THE STURGIS REPORT 2026

Rick Volk and John Peterson take you on a virtual adventure through Sturgis, SD — bars, backroads, hidden gems, and all the places the tourist maps don't show. Your ultimate pre-rally guide for Sturgis 2026.

THE STURGIS REPORT — EPISODE 1

4 min 8,540 Views Updated 2026

Rick Volk and John Peterson take you on a guided tour of Sturgis South Dakota — the bars, the backroads, the burger joints, and the hidden gems that only locals know. Essential viewing before you ride to the 86th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 3-9, 2026.

STURGIS 2026 QUICK FACTS

RALLYAug 3-9, 2026

Sturgis 86th Annual — Dates

August 3–9, 2026

Sturgis, South Dakota 57785

500,000+ riders expected

Plan your trip around the official rally week. Hotels and campgrounds book out months in advance — plan early.

MUST-DOWhile You're There

Must-Do Rides from Sturgis

Needles Highway — stunning Black Hills

Iron Mountain Road — 17 miles of epic curves

Devils Tower Loop — iconic landmark ride

Deadwood — 15 min from Sturgis, must visit

Watch the Sturgis Report episodes to see Rick and John hit every one of these in person.

FROM AZArizona to Sturgis

Riding from Arizona to Sturgis

~1,150 miles from Phoenix

~16 hours riding time

Popular route: I-17 N → I-40 E → US-89 N

Many AZ riders make it a 3-day journey each way, stopping in Colorado or Wyoming for epic riding en route.