By Brandon Bennett |STURGIS|
The countdown is on as Sturgis prepares to welcome riders from around the world for a celebration of motorcycles, freedom, and America’s 250th anniversary.
The 2026 Rally, set for Aug. 7-16, carries the theme “America 250,” honoring the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a fitting theme for an event built on freedom, adventure, and the open road.
“This year’s Rally is about celebrating what brings people to Sturgis year after year – freedom, friendship, patriotism and the chance to experience rides on some of the most beautiful roads in America,” said Sturgis Mayor Rod Bradley. “As our Nation marks 250 years of independence, there’s no better place to celebrate that spirit than right here in the Black Hills.”
The festivities actually begin on Wednesday, Aug. 5, with the annual Police Chief’s Ride, led by Sturgis Chief of Police Geody VanDewater.
The ride offers participants a chance to get Rally-ready while exploring some of the Chief’s favorite highways and byways through the Black Hills. Along the way, riders will make several stops and enjoy opportunities to visit with Chief VanDewater and fellow officers, both past and present, who share a love of motorcycles and the camaraderie that comes with them.
“It’s a relaxed ride and a chance to connect with people before the Rally really gets rolling,” VanDewater said. “Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone who’s been coming to Sturgis for decades, you quickly find out that the friendships made here are just as important as the ride itself.”
The Rally officially begins with the Opening Ceremony on Friday, Aug. 7, where riders from across the country and around the world will gather to celebrate the start of another unforgettable Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and pay tribute to America’s 250th birthday.
Then on Saturday, Aug. 8, riders can take part in one of the Rally’s most cherished traditions – the 24th Annual Mayor’s Ride.
Led by Mayor Bradley and 2026 Grand Marshal Tim Duffy, the ride showcases the beauty of the Black Hills while raising funds for local Sturgis charities. For many participants, the Mayor’s Ride has become an annual reunion, bringing together friends from across the nation who return year after year to share the experience.
“There’s something special about riding through the Black Hills with people you’ve known for years and people you’ve just met,” Bradley said. “That’s the magic of Sturgis. It reminds us that motorcycles have a way of bringing people together, no matter where they’re from.”
This year’s ride will feature Duffy, a retired FDNY firefighter and 9/11 survivor whose life story reflects the resilience, courage and service that have long been part of the American story. Duffy’s connection to the motorcycle community and his message of perseverance make him a fitting ambassador for a Rally celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
As riders gather in Sturgis this August, they’ll not only celebrate another year of the world’s greatest motorcycle rally, but also the enduring ideals that have shaped the Nation for two and a half centuries.
From the winding roads of the Black Hills to the friendships formed around campfires and Legendary Main Street conversations, the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally promises to be a celebration of freedom, community and the American spirit.
Here are the links to the Eventbrite registration pages for the rides:
Police Chief’s Ride: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/2026-police-chiefs-ride…
Mayor’s Ride: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/24th-annual-sturgis-mayors….
