Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/148632
6 • August 12, 2013 • Powersports Business news www.PowersportsBusiness.com Sturgis rally expecting larger-than-normal crowds Black Hills H-D, Buffalo Chip gearing up for big numbers By Liz Keener Managing Editor The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally always draws a slew of participants, but some expect to see inflated numbers this year, as riders help cele- neup ty of rs to ng is hers, Rob bert, lime brate Harley-Davidson's 110th anniversary and businesses such as the Buffalo Chip continue to add to their offerings. The 73rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally runs Aug. 5-11. Black Hills Harley-Davidson "We're looking for it to be up for sure because the Buffalo Chip, all the hotels and campgrounds have seen a big increase in reservations, so it's going to be a larger than average rally for sure," said Terry Rymer, general manager and co-owner of Black Hills HarleyDavidson. "And we've typically see that on an anniversary year for the Motor Company." Rymer's dealership has ramped up its efforts this year, bringing in about 100 vendors, a 25 percent increase over 2012, and paving an additional five acres for extra parking. Black Hills Harley-Davidson's location becomes the Rally at Exit 55 for the duration of the Sturgis event. Harley-Davidson will be on hand at the dealership, as the company will bring 120 units for test rides. The OEM had hosted demos in downtown Sturgis for years, but it's moving to a dealership for 2013. "They didn't see the increase in the amount of people taking demo rides that they'd like to see, and with our growth and what we've seen here — we've captured so much of the market — they thought they'd come here and try to get more butts in the seats," Rymer said. "I think they're gong to see a big increase, and that's what they're looking for." Because Black Hills Harley-Davidson is expecting a larger audience this year, the dealership brought in an additional 100 bikes for its rental fleet that is usually depleted early during rally week. The additional bikes are coming from Harley-Davidson's rental fleet and Orlando Harley-Davidson. "We hope we run out, but we think we should be in better shape than we had in the past," Rymer said. Because of the additional visitors anticipated to attend the rally, Black Hills Harley-Davidson had to boost its staff, bringing in 450 extra employees for its dealerships and 10 remote locations. That's up from last year's numbers. Luckily for the dealership, people usually come to rally ready to spend, and this year should be no different. "People go on vacation, and they want to treat themselves. You save up; you plan; you go on vacation. You want to treat yourself, and that's what we typically see," Rymer said. Sturgis Buffalo Chip Also expecting a large gathering is the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. With headliners such as Kid Rock, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top, the campgrounds are already filing up. New for this year is Daredevil Wednesday, in which a variety of stunt riders will perform tricks, with some hoping to break Guinness World Records. Tim Dyson plans to ride a somersault with a passenger on the back, Juli Moody will hold two bikes with her arms while they run burnouts, unimotorcycles racers will look to break speed records, and Patch McGillicutty and the American Hellriders will perform on the Wall of Death. Clint Ewing is also planning a fire tunnel ride of more than 350 feet. "That's the one that captures my imagination," Buffalo Chip president Rod Woodruff said. Thursday, Aug. 8 represents Military Day for the Chip. The day's Freedom Celebration will include military activities, patriotic displays, a memorial plaque presentation and a See Sturgis, Page 7 P01x07-PSB10-News.indd 6 7/31/13 2:41 PM w H Inc lut ass Jun ma oli the $2 sid 65 alo of pla Fu Am Ho ma oth an sid ma exp Big ou off Ho in. in dev an the at PW tio HS pla sea S per Ma tha cyc Da to Au Ha ou jus gen Ind go gre do pro be Bu ing cro Wo thi bet It ye jus of the tha