On August 30th, 1885, Gottlieb Daimler created the first motorcycle. That German invention would go on to change a tiny town in the Black Hills of South Dakota into a worldwide phenomenon. At the time, Sturgis, SD was just beginning to form, not even being a decade old. The citizens of the town were fighting to distance themselves from their sordid past and were creating a new image: The Key City of the Black Hills.
A little over a decade and a half later, at the turn of the 20th century, two new creations would help set the foundation of what Sturgis was to become. In 1901, Indian was founded, and two years later, Harley-Davidson was born. It wouldn’t be until 1915 though, with the Triumph Model H, produced by the Triumph Engineering Company, that the modern motorcycle would take hold.
Gypsy Tours
With the first modern motorcycle, and other companies quickly following suit, riders began searching each other out. Riding alone was fun, but it quickly morphed into a group activity. An activity that sought to take the riders on a unique adventure, as they explored new areas.
These riders took their cues from the “gypsy tours” of the late 1800s. Wanting to experience something new, and escape from the rigors and structure of everyday life, individuals would pack up a wagon and simply tour the country, or at least a part of it. Where they would go, and when they would be back, wasn’t always well defined, as it was a new sense of freedom they were looking for.
With the rise of automobiles, the means of travel changed. But it would be with motorcycles that the term gypsy tour really stuck. By 1917, a national motorcycle gypsy tour was underway, spearheaded by the Motorcycle and Allied Trades association. Over 20,000 riders nationwide, participating in over 200 tours, were to take place during June 16th and 17th.
It wouldn’t take long for South Dakota to get into the action. By the summer of 1920, a two-day gypsy tour in Eastern South Dakota would begin. The annual tour would go on for a few years before fizzling out.
On the other side of the state though, the idea of gypsy tours was beginning to find new ground. Gypsy tours had been set up in the Black Hills by 1930, but more for those who wanted to explore the area through means other than motorcycle. But that was soon to change with a man known by Pappy.
J.C. “Pappy” Hoel
Much can be said about Clarence, or J.C. Hoel, and it certainly will be said in future articles. But much of his claim to fame is centered around “The Black Hills Motor Classic,” which began on August 14, 1938. Yet, what would eventually become the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally had its roots in the area a couple years prior.
In 1936, Hoel bought a franchise of the Indian Motorcycle Company. Immediately, Hoel was involved in the motorcycle scene. Yet, it was all almost cut short in October of that same year.
Riding at the country fair grounds, Hoel ran into a wire that was placed near the football grounds. Not seeing the wire, Hoel was caught across the throat, knocked from his bike, and left unconscious. A strong man, he healed up quickly.
The following year, Hoel would oversee a day of motorcycle races and stunt riding on the ground that would eventually become home to the Black Hills Classic. The event, while small, would go on to help give birth to something much larger.
The final piece to the Black Hills Classic would be put into place in January of 1938. The “Jack Pines Gypsies’ Motorcycle Club” was announced by the local papers. With about 20 members, they came on the scene with a bang, having developed what could have been a new sport.
With the same spirit that gave the Black Hills Classic its life, Hoel brought forth the Gypsies by organizing a coyote hunt via motorcycle. The sport never took off, but it showed what Hoel was looking for. Something unique and exciting. Something daring, and maybe a bit dangerous.
The First Rally
With the Jackpine Gypsies formed, the Black Hills Motor Classic would finally be born. On August 14, 1938, it officially kicked off.
The event itself was more like two events brought together. Starting with a gypsy tour of the Black Hills, riders would get to know each other, as well as enjoy the beauty that the hills had to offer. It was a way to relax before the official two-day event began, which would be filled with “thrills and spills.”
Kicking off the Black Hills Motor Classic were the races. Sturgis would quickly become known for having the fastest half-mile track west of the Mississippi. Speed kings from across the country would make it to Sturgis for the thrills, as well as the $750 ($13,566 today) prize money.
The best of the riders would clear the half-mile track in just 9 seconds, showing the work that had gone into making the track the best it could be. But there was more than just racing. Daredevil stunts were a centerpiece.
Including everything from a board wall crash, to jumps, the event was meant to be an adrenaline rush for the participants. It wasn’t just motorcycles that got into the action though. Hell Diver Dugan was brought in to entertain the audience with his stunts in an automobile.
Downtown Sturgis would also be brought into the mix. A big street carnival was brought in, while a dance was held in the city auditorium. The Black Hills Motor Classic would prove to be an event for the whole family, providing a bit of entertainment for everyone.
It was in that spirit that the Rally first began. And over the next few years, it would begin attracting international attention, as some of the fastest bikes from around the world would start to appear.
I heard that Pappy had to borrow the money to start the Indian Franchise and he borrowed it from Mr. Karrels, who also bought a motorcycle from Pappy.