Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, purchased an Indian motorcycle franchise in Sturgis, SD in 1936 and formed the Jackpine Gypsies MC Club. (love those uniforms!!!)
The first rally was held by Indian Motorcycle riders on August 14, 1938
This year, tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife as a rivalry older than the rally itself plays out right before your eyes. Presenting sponsor Indian Motorcycle will be tapping into the same spirit of competition with Harley-Davidson that sparked the first races between the Jackpine Gypsies and Rapid City Pioneer Motorcycle Club during the Sturgis motorcycle rally in back 1938.
Part of the Sturgis Rally Timeline
1936 Clarence “Pappy” Hoel purchased an Indian Motorcycle Franchise in Sturgis, SD. The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club was formed.- 1938 The Rally Begins…The first Sturgis® Rally, known as the Black Hills Classic was held on August 14th with a race of 9 participants and a small audience.
- Due to gas rationing in support of the war efforts the Rally did not take place from 1939-1941. 1942 was the return year of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Check out the rest of the timeline here:
