The Big Gypsie In Sturgis

With Sturgis, South Dakota, kind of being the center of the motorcycling universe, it only makes sense that there be bike events held there at times other than during the big August party. It also makes sense that the origins of motorcycling have an event of their own there.

Now, both have happened.

The inaugural Big Gypsie Vintage Cycle Show, Swap & Auction took place at Thunder Road in Sturgis on September 5, 6 & 7, 2008.

“It came off wonderful,” said organizer Coe Meyer. ‘The weather could have been a little better, but other than that it was a success. It was just about what we planned for.”
Meyer said the event pulled in about 500 people, despite one day of rain and less than perfect the rest of the weekend.

“We had a few people from Davenport (Iowa) who were here, and some that came up from Colorado, and some places in between,” Meyer explained. “We had some really nice people here.”

The first time event focused on all makes and models of motorcycles—as long as they were built before 1978. There were about 25 vintage motorcycles auctioned off over the weekend, and the show had a good turnout too. According to Meyer, about 20 bikes were entered in the Sunday show, which was won by a 1930 Indian.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the presence of Jack Hoel, who was attending the event with the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum. Hoel was autographing photographs of himself riding down Bear Butte in 1960 when such things could be done. He also spent a fair amount of time chatting and exchanging stories with those who stopped by.

It was a good weekend,” Meyer said. “I’ve had a lot of good comments. We had a really nice group of vendors…everyone liked it. Everyone seems excited for next year. I expect we’ll make a few adjustments and hope for better weather, but we’re off to a good start.”

Tentative dates for next year’s Big Gypsie Vintage Cycle Show, Swap & Auction are September 11, 12 & 13, 2009. Keep up with the show at www.thebiggypsie.com