A ride to remember

Here's the Electra Glide Classic that will be my ride for the 12 days on the road to Sturgis and beyond. I can't wait to get started.

--Georgs

In August, all roads lead to Sturgis

Harley-Davidsons and their owners by the hundreds of thousands descend on Sturgis every August.

The four Presidents sculpted on Mount Rushmore would enjoy the sight of thousands of Harley-Davidson motorcycles from around the world riding into Rapid City, S.D., for the 67th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 4-11, 2007. Rapid City will be the hub of all the beautiful scenery, rich history and range of attractions in the Black Hills as it hosts a multitude of thrilling and sensational activities and events.

Harley-Davidson and Buell activities will run from Saturday, Aug. 4 through Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City. Main events include:

-- Harley-Davidson and Buell New Product Show
-- Harley-Davidson and Buell demo rides
-- Harley-Davidson Festival with fun activities such as free demos, music and jerky samples
-- Custom motorcycle Ride-In Show, free bike wash and a booth dedicated to women

"You haven't really experienced the best of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally if you haven't made a stop in Rapid City to see the Harley-Davidson Road Tour," said Jerry Wilke, Vice President, Marketing, Customer Relationships and Motorcycle Product Planning. "Our events are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with fellow riders and see the latest Harley-Davidson motorcycles and products, while enjoying some great music, motorcycle demo rides, a custom motorcycle Ride-In Show and much more. And admission and parking are free."

The Harley-Davidson New Product Show (Aug. 4 from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Aug. 5-10 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Aug. 11 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) inside the Rushmore Plaza will feature new 2008 Harley-Davidson and Buell motorcycles, Genuine Motor Accessories and MotorClothes merchandise, Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Auction and Bike Raffle, Willie G. limited-edition commemorative merchandise and Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series display. There is also a H.O.G. members-only reception Saturday, Aug. 4, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. and a H.O.G. Hospitality area for members during the New Product Show hours.

Experience the passion, excitement and sound of the Sturgis Rally at the Harley-Davidson Festival at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, which includes the following events in an open outdoor space that is free of charge:
-- Harley-Davidson and Buell demo rides (9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily)
-- Festival Stage with live music and entertainment
-- Harley-Davidson Traveling Museum
-- NHRA Acceleration Nation Display (Saturday - Monday only)
-- Motorcycle stunt shows, free bike wash area, free beef jerky samples and other displays

The coolest bikes at the Sturgis Rally will be displayed at the Harley-Davidson Ride-In Show Wednesday, Aug. 8. The entry fee will be donated to MDA, and all entrants will receive a special commemorative dash plaque. "Best of Show" winners in each class will receive a $500 cash prize, and $500 cash prizes will be awarded to the top Sportster and Big Twin utilizing Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories.