What could be better than a day in the Old West gambling town of
Deadwood, a ride through the magnificent Black Hills and a private party at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, all while rubbing elbows with a slew of motorcycle-riding celebrities? OK, so PeeWee Herman led the 2010 Legends Ride on a power-assisted Schwinn bicycle, but you get the picture.
The 5th annual Legends Ride has become one of the biggest events of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, kicking off the 72nd annual Black Hills Classic on Monday, August 6, 2012. Festivities start in downtown Deadwood at the Silverado-Franklin Gaming Complex and the Deadwood Tobacco Company. There you can mingle with the likes of Rupert Boneham from Survivor (and now an Indiana gubernatorial candidate), Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and American Idol and Big Kenny of Big & Rich, as well as some famous faces in motorcycling such as Arlen Ness, Michael Prugh, and Brian and Laura Klock.
From Deadwood, the 55-mile ride takes you through the spectacular scenery of Nemo Road and Vanocker Canyon, arriving at the Buffalo Chip for a private riders reception and meal, a live auction, the opportunity to view Michael Lichter’s 2012 Motorcycles As Art exhibit and admission to Monday night’s double-headline concert on the Chip’s main stage. If you’ve never been to Sturgis, this event is a wonderful introduction to the beauty of the Black Hills as well as some of the key rally hot spots.
This year’s contributions will benefit local Black Hills charities, including the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame and the Black Hills Special Olympics. Tickets are $150, and you can purchase yours at www.legendsride.com, keeping in mind that 100 percent of your contribution goes to the ride’s chosen charities. Every year’s event has been a sellout, so don’t wait till the last minute.
