PIERRE, (KCCR) — Sturgis Rally bikers who tour through the central Black Hills on U.S. Highway 385 during the upcoming 2024 rally will ride across gravel surfaces that experts say can increase accident risks. The South Dakota Department of Transportation is in the midst of a multi-year, $72 million reconstruction of the northern section of U.S. 385, the only major north-south road through the Black Hills. The road will be open, but two sections north of Pactola Reservoir will have a gravel surface during the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that runs from Aug. 2-11. Sturgis city spokeswoman Deb Holland told News Watch that quote – Bikers hate gravel – because cycles can easily slip or slide on gravel surfaces, making driving more difficult, especially for inexperienced riders. One expert told News Watch that riding on gravel surfaces can be like moving across marbles or ball bearings, and makes accidents more likely. Concerns also arise in areas where gravel and asphalt meet because loose stones can cause wipe outs on turns or even when bikers just try to put their feet down when stopping. In an abundance of caution, the city of Sturgis has rerouted its annual Mayor’s Ride that typically used Highway 385 to visit Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. Instead, the route will take bikers to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming. Meanwhile, the state DOT says the surfaces on 385 will be safe as long as bikers obey traffic signs and ride within the limits of their experience. Officials are predicting the 84th annual rally will have moderate attendance, with about 450,000 to 500,000 people coming to South Dakota. Rally organizers are hoping a flat track race through downtown Sturgis on the final Sunday of the event will provide a late-rally boost in attendance and interest. For more on this story, go online to SDNewsWatch.org.
