Words and photos by Kali Kotoski
Editor’s Note: With Sturgis being such a wild and expansive event, it is impossible to cover it in one coherent story. So, Thunder Press approached the rally by interviewing numerous individuals to get their stories. Look for a series of vignettes published online throughout September!
Felony drug arrests were up 33% during the rally, according to a Sturgis Police Department report. One officer I spoke to (not pictured) said that the surge was primarily due to increased routine traffic stops that targeted Colorado plates. “It is all pretty much meth and pot,” he said, which left me wondering why bikers have yet to graduate to the more socially acceptable wonder drug cocaine. “That is a good question,” the officer said as smoked one of my cigarettes. “I totally fucked up my calf last night when I tried to tackle this drunk biker outside of the Iron Horse Saloon. When we fell to the ground the tear was so loud people 10 feet away heard it,” he continued. I asked why he was still working and advised him to grab some of the pot seizure to alleviate pain. “I wish! If only the VA would clear it for use, I would. I meet all these cops from Colorado and they are like “here, try this.’” I asked him where he served. A tour in Iraq and a tour in the West African country of Niger, where a little-publicized forward operating base works with local fighters and the French in combatting the ISIS-affiliated group, Boko Haram. I thanked him for his service.
