There’s something about the open road leading to Sturgis, a magnetic pull that brings riders together from all corners of the country and all parts of the world. This year’s rally, however, felt different. It wasn’t just about the thunder of the V-Twins or the non-stop parties; the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, for me, was a testament to the power of human connection, a truly refreshing change of pace.
From the moment my tires hit the asphalt, it felt less about the wild revelry and more about the simple act of saying hello. This was a rally about making new friends and reconnecting with old ones. It was about sharing stories over a cold drink and talking about the bikes that brought us all together. The focus seemed to have shifted from the wild party scene to a more genuine, communal vibe. It was something special to be a part of.
Our days were filled with riding, exploring the incredible Black Hills scenery that makes this rally so unique. We took some incredible back roads into Rapid City, a route I’ve only had the chance to experience once before. We rode through Keystone, Hill City, and Deadwood, taking in the sights and sounds. A highlight was definitely the ride out to Lake Pactola, a beautiful change of scenery from the usual rally madness.
After some long days on the road, a stop at the legendary Buffalo Chip was a must. It was there that we got to see some incredible custom creations, including the renowned “Motorcycles as Art” exhibit, where we met the amazing Gloria Struck a true legend in the motorcycle world. We also got a chance to check out some of the builds and engine work coming out of Lloydz Garage. Their presence at the Chip is always a highlight, and the work they do is consistently top-notch.
In addition, we made a point to get over to the Iron Horse Saloon. It was there that we were absolutely blown away by the paintwork on display at the Dave Perewitz custom paint show. It was a real feast for the eyes and a fantastic showcase of the artistry that exists within our community.
Furthermore, we had the chance to meet some incredible people. The Content Creators Meetup was a highlight of the trip; it was a true pleasure to meet with the Hamsters, but even more so to sit down and chat with other creators. Vibing with them on a personal level and getting to talk to some of the people who follow our work was a genuinely cool experience. It was during our stay that we also had a fantastic conversation with a group of Latin American riders we met at our hotel, highlighting just how diverse and welcoming our riding community truly is.
All in all, the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was a fantastic reminder of what this community is all about. It’s about more than just the bikes; it’s about the people who ride them. The challenge for us as a community, and for me as a content creator, is to bring more people into this amazing world. We need to do a better job of creating community and figuring out how to get new riders on the road more often. We all know people who have a bike but only ride it a few hundred miles a year. How can we encourage them to ride more, to take that 100-mile leap, and get out and explore? Because the more they ride, the more we all benefit. More riders equate to more parts, more innovation, and new leaps forward in motorcycle engineering. The answer is not to just talk in our own circles, but to get out there and be a visible part of the riding community. Let’s get on the road, on social media, at the local coffee shop, and at work. Let’s tell people about the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and get them pumped up for a ride.
