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 Pinky's Passion in print and online motorcycle magazine.
Sturgis 2012 August 6th thru 12th, 2012 (72nd Anniversary Sturgis Rally)
Sturgis 2011 - the biggest motorcycle rally in the world!
We're back, and do we have stories to tell!
The Legendary Buffalo Chip; the best party in Sturgis Seven members from Barksdale Air Force
Base traveled to Sturgis, South Dakota earlier this month for the
largest motorcycle rally in the world. They stayed at The Legendary
Buffalo Chip, where the Sturgis rally really happens. Sure, there's
Main Street, Deadwood, Hill City, Rapid City, and other great
locations, and they visited them all. But, when they were finished
sight seeing and riding the Badlands, Iron Mountain Road, or Needles
Highway, they came home to the Chip and had everything they needed.
The Chip has plenty of RV spots, free tent camping included in your
admission price, a bikini beach, amphitheater, bars, vendors, food,
and even a Zipline. But that's not all. The Chip is well known for
their hospitality and the best musical acts available anywhere. This
year, during the Chip's 30 annual party, guests were
treated to performances by such great entertainers as Alice Cooper,
Tesla, George Thorogood, JohnFogerty, Puddle of Mud, Poison, Def
Leppard, Styx, Buck Cherry, and Toby Keith, just to name a few.
Bikers enjoyed Keith's encore performances of “American Soldier”
and “Courtesy of the Red White and Blue”, among revving of
engines, hoopla and hollering. The nightly Miss Buffalo Chip contest
was a crowd favorite. Riders brought there motorcycles nearly right
up to the stage, and frequently showed their approval by revving of
the motors. Guests always had something to do; such
as laying out at the bikini beach, taking a dip in the water or
swinging from the rope. The midget bowling was entertainment not
found in many other venues, and the premium vendors had varied wares
from chaps to t-shirts and bike seats to pin striping. Taco Bell and
Domino's Pizza were on site to provide late night fare to guests, as
well as food vendors carrying everything from steak sandwiches,
french fries, baked potatoes, sausage on a stick, corn dogs,
hamburgers and hot dogs to lemonade, beer, coke and Jagermeister.
The bathroom lines were short, as the staff kept the lines moving and
the facilities clean; same goes for the showers. The traveling
Vietnam Wall Memorial, located just outside the Chip and surrounded
by a sea of red, white and blue flags was awe inspiring, and the
Pancake Breakfast at the Biker Church by the Sons of Light Ministry
on site was satisfying and guests were grateful for the service.
Throughout the campgrounds there was always something to do, and it
truly was the best party anywhere. We're already planning my trip
next year. Tickets are on sale now for the 2012 event. Log on to
buffalochip.com to make your reservations.
Barksdale Air Force Base goes to Sturgis
 Seven road weary travelers who made the long trip home fromSturgis,South Dakota, after attending the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally, the largest motorcycle rally in the world, rolled in to Shreveport last week with stories to tell and fond memories of their trek. The brainchild of Mr. Don Ehrman, Deputy Director of 2 FSS, the Sturgis rally trip was designed for military members to experience the ultimate in motorcycle riding through Barksdale AFB's Information, Tickets and Travel Office. As far as we can tell, a trip of this magnitude has never been pulled off by the 2FSS squadron or any other Force Support Squadron, for that matter.
The nearly 2,500 mile round trip was eventful and the group of people will never forget their time together, as they rode some of the most scenic rides in the world including Needle's Highway, Spearfish Canyon and Iron Mountain Road, where they were stopped by a stampeding herd of buffalo. They visited the majestic monuments of Mt. Rushmore, Devil's Tower (America's first National Monument), Crazy Horse, and the historic western town of Deadwood where Wild Bill Hickok met his demise, and the aces and eights dead man's hand was born. Hickok was holding this hand when he was shot in the back of the head by a coward. Today, visitors can play poker at the casinos lining Deadwood, or shop for memorabilia of the famous historic event. They traveled to Wall Drug, a famous drug store in operation since the 1930's that offers up free ice water and nickel coffee, while giving a free donut to all military veterans. In the evenings, they camped at the Legendary Buffalo Chip and enjoyed concerts every night with performers like Buck Cherry, Poison, Tesla, Stevie Nicks, George Thorogood, and a moving performance by Toby Keith as he culminated with "American Soldier". At the campground they visited the traveling Vietnam wall, a 1/2 size replica of the original memorial in Washington D.C., surrounded by a sea of red, white and blue flags waving majestically in the breeze. Great memories were made by all and as they look back, they will always savor the experience, and are already making plans for next year.
People and Businesses I encountered on my trip to Sturgis: come back often for updates!
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