Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/727617
26 nOctober 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS chloride, was applied before the rally and ended up being a problem once the rains hit. The point of Mag Water is to draw moisture from the air in the evening dampness to help keep dust down and pack the surface during day use. Once the heavy rains moved in, the process served to keep the road a muddy mess and though we could fi nd no solid numbers of accidents on the bypass, there were many reports of bikes just sliding off the road. Adding to the frustration level of travelers was the poor signage that had folks confused over which direc- tion to turn out near Pleasant Valley. Whether the road will be paved is still open to speculation since traffi c numbers need to register at least 500 vehicles per day consistently in order to be considered for asphalt and it's doubtful that kind of traffi c will be recorded during the off season. For now, construction crews seem to be the most frequent users. The ongoing squabble with the city of Sturgis over the recently- granted, and now disputed, city of Buffalo Chip has locals generally at odds as they square off over whose camp they support. Sturgis planners are busily buying up properties on the east end of town to prevent any expansions the Buffalo Chip may be planning and the future of the town- ship is in the hands of the court system as they await the judge's decision on whether the information originally provided was indeed factual. Nearby ranchers feel their properties are being threatened by possible expansions and the "live and let live" attitude has gone right out the window as town folk worry about the impact the new city could have on their economics. Meanwhile, back in downtown Sturgis, Main Street is scheduled for a facelift that will include new curbs, gutters, decorative elements and fewer park- ing spaces. Construction is slated to be completed by the 2017 rally but, despite all the restructuring and local bickering, we heard from several residents who don't feel they need a rally at all. There are several other large events scheduled during the year and tourism is strong year-round so locals seem to be rather ambivalent about holding the motorcycle rally. The reality is, riders come to the Black Hills to experience the scenery, the spirituality and the brotherhood and whether the city rolls out the "Welcome Riders" banner or not, we will continue to do so. The City of Riders is growing by leaps and bounds. We were told that new homes are being occupied the second builders open the doors on the completed neighborhoods, several new childcare facilities have been built, a new seniors care facility is in the works and the local economy is strong. The city is also looking at proper- ties west of the highway beyond the Industrial Park. The motorcycle indus- try-related businesses that were enticed into relocating their operations from other states by being given incentive packages that included a fi ve-year tax break are looking at whether to stick around and deal with the cost of doing business with the higher overhead once that grace period expires. One of the bigger manufacturers, Samson Exhaust owner Kenny Price, has announced his plans to retire and has his business up for sale, a plan shared by two other manufacturing businesses we chatted with in the area. Samson Corner on Lazelle has been leased by the City of Sturgis and signage on the Samson production building out on Industry Road advertises that they are hiring employees, so it looks like it's busi- ness as usual despite all the naysayers. All in all, it looks like the future of Sturgis proper is secure. In 2015 Jerry Cole took up the position as the new Rally and Events Director and his focus is on the future. As quoted in the Sturgis 2016 Museum magazine, Cole says he is in "listening mode" but sees that the future of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally includes continued growth and improvement. And we believe him. 4 Sturgis Continued from page 24 Kid Rock brought his Kid Rock curse of rotten weather to the Buffalo Chip but put on a kick ass concert anyway New Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Executive Director Myrick Robbins welcomes riders