Published on July 09, 2026

STURGIS – The festivities leading up to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally begin Wednesday, Aug. 5, with the annual Police Chief’s Ride, led by Sturgis Police Chief 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. The three- to four-hour ride will include several stops along the way, giving participants opportunities to visit with Chief VanDewater and Sturgis police officers, both past and present, who share a love of motorcycles and the camaraderie that comes with riding.

“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.”

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., with kickstands up at 9 a.m. The ride will conclude with a luncheon back in Sturgis, and another opportunity for riders to spend time with the chief, officers and fellow motorcycle enthusiasts.

The Police Chief’s Ride is a chance to enjoy the beauty and freedom of riding in the Black Hills while getting to know the people who help serve and protect the community that welcomes riders from around the world each August.

You can register for the ride here: https://tinyurl.com/3rv5yr6f