his June, Drag Specialties held their 1st Annual Black Hills Ride in South Dakota. Near perfect weather conditions,
minus a half-million people who attend the Sturgis Rally each year left open roads in the Black Hills to over 80 members of the industry’s top personnel. Industry leaders such as Jesse Jurrens of Independent Cycle, Inc, Danny Gray from Danny Gray Seats, Ted Sands from Performance Machine and Kenny Samson from Samson Exhaust along with many others traveled from around the country to attend the Black Hills Run.
     Over 20 of the industry’s top vendors lined the hotel parking lot to kick off the weekend with “Performance Alley.” During this event, vendors handed out tons of swag and valuable information regarding new and current products. After everyone was checked in and loaded full of goodies, a welcome reception was held which allowed everyone the chance to mingle and discuss which of the two loops they would be journeying on over the next two days.
     The northern loop out of Rapid City consisted of over 200 miles of open roads toward Sturgis and the historical and sacred, “Devils Tower National Monument.” Along the way, riders got to see historical sites such as Deadwood, one of the countries most notorious towns and former home to Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. The southern loop’s winding roads led riders through some of the most beautiful country in the United States. Throughout the day, riders were able to see Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Needles Highway and Custer State Park, home to America’s largest single buffalo herd.
     Each day began with a complimentary breakfast followed by a riders meeting. Also included on each ride was a complementary lunch chosen at specific restaurants along the way.
     Following the first day of riding, two buses transported everyone to Black Hills Harley-Davidson for socializing and a BBQ. The hospitable dealership had a live band, tons of food and lots of cold refreshments for everyone’s enjoyment. Throughout the night, drawings were held and many lucky participants walked away with prizes ranging from t-shirts to Z1R helmets.
     Drag Specialties provided a special dinner for all attendees after the final day of riding, followed by an Awards Banquet. Fun
awards such as “Longest Distance Traveled on a Bike,” won by Carl and Kathy Donelson from Donelson Cycle in St. Louis,
MO. and the “Ooops” award given to Tom Motzko (after tipping over at a stop light) were passed out to top off a fun-filled
couple of days in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
     Here are some of the highlights from the 1st Annual Drag Specialties Black Hills Run…
     Story and Photos by Chad Zulian