motorcycle events

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022 - A Comprehensive Guide

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022 - A Comprehensive Guide

1. What is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a yearly motorcycle gathering where individuals across the United States come together to celebrate biker culture. Founded in 1938 by Clarence “Pappy” Hotel of the Jackpine Gypsies motorcycle club, the first motorcycle rally, originally called the Black Hills Classic, was intended to host motorcycle races and stunt shows. Though originally only featuring two major motorcycle events over three days, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has since evolved into a festival featuring food stands, concerts, riding events, and even a Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame. Aside from circumstances due to World War II and COVID-19, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has continued to be held every year, drawing tens of thousands of motorcyclists to attend.

2. Dates and Location of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022

The Sturgis Rally 2022 starts on the first week of August, with the festivities lasting for 10 days. Hosted in the city of Sturgis, South Dakota close to the Black Hills,

the 82nd Sturgis Rally officially begins on August 5th and ends on August 14th. However, you are allowed to explore the festival grounds, secure a spot, and watch late-night performances from August 1st-4th.

3. Registering for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022

You can register online on the Sturgis Rally official website by clicking the registration tab and providing your basic personal information. During registration, you can choose either the basic or premium option. The basic option allows you to register for free, while the premium option requires you to pay $19.95 in exchange for extra benefits.

If you opt for basic registration, you will receive the following:

  • Rally Pin
  • Rally Patch
  • Welcome Patch
  • Sturgis Rally Information

If you opt for premium registration, you will receive the following:

  • Rally Pin
  • Rally Patch
  • Welcome Patch
  • Sturgis Rally Information
  • Microfiber Black Hills Map
  • Coupons
  • Sponsor Gifts
  • Rally Sticker

4. Parking at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022

Due to the large number of people who bring their motorcycles to the Sturgis Rally, it is recommended that you arrive early to secure a parking spot. The organizers make sure to provide large open parking spaces nearby that only require a small fee to enter. It is also possible to park your motorcycle on the streets, though you cannot leave them parked between 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. as you can get a ticket for blocking street cleaning vehicles.

5. Events at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022

At Sturgis Rally 2022, most of the events will be motorcycle-related, but there will also be other miscellaneous activities that you can do off of your bike. The highlights of Sturgis Rally 2022 will include charity rides, races, concerts, bike shows, and motorcycle rides.

5.1 Charity Rides

  • The Legendary 5K Run
  • Rusty Wallace Charity Ride

5.2 Races

  • Chief’s Ride
  • Ultra 4 Racing
  • Legends Ride
  • Biker Belles
  • Western Frontier Motorcycle Ride
  • Ride with a Local

5.3 Concerts

  • Big Skillet
  • Nate Botsford
  • Flannel
  • Wild Planes
  • Pop Rocks
  • Shooter Jaxx
  • Garage Boys
  • Tumbleweed
  • Judd Hoos
  • Quiet Riot
  • Cowboy
  • Sometimes Y
  • Bryan Loweree
  • David Graham & The Eskimo Brothers
  • Guild of Ages
  • Chris Trew
  • Buckcherry
  • Snoop Dogg
  • Molly Hatchet
  • Jack Daniels
  • Frank Fletcher
  • Hot City Soul
  • Camp Comfort
  • Bag Lady Sue
  • Dead Level
  • Devon Worley Band
  • Bush
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd
  • Slaughter
  • Clay Walker
  • The Night Caps
  • Foundry
  • Lita Ford
  • Rob Zombie
  • Tesla
  • Chris Hawkey
  • Hairball
  • Jason Boland & The Stragglers
  • Tim Montana
  • LOCASH
  • Armed Forces Appreciation Day
  • Carolina Reign
  • Bad Wolves
  • Falling in Reverse
  • Hollywood Undead
  • Papa Roach
  • Chase Matthew
  • Liliac
  • Stephen Pearcy - Voice of RATT
  • Topless Tuesday
  • Aaron Lewis & The Stateliners
  • William & Ree
  • Travis Tritt
  • Terry Waugh Band
  • Blackberry Smoke
  • Otherwise
  • Saliva
  • Tantric
  • Victory Underground
  • Jon Pardi
  • Jackyl
  • Bass Lords
  • Zillion
  • Puddle of Mudd
  • Pop Evil
  • Diamonds & Whiskey
  • Blackhawk
  • Pecos & The Rooftops
  • Annie’s Bad Habit
  • Shoot to Thrill
  • Back in Black
  • Blacklite District
  • Struggle Jennings

5.4 Bike Shows

  • School’s Out Chopper Show
  • FXR Show & Dyna Mixer
  • Hardcore Cycle Performance Show & Skinny Tire Bagger Build-Off
  • Mini Bike Show
  • Sportster Showdown Bike Show & Party
  • Women, Wind & Wheels Bike Show
  • Evo Entanglement Bike Show Presented by S&S Cycle
  • Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show
  • Cool Hand Speedco Antique Hangout
  • Bagger Blastoff
  • Sturgis Buffalo Chip Custom Series King (or Queen)

5.5 Motorcycle Rides

  • Spearfish Canyon - Boulder Canyon - Vanocker Canyon
  • Iron Mountain Road - Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse Monument
  • Custer Park & Loop
  • The Badlands
  • Devils Tower - Hulett
  • Bear Butte Loop

6. Lodging at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022

Some motorcyclists who will come to the Sturgis Rally will be from out of state and may need a temporary place to rest for the length of their stay. There are smaller accommodations for riders traveling alone and larger rooms for travelers coming with their families. Due to how quickly lodging can fill up, you should set up a reservation well in advance. You can choose from the following lodging options close to the Sturgis Rally:

6.1 Lodging

  • Cabins
  • Private Houses
  • Hotels
  • Tents
  • RVs

7. Shops & Restaurants at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022

When you are not taking your motorcycle out for a ride or attending one of the many events, you can browse the nearby shops for souvenirs. You can also find restaurants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner around the city of Sturgis.

7.1 Shops

  • Gunther Grant Silver
  • Figurati Designs
  • Etherton Hardwoods
  • Black Hills Gold Jewelry
  • I Ride
  • Jackpine Gypsies
  • Sturgis Dot Com Shirt

7.2 Restaurants

  • Sturgis Buffalo Chip
  • Red’s Grill & Pub
  • Stinger Saloon
  • The Beaver Bar Sturgis
  • Loud American Roadhouse
  • Glencoe Camp Resort
  • Veterans Club
  • Belle Joli Winery
  • The Knuckle Saloon & Brewery
  • Sturgis Wine Company
  • Sidehack Saloon & Gunners Lounge
  • Oasis Bar & Fireside Lounge

8. How to Transport Your Bike to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022

If you are a resident of South Dakota or live in a nearby state, it is possible to ride your motorcycle over yourself to the Sturgis Rally.

However, if the distance is too far, then it may be easier to have your motorcycle shipped over instead. Here is a list of some reliable shipping companies that share a history with the Sturgis Rally:

  • Dragon Star Motorcycle Transport
  • Schmitt Transport
  • RoadRunner Auto Transport
  • Allen’s Transportation
  • Ship N Ride
  • A-1 Auto Transport
  • CK5 Transport Services, LLC.
  • Paul Remington Motorcycle Transport
  • Harley Haul
  • Freight Center
  • Old School Motorcycle Transport

9. Recommended Clothing for Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022

As you will be spending most of your time outdoors for the Sturgis Rally, it is recommended you dress in light and bright-colored clothing that is suited for summer weather and temperature when you are off your bike.

When riding your motorcycle, make sure to wear a leather jacket and long pants to prevent scraping if you happen to fall off your motorcycle. Also, make sure to wear a motorcycle helmet that meets U.S. Department of Transportation standards.

In case you travel to a location that is low in temperature or is known to have a lot of moisture, you should make sure to bring a sweater and/or a raincoat in case of bad weather.

10. What to Bring to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022

Much like how you pack for a camping trip, you should also compile a list of items you will need to take with you during your time at the Sturgis Rally. Though it is recommended you only bring the essentials, you can bring a few luxury items if you have secure lodging to store them while you are out exploring the grounds or riding your motorcycle. Here is a checklist of what you should bring to the Sturgis Rally:

  • Phone
  • Wallet
  • Insurance
  • Water bottle
  • Motorcycle helmet
  • Leather jacket
  • Raincoat or poncho
  • Protective eyewear
  • A week’s worth of clothes
  • Sunscreen
  • Earplugs
  • Headlamp
  • Sanitizing wipes
  • Facemask

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Routes at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022
Routes at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022

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