all over the
country and even internationally to see me and Strokers
Dallas. I grew up riding and worshiping motorcycles
and I am truly living my dream. Also, getting inducted
into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame is a HUGE
honor for this “Lucky Chump from Texas”! But my
favorite honor…is becoming a Grandpa!
What bike do you wish you had but don’t?
I wish I still had the very first new motorcycle that I ever
bought, a 1973 Honda CL100. I customized that bike
for dirt riding on the weekends and easily transformed
it back to a street bike so I could ride it to school during
the week. At 15 years old I could wheelie that bike from
Dallas to Houston! Yeah, I wish I still had it.
What question do you least like to be asked?
“What happened to your show?” ‘Nuff said there.
Tell me something people don’t know about you?
Well, let’s see, you already know that I play golf and that
I don’t drink. But most people don’t know that I get to
work every day, 8 days a week at 4:00 AM and I go to
bed at 9:00 PM, EVERY DAY, and I NEVER take a day
off. I also haven’t missed a day of work in 39 years. No
wonder I’m half goofy!
Ya’ll come see me!
Daily
PAge 3
PAge 4
Sturgis
Rider
Daily
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
Riding the Distance
With Purpose
Kiwi Mike and Greg go round the world
It’s billed as the ultimate riding
adventure—two men riding Round
The World (RTW). In 2012, Kiwi
Mike Tomas and Greg Johnson rode
from California to the east coast on
vintage Indians, and it was such a great
adventure they’ve decided to continue
it.
“This thing was born when we did
the Ride to the Wall with the Coast
Guard bike in 2012,” said Mike. That
was the year Kiwi built one of five armed
services tribute bikes that convened at
Rolling Thunder’s 25th anniversary in
Washington D.C. Mike was the only
builder of the five who rode his bike to
the event from his home in Riverside,
CA, to the east coast. His buddy Greg
decided to ride along then on his 1936
Indian handling logistics. “We had so
much fun that we had this brain fart to
keep it going,” said Kiwi. “That’s where
our RTW adventure came from.”
Their RTW trip is configured as a
perpetual event—there’s a beginning
but no end. They’ll take four to six
weeks at a time riding in locations all
over the globe. Both men have met with
challenges in their own lives and their
“Riding is what fuels my innovativeness. All my engineering is done behind those
handlebars,” said Kiwi Mike Tomas (right) with his RTW buddy Greg Johnson.
goal is to inspire people to live life to the
fullest.
They’ll start in New Zealand, Mike’s
native country. “I know the people and
the lay of the land,” he said. The gas is
just like in America and the water is
clean.” Mike built two Indian Chiefs for
the journey from the frame up. “The
frames were stripped and straightened,
every single nut, washer, and bushing,
has been replaced,” he said. They were
intentionally built identically so their
parts are interchangeable.
The ballistic saddlebags are made
by Al Jesse from Phoenix, who
makes these bags for other intrepid
world adventurers. Greg and Mike
learned about them through Horizons
Unlimited, a group for people that want
to, are, or have ridden around the world.
They’ve met riders from the group and
have gone to meetings to gather input
and advice.
After New Zealand, the plan is to head
Sturgis
Co-Publishers
Sturgis Buffalo Chip
Rapid City Journal
to South America. “We want to do it
properly, be immersed in the culture,
eat the food, meet the people,” said
Mike. Added Greg, “That’s our vision;
to challenge ourselves in a new country,
get to know the people, learn the history,
ride the most dangerous roads. We have
a magnificent synergy when we travel.”
And a good partnership is vital; Mike
is the mechanical guy and Greg handles
logistics. Explained Mike, “I shoot from
the hip and he says: we gotta figure out
how to do this!”
Mike said he is motivated by
something a friend told him. “It was
1989 when I started my business full
time. I’d look at my buddy Rocky who
had a parts business and he’d close up
for two weeks and go to Daytona. I’d
think, how can you do that and stay in
business?” said Mike. “Rocky told me,
‘I got in the motorcycle business to ride
motorcycles.’ And that always stuck
with me!”
Both admit that in the end, it’s about
the adventure, that’s really what’s behind
this. “People have to have a game in life
and the game is to get up in the morning
and do something,” said Mike. “You
gotta dream about something. How
many people retire and kick the bucket?
That’s because they don’t have a game
anymore.”
So Mike and Greg have put a game
in place for themselves and it’s only
going to end when they decide to end it.
“That’s the point,” said Greg. “We’re not
gonna quit until we can’t do it anymore.”
Rider
Editor
Marilyn Stemp
Advertising Sales
Rapid City Journal
Paul Mitchell, Sturgis
Buffalo Chip
Daily
Design and
Production
Rapid City Journal
Contributors
Chris Yushta, Jordan Axtman, Christine Paige Diers, Paul Mitchell, Aaron Packard, Jessica
Nelson, Rachael Omps, Mary Panerio, Kurt Shaw, Marilyn Stemp. Other material contributed
by staff of the Rapid City Journal.
Circulation
The Sturgis Rider® Daily is published eight consecutive days during the Sturgis 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.
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Sturgis
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
Rider
Daily
Horsing Around Len Edmondson
Dennis Knepp is one of the six
handlers for the Budweiser Clydesdale
horses, which have become an iconic
symbol of the popular beer and are in
Western South Dakota for the Rally.
Knepp of Loogootee, IN, grew up on
a farm around horses and has spent
the past decade traveling the nation
alongside the Clydesdales. Knepp and
10 of the Budweiser Clydesdales are
staying at the Buffalo Chip Crossroads,
including Rascal (pictured here), who
jumped the fence in the 2014 Super Bowl
commercial, “Puppy Love.” We caught up
with Knepp and asked him five questions
about his job and experiences at the rally.
Azzkikr Customs’
Canada native Len Edmondson sold his multi-million
dollar construction company in 2010 to work full time
on the business he created in 2004 — Azzkikr Customs
— building high-end, luxury custom motorcycles.
Edmondson can now be seen on the History Channel
series Biker Battleground Phoenix, which follows five
builders who compete to design and build the coolest
custom bikes. That’s what brought Edmondson to Sturgis
for the rally.
Dennis Knepp is one of the six handlers for the Budweiser
Clydesdale horses, which have become an iconic symbol of
the popular beer and are in Western South Dakota for the rally.
How often have you been to the rally
and what do you enjoy about it? This
is the first time I’ve been here since 2008. I just love
getting to see all the cool bikes that people ride.
What’s it like to take care of such famous horses? It’s
good. They’re big babies that are fun to be around. You
actually look forward to getting up in the morning and
cleaning their stalls and just working around them.
What do you think is the biggest appeal of the
Clydesdales? They’re so majestic, everyone just seems
to loves them.
What is the toughest aspect of caring for the horses?
That’s a tough question. Occasionally they do get riled
up, like when you’re driving or when the crowd cheers
really loudly. It’s hard to pull ‘em in.
What is your favorite part of working with horses?
They don’t talk back! (laughs.) No seriously, they’re
just gentle giants and are a joy to be around.
PAge 5
How many Sturgis rallies have you been to? I’ve been to
23 rallies, and 14 in a row now. Being an enthusiast and
a builder, if you’re going to do one show
during the year, this is the one you’re going
to do.
then you’re not experiencing it. In May, the people I’ve
met throughout the years will start posting on Facebook
and social media seeing who’s all coming back, so you
find friends through the industry. We’re going to keep
coming back until we die. That’s what the rally is about.
What’s your favorite moment as a designer and builder?
In my industry, the moment that sticks out to me is
winning the Baddest Bagger competition last year at the
rally. It was a point of recognition — to win that over all
of the other builders was a highlight.
How else do you spend your time in South
Dakota and at the rally? I used to get out
and about all the time, but for the last few
years it’s just been too intense. Friday is
the first day in five years I’ll be able to go
out and enjoy it, and we’ll hit Wyoming
then ride the back way through Spearfish
Canyon on the way back and see Hill City.
Why do you keep coming back to the rally?
You create friendships out here during the
week, and if you don’t consistently come
back every year or if you just come to one,
Canada native Len Edmondson sold his multi-million dollar
construction company in 2010 to work full time on the
business he created in 2004 — Azzkikr Customs.
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PAge 6
Sturgis
Today’s Ride
Rider
Iron Mt. Road & Needles Highway
Riding Time: Three Hours
Total Distance = 62 miles
Begins and ends in Hill City
Highlights: Cathedral Spires, Mt. Rushmore, Iron
Mountain Road
Skill Level: Moderate to Advanced
The Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway is the most popular ride in
the Black Hills because of its diversity and stunning scenery,
highlighted by Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. The ride
begins and ends in Hill City and is 62 miles long. Because of
the numerous places to stop, most local riders consider this
an all-day trip.
Head out of Hill City on Hwy 385 south. In a few miles you’ll
see the turn off to Mt. Rushmore. Keep going on 385 just a few
hundred feet and turn left onto Hwy 87. Custer State Park is
three more miles, while Sylvan Lake Resort and the Needles
Highway will be six miles ahead.
These next six miles will test your riding abilities. The road is
smooth with no shoulders, but has six slanted switchbacks, all
going uphill. In four miles you’ll ride through the first of six
tunnels on the Norbeck Ride and in another mile you’ll be at
Sylvan Lake a popular stop for food and drink. Sylvan Lake is
in a beautiful setting in which the reflection of the spires on
the mirror-like water offers memorable photo opportunities.
The next 14 miles of Hwy 87 is called the Needles Highway,
named after the forest of granite cathedral spires and jagged
pinnacles alongside the roadway. At the “Needles Eye” (a
granite spire with a slit only three to four feet wide but reaches
30-40 feet in the air), you’ll ride through a longer second
tunnel. Because of he high volume of traffic on this highway
and the one-way configuration of tunnels, this bottleneck can
create short delays. The scenery is breathtaking here, however,
and a short stop is a must.
The 14-mile Needles Highway offers spectacular panoramic
views of the Cathedral Spires and Southern Black Hills, with
the plains of western South Dakota, the Badlands and the
northwest Nebraska panhandle painting the backdrop.
Follow Hwy 16 and in a few miles you will see the State
Game Lodge, which served as the “Summer White House” of
President Calvin Coolidge in 1927 when he came to Mount
Rushmore to dedicate the memorial. Continue past the Game
Lodge and a few hundred feet past the east gate to Custer
State Park, is Iron Mountain Road, probably one of the most
Daily
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
unique 17 miles of roadway in America
featuring four tunnels, 320 curves,
three pigtail bridges, buffalo herds and
begging donkeys. This famous road in
which the tunnels face Mt. Rushmore
is without a doubt the highlight of the
Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway ride.
Iron Mountain Road starts out with
some sharp curves, but quickly levels
off into wide open stretches. You will
go through three tunnels on this road.
You’ll also ride two sections of the
Pigtail Bridges. When you reach 244,
turn left and Mt. Rushmore will be on
the right in only two miles. The first
glimpse of this majestic mountain will
take your breath away as you round the
curve in front of the towering heads.
This National Monument is something
everyone should experience personally
to appreciate its awe-inspiring
grandeur.
Turn left from the parking area. There
are plenty of turn-offs along this stretch
to take advantage of this panoramic
scenery...the first one offering a unique
profile view of George Washington’s
image. Further down Hwy 244 on
the left is Horse Thief Lake. You will
eventually run into Hwy 385 where you
will turn right back to Hill City.
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Best of Show at the Cycle Source Nighttime Chopper Show Wednesday was Greg Theis
of SW Recycling whose screaming yellow flattie grabbed the judges’ attention.
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
Sturgis
Rider
Daily
PAge 7
Miss
Buffalo Chip
All week long, between performances by the likes of the Cult, ZZ Top and Motley
Crue, the Miss Buffalo Chip contestants have strutted the stage in the hopes of
being chosen as the Chip’s spokesmodel for the next year. Final selection will be
announced Saturday night. Meanwhile, here’s a look.
Keyboard Motorcycle Transport has specially designed dollies and trucks to keep bikes
super safe in transit.
Rent, Ship
or Ride?
Whatever it takes, find a
way to ride at the rally
Given the choice, most bikers would
ride their own motorcycles to the Sturgis
Rally. But given obstacles such as health
issues and time constraints it’s not always
possible. It’s easy to judge trailer queens
harshly but what’s the point? The more
people and bikes at the rally, the more fun
it is for all of us.
Of course you can rent a bike here in the
Black Hills. Franchised dealerships of all
stripes and companies such as EagleRider
make it easy to do, a total no-brainer. Just
make a reservation, show up and ride.
If you prefer to have your own bike at the
rally but simply don’t have the time to ride
from a far distance, there are options here,
too. Keyboard Transport has partnered
with the Buffalo Chip to provide bike
shipping, airport pickup, safe keeping
of your bike each night if you choose,
even servicing of your bike so it’s ready
to ride. This is a fairly new partnership
that just keeps getting better and more
comprehensive.
Plans are also in the works at the Chip
to partner with tour companies that offer
all-inclusive trips complete with ride
guides, all amenities and, of course, the
experience of the best party anywhere™ at
the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Rally.
Stay tuned and watch www.buffalochip.
com for more.
PAge 8
Sturgis
Freedom Ride
Rider
Daily
Sturgis
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
This is one that’s going to be tough to
top. The Buffalo Chip’s Freedom Celebration
yesterday had all the right stuff: military
heroes, motorcycles, spectacle, beautiful
riding roads, an appreciative audience,
dignitaries, and heartfelt compassion.
The day began in Spearfish with the inaugural
Freedom Ride, including a performance by
the USAF Academy’s band Wild Blue Country
and a ride led by Jason Redman, retired Navy
SEAL, author and philanthropist.
Spectacle was provided compliments of the
imposing Budweiser Clydesdales parading
from the Crossroads into the amphitheater
The first-ever Freedom Ride, held in conjunction with the Buffalo Chip’s Freedom Celebration, met up in Spearfish and continued on to
the Buffalo Chip for a day of riding and remembering. The USAF Academy’s band Wild Blue Country played, and rider donations benefited
Wounded Wear/Jumping for a Purpose, Navy Special Warfare Kids, America’s Mighty Warriors and the Community Living Center at Fort
Meade VA Medical Center. Nicely attended and presented with heart, this is one Rally ride that’s certain to become a mainstay.
Some things have all the right elements: the Clydesdale Freedom Parade escorting military heroes and dignitaries from the
CrossRoads to the Chip Amphitheater certainly did! The awesome spectacle stopped everyone in their tracks and produced one
of the best photo ops at the 2014 Sturgis Rally, hands down!
Rider
Daily
Freedom Celebration 2014
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
carrying recipients of the Bob Hanson
Distinguished Service Awards: Jason Redman,
Marine Master Sgt. William “Spanky” Gibson
, Debbie Lee, Richard Marcinko and Kim
Dozier. Bob Hanson, the namesake of the
award, was present as well, wearing the very
same Army Cavalry uniform in which he was
discharged in the 1940’s.
Once Buffalo Chip President Rod Woodruff
enlisted Hanson’s help in conferring the
awards on the recipients, Four-Star General
Wesley Clark stepped up to address the
audience.
General Clark ended his thoughts this way:
PAge 9
“This country was built by people who
came from somewhere else, and none of
us amounted to much when we came here.
America was built by people just like us who
had guts, courage, and drive, and we believe
in this country. These men and women on this
stage, the veterans out here, and all of you are
here because you believe in America, so let’s
hear it for this country!”
Photo Credits: Aaron Packard, Jordan Axtman and
Chris Yushta.
PAge 10
Sturgis
Miss Chippie
Turns Ten
She might not look like any 10-yearold you know, but it’s a fact: Miss
Chippie, the recognizable sculpture
in the Buffalo Chip amphitheater, has
been on her perch for 10 years as of
2014. Designed and built by Har V and
his son Adam, Miss Chippie has been
up close and personal with hundreds,
no thousands, of campers at the Chip
in the last decade. It’s just something
you have to do: climb aboard and have
a picture taken. For those less intrepid,
there’s a stationary bike in front of Miss
Rider
Chippie and ladies are often encouraged
to pose there along with Chippie.
We’re betting you have your own
Miss Chippie memories in pixels or
film. If so, post that image on the Chip’s
Facebook page, to Twitter or Instagram
and tag the Chip. Twitter: @TheChip.
Instagram: @SturgisBuffaloChip. You
can also post using one of these hashtags:
#Sturgis2014 or #BuffaloChip.
Say happy birthday to Miss Chippie
by posting your own pictures with her.
Come on: show us yours!
Daily
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
Sturgis
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
Rider
Daily
PAge 11
Nitro National Hillclimbs
Yesterday’s action,
more tomorrow
Two classes met in the North American
Hillclimbers Association (NAHA) meet
today at the new PowerSports Complex.
Logan Cipola took the win in 450 class.
Tyler Cardwell dominated in the 451-700
class.
Rough and tumble NAHA meets are not
for the timid. Rip-roaring racing continues
in two more classes today.
The Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex is
open to the public and separately ticketed.
Visit www.BuffaloChip.com. Advance
tickets are $20 each for Hillclimbs.
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PAge 12
Sturgis
Rider
Championship
ATV Racing
Comes to the Chip
Adrenaline
packed
bumps and
grinds on tap
Four wheels just might be four times the fun. At
least that’s the word from competitors in AMAsanctioned ATV Extreme Dirt Track Racing.
Round 5 of the National Championship series
happens Friday and Saturday, August 8-9, at the
new Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex (PSC)
and with 4 races yet to go, anything can happen
in the quest for the $10,000 championship prize.
Employing body English typical of twowheeled racers, ATV competitors must also tackle
obstacles, moguls and unexpected directional
changes. The unanticipated comes into play
more prominently here in Sturgis, as racers learn
to maneuver the ups and downs of the PSC’s
brand new track. In ATV racing, sideways is a
way of life and going airborne is predictable. So
you can count on hair-raising action and plenty
of excitement as rugged rivals from across the
country fight to the finish for a foothold on the
championship.
“It’s a new adventure for us and the beginning
of a great partnership,” said Kyle Pritchard
founder and owner of Extreme Promotions and
Races. He said there was a tremendous amount
of communication over the past few months with
the Buffalo Chip’s Rod Woodruff and TORC’s BJ
Birtwell to put plans in place. “Woody is the key
player in making all of this happen,” he said.
Pritchard’s company markets and organizes
events for sanctioning bodies like the AMA.
“We enjoy and respect our partnership with the
AMA,” he said. “They have years of experience
and knowledge and we take it to the next level by
turning it into an event for spectators to come and
enjoy.”
The ATVs will be using only about one third
of the TORC track. They’ll make changes to
it, adding a split lane so racers have options.
Something that Pritchard says ups the stakes is
that, according to their rules, no radio spotters
are allowed on the track so its just the racer’s
own adrenaline pumping into his or hers racer’s
veins, that result in spur of the moment split
second decisions, for unpredictable action and
excitement.
Racing is open to both men and women, and
the women’s class has been experiencing the
most growth year after year. “Guys and gals
who win are licensed and nationally ranked in
their classes,” explained Pritchard. “When they
perform well it can be a golden ticket. Our racers
are the cream of the crop.”
This type of racing has been around since
the ‘70’s when 3-wheelers first came out. It was
also originally dominated by 2 strokes but is
now dominated by 4 strokes. Manufacturer’s
production changes necessitated that the sport
adjust and it has.
“The key factors in our sport: adrenaline is
number one, action is number two and of course
you have the thrills that bring racing to a whole
new level,” said Pritchard. “The hillclimb is
spectacular, the tractor pull is spectacular, the
TORC trucks are amazing. Each one of us offers
something different and unique.”
AMA Extreme Dirt Track ATV racing takes
place in both pro and amateur classes with heats
on the 8th and mains on the 9th. All events at
the Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex are open
to the public and separately ticketed. For more
information or to purchase tickets, visit www.
BuffaloChip.com. Advance tickets are $15 each.
AMA Extreme Dirt
Track ATV Races
Friday, August 8 and Saturday,
August 9 – 12:00 to 7:30 PM
Buffalo Chip PowerSports
Complex
Daily
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
Sturgis
Top Things You Don’t
5
Know About the
Rat’s Hole Show
Ted Smith, Owner, Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show
1. Our founder, “Big Daddy Rat” started printing T-shirts in
1952 and started the bike shows in Daytona Beach in 1973. It
is the longest running custom bike show in the country.
2. The Rat’s Hole competition is open to anyone that has a
kool [sic] bike. We have 16 classes with almost 60 trophies.
3. All of the Rat’s Hole awards are hand sculpted, signed and
numbered by Ted Smith (Big Daddy Rat’s son).
4.
The Rat’s Hole brings in their international judging team to
judge the bikes. With almost 300 points scored on each bike,
the bike gets truly judged by the best of the best.
5.
The Best of Show bike will be printed on thousands of
draft beer mugs and the cover of the Buffalo Chip calendar for
the 75th anniversary show at the Legendary Buffalo Chip.
Rider
Daily
PAge 13
Rat’s Hole
Show
Winners
It’s the Bike Show of Bike Shows,
the world famous Rat’s Hole. And as if
that isn’t enough the rat crew stepped
it up by adding Big Daddy Rat’s Black
Hills Bagger Showdown to the mix
showcaseing these popular models.
There were two classes in the Black
Hills Bagger Showdown, too: Full
Dresser and Extreme Bagger. Of course
the Rat’s Hole Show is known for having
a wide variety of classes; the total was 16
in Sturgis. We’re showing you the most
hotly contested classes here. To see the
winning bikes in all the classes visit
www.ratshole.com
Over 1000cc Radical: T.D. Ward
Bobber: Danny Gumm
Extreme Bagger: Brian Jenkins
Full Dresser: Shane Wittenberg
Best of Show: Brian Jenkins
Over 1000cc Super Radical: Matt Harris
Sturgis
PAge 14
Rider
Daily
TORC Racing
A drivers point of view
“It takes a big team and a lot of hours to design
and build a modern day TORC track like this
that will test the capabilities of 900 horsepower
trucks,” said BJ Birtwell, President of The OffRoad Championship (TORC). Lucky for us, all it
takes to reap the benefits of the track at the Buffalo
Chip’s new PowerSports Complex is showing up.
This new venue brought grassroots racing in
several forms back to the Sturgis Rally in a big
way, amping up the presence of straight-up,
pulse-pumping competition. Action started with
Outlaw Truck & Tractor Pulls, then continued
with TORC, Nitro National Pro Hillclimbs and
AMA Extreme ATV Dirt Track Racing.
But it’s the partnership between the Chip and
TORC that anchored the effort. “Jeff Nordstrom
our Chief of Track Operations, had a blank canvas
to work with thanks to Woody,” said Birtwell. Even
before TORC racing began on Tuesday there was
a dose of healthy fear among the drivers. Any new
track takes some getting used to but the way this
one was constructed, using the natural terrain to
advantage, would test drivers’ capabilities.
Healthy fear is wrapped in enthusiasm for Scott
Douglas, an 11-time TORC champion. Douglas
has raced both long-term endurance and short
course sprints and it’s clear he appreciates a
challenge but approaches with respect.
“In this kind of racing, (short course sprints)
you give it everything you’ve got for 20 minutes
and see how you come out in the end,” he said.
“It’s head to head, door to door, wheel to wheel in
front of the crowd.” And for Douglas, the energy
and excitement transfers from the crowd. Racing
professionally since 1990, Douglas runs in the
premiere class of TORC, the Pro Four 4-wheel
drive trucks. The other two classes are Pro Tow
2-wheel and Pro Lite. “I love being behind the
wheel racing but I love even more the reaction of
fans when I get to interact with them. It never gets
old. I love what I do.”
And why wouldn’t he? He gets to take a
4,000-pound, 900-horsepower truck and fly it
150-foot distances, 15 feet in the air! His current
truck has an all wheel drive, 420 c.i. motor, and
it’s all hand made with billet blocks. It’s that
handcrafted aspect of these race vehicles that
makes Douglas believe TORC racing and bikers
are natural allies. “Like custom bike builders, we
take pride in our craftsmanship, how our vehicles
perform, and we’re innovative.
There’s a fairly open slate related to design and
specifications on the Pro 4s. There are some rules
on the engines, some rules on the width, some
rules on the wheelbase but it’s otherwise very
loose. Limitations are placed on front and rear
wheel travel but teams can decide how you get
there, how the weight is distributed.
Most teams experiment with adjustments to
get the competitive edge. “We’re trying different
things constantly to get the weight balances
perfect. These are all wheel drive trucks so we’re
constantly playing with the differentials to get
an edge on how we can hook up all four of these
wheels and get to that first
corner faster,” said Douglas.
“That’s what is so great about
this facility and being here at
the Chip because nothing’s
predictable over there with the
concerts, the crowds and new
things always going on. So this
fits!”
Douglas makes a good point:
In TORC racing, like biking—
and especially biking during
the Sturgis Rally—anything can
happen. “And,” he continued,
“the only thing we know for
sure is that all of us aren’t quite
right!”
I’m okay with that. How about
you?
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
Sturgis
Rider
The Sturgis Motorcycle
Museum & Hall of Fame
You’re here at the Sturgis Rally, livin’ the dream,
on vacation with several hundred thousand of your
closest friends. It’s tough to fit in all the fun you want
to have, and that’s understandable. But take this
advice: get yourself over to the Sturgis Motorcycle
Museum & Hall of Fame for one of the best hours (or
two) you’ll spend at the rally.
Why do we say that? Because as much as we
love the party, and we do, there’s no question that
we’re connected as riders through the history of
motorcycling. Learning about what came before not
only helps us appreciate what we have now but it also
insures the story will continue. So stop in to chat
with the Museum staff, learn about the Hall of Fame
members, and see some of the epic bikes on display.
While you’re there, snag a chance in one of the two
ongoing raffles designed to support the Museum’s
building campaign. One drawing is for a Henry
Big Boy Rifle and the other has a variety of prizes
including a mini bike and an autographed guitar.
Tickets are on sale on the corner of Main & Junction
throughout the rally.
The Sturgis Motorcycle
Museum & Hall of Fame
At the corner of Junction
and Main in Sturgis
Open 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
during the Rally
Daily
PAge 15
PAge 16
Sturgis
Rider
Daily
Friday, Aug. 8, 2014
List Lust
Ten Most Popular
Firearms
By Rory Hynes
In the Buffalo Chip Sturgis Rider Sweepstakes, many entered but only one was chosen. And the winner will roll home a Cory Ness
custom Victory 8-Ball painted by Kirk Taylor, that comes with a matching Les Paul Studio Epiphone guitar.
10. PKM Kalashnikov
9. Colt Browning 1911
8. H&K MP5
7. FAL
6. H&K G3
5. Armalite AR-15
4. RPG-7
3. UZI
2. Remington
Pump-action Shotgun
1. AK-47
Last Night’s Concert
The hook is in: fans of Train are still humming those catchy songs today after the band’s solid performance
last night at the Buffalo Chip, a first for the Chip and for Train. Photo by Jordan Axtman.
As their name suggests, it was pop music with an edge from Pop Evil..
Photo by Jordan Axtman.