Sturgis, S.D., July 31—Choosing steel and torches over ribbons, Harley-Davidson ignited its presence for the grand opening of the Harley-Davidson Rally Point and the official kick-off to the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Today marks the first of a 75-year partnership between Harley-Davidson and the city of Sturgis as the rally’s official motorcycle.
A mecca for riders that provides a new permanent home to celebrate the freedom, independence and rebellion found in riders around the world, the Rally Point will serve as a central spot for riders during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and a gathering point for the citizens of Sturgis throughout the year.
Crowds gather for the grand opening of the Harley-Davidson Rally Point. Sparked by a chain-cutting with Bill Davidson, Great Grandson of Company Co-Founder and VP of the H-D Museum, members of the Davidson family, and Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen gathered to open the Rally Point to the public, and officially kick-off the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Showers of sparks as the chain snaps in two with bikes in the background:
Harley-Davidson ignites its presence for the grand opening of the Harley-Davidson Rally Point and the official kick-off to the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Today marks the first of a 75-years partnership between Harley-Davidson and the city of Sturgis as the rally’s official motorcycle.
Bill Davidson, Great Grandson of Company Co-Founder and VP of the H-D Museum, and Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen open the Harley-Davidson Rally Point to the public, and officially kick-off the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Rally Point features an elevated area for riders to take pictures on their motorcycles with the iconic STURGIS sign in the background (Toby Brusseau/AP Images for Harley-Davidson)