15 Years Running The Black Hills

o think that we have been making a contribution over the years to The Sturgis Black Hills Rally is one thing, t but to realize that this year was our 15th anniversary of the

“Run To The Line” is unbelievable. What started out as an event

Jay Allen put together for us when the Broken

Spoke first moved out to the county line, has been an important part of our year and as it turns out, many of yours as well. This year we were happy to have Mike

Lichter back on board with us and provide images for the riders.

You can check them out on his website at lichterphotography. com. While some years have seen us end at the Spur Creek Ranch, this was another year of going up through

Vanocker Canyon for a lunch stop at the

Nemo Guest Ranch.

Reverend Darla from the Vale Community

Country Church and her people provided a sack lunch in the traditions of the early

Gypsy Tour and proudly displayed a stamp that said Pear Hoel Approved. While everyone had some ice cream as a treat after lunch to battle the intense heat Michael began to set up for the group photo and then we announced the twist. Instead of just going back

down the canyon, this year we would let anyone who wanted to return quickly go back as a group and take in the remainder of the Perewitz Paint Show while the rest of us would forge ahead with an eye on another canyon, Spearfish. It would take us across the hills and down through Deadwood, up through Hill City and eventually see us all hauling ass through one of the most scenic canyon rides of the Black Hills. With twists and turns that are breath taking, waterfalls and majestic mountain views this was hands down the perfect way to celebrate the 15th. This magazine was based on riders and real people so the idea of taking one day out of the rally insanity and spending it with each other like this is the perfect fit. Mr. Lichter loved this as it gave him ample time to get shots of everyone. As he sat in his patented reverse position on Mail Man’s bike, he gave people the directions that would help him get that perfect shot. We had a few short stops to get fuel and a couple roadside pull overs to gather the group back together but all in all we completed the run with no problems to report. Once

we hit the highway in Spearfish it was full on, like a 20 mile drag race back to town. We were all fully satisfied from a good ride and at this point it was time to get back to see who the big winners were at the Perewitz Show. We got to the Iron Horse in plenty of time to see Dave and Jody handing out their awards. The Iron Horse was packed front to back and as our group trickled in. They were left with standing room only.

All in all, this was my favorite day of Sturgis. It was filled with good friends who are ok with taking some time away from the big show to capitalize on why we all come from so far to attend this annual event... The Black Hills. The incredible beauty that makes this place so special is more than half of it. Without taking a day off you might just miss it. So, mark your calendars, next year is part of our 25th Anniversary of the magazine and everyone who attends the Run To The Line gets a collector’s patch for the magazine anniversary. Special thanks for all the Iron Horse does to make this event happen for us, Spectro Oils and Mike Lichter as well.