Preparations made to handle ‘troublemakers'
By: Sturgis Rally Daily
June, 12 2007
The decade of the 1970s started with a change. This was the first time arrangements for policing the Black Hills Motor Classic were held beforehand.
It was explained at a press conference that preparations were needed to handle any "troublemakers." Many community members were deputized to help out if needed.
Meade County State's Attorney William Coacher said, "These people come here to have fun, and we want them to have it.
"But we want to be prepared to rid the community of any rowdy element that threatens to disrupt the classic."
Short track winners in 1971 were Joe Valentine of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Bill Liebig of Rapid City.
The Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department, Sturgis Police Department, and Sturgis Park Board were among the entities receiving cash donations for assistance rendered during the classic.
Black Hills Motor Classic board members voted to increase the price of gate tickets to $3. Children aged 6-12 were admitted for 50 cents; those under age 6 got in free. Two riders were killed in an accident four miles west of Sturgis along Highway 14A. Their motorcycle collided with a car at the Rainbow Cliffs curve in Boulder Canyon.
"Fat Bob" (Robert Lamping) and "Spacy Dee" (Claudia Tinsley), both of Denver, Colo., were married during the 1974 classic. This ceremony marked the first time a wedding occurred atop a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
A midweek hailstorm marked the 1976 classic. Golf ball-sized hail fell for almost 30 minutes, and snow shovels were needed to remove the ice. Total prize money had swelled to $8,100. Mike Collins (Albuquerque, N.M.) ruled over the Expert division of the Pacific Coast Regional Championship.
Jackpine Gypsies figures showed each cyclist spent at least $50. This added up to $900,000 in new money brought into Sturgis.
In discussing the 1976 classic, however, some remember the disturbance that occurred.
Early Friday of bike week, rumors of a near-riot at the city park began circulating. The next 36 hours featured 104 arrests. Bikers began to light fires on the highway between the city park and Lions Club Park. Some of the riders engaged in drag racing through the flames.
Two firemen sustained minor injuries in that 1976 event. Windshields in a fire truck and police vehicle were also broken.
Officials decided a change was needed for 1977.
A person was heard to comment, "The motorcycle classic, the Jackpine Gypsies, and the promoters of this have got to consider security and public safety in any additional planning. I think it's (the rally) too long."
The 1978 classic was marred by five cycling fatalities. Three of them lost their lives while polishing their bikes at a motel parking lot in Thermopolis, Wyo. They were struck and run over by a drunken driver.