Department of Tourism and State Development
For Immediate Release: Friday, Aug. 15, 2003
Contact: Lee Harstad or Nicole Nordbye (605) 773-3301

South Dakota Celebrates 100 Years of Motorcycles

The sweet sounds of motorcycles will travel through South Dakota during Thunder Across Dakota Aug. 23-25 as the state welcomes the Northwest Route of the Harley-Davidson 100^th Anniversary Ride Home. Sturgis, Pierre and Sioux Falls will host riders as they cross South Dakota en route to Milwaukee. 

Thunder Across Dakota is for more than just die-hard motorcycle enthusiasts. With events for the whole family, it offers fun and excitement at each stop commemorating Harley-Davidson’s 100^th Anniversary. 

“Thunder Across Dakota gives people who have never been to the Sturgis Rally or even to South Dakota a chance to see the diversity of the state and experience beautiful back country roads,” said Ronda Oman, event committee member. “It also gives South Dakotans a chance to be a part of Harley-Davidson’s 100^th Anniversary.”

Thunder Across Dakota kick-starts Aug. 23-24 in Sturgis with a rally atmosphere setting the stage for special events hosted by Black Hills communities. A cook-out, street dance and rally hit the streets of Pierre Aug. 23-24. Sioux Falls honors Harley-Davidson’s 100^th year history Aug. 23-25 with a with a dealer party on Aug. 25. 

Call (605) 773-3301 or visit www.travelsd.com for more information. 

Thunder Across Dakota has been designated a “Great Event” by the South Dakota Office of Tourism. With that designation, the office provides assistance to event coordinators and creates and funds promotions for the event. The objective of the “Great Events” program is to boost attendance at South Dakota events and to increase economic impact in host communities.

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