DAKOTA BOB IS AT THE STURGIS RALLY YEARLY!
The first rally was held on August 14, 1938, by
the "Jackpine Gypsies" motorcycle club, who still own and operate the tracks,
hill climb, and field areas where the rally is centered.
The first event was called the "Black Hills Classic" and consisted of a single race
with nine participants and a small audience.
The founder is generally considered to be Clarence "Pappy" Hoel.
He purchased an Indian Motorcycle franchise in Sturgis in 1936
and formed the "Jackpine Gypsies" that same year.
The focus of a motorcycle rally was originally racing and stunts. In 1961,
the rally was expanded to include the Hill climb and Motocross races.
This could include half-mile track racing (the first year in Sturgis,
there were 19 participants), intentional board wall crashes, ramp jumps
and head-on collisions with automobiles.
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