Sturgis Revs UP!!

The number of vendors registering for spots at this year's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is ahead of last year's pace that was slowed because of the economy.

As of Friday, 101 vendors had signed up. The Rapid City Journal (SD) reports that's about 20% more than at the same time a year ago. The city issued a total of 725 vendor licenses last year, including a few dozen for Wisconsin businesses and Harley-Davidson Inc.

The city's constituent services coordinator, Christina Steele, attributes the increase in registrations this year to a better economy and lower gas prices.

The annual motorcycle rally in western South Dakota draws hundreds of thousands of people each year. This year's rally is Aug. 6-12.

Harley-Davidson has just announced a great line up of activities certain to entertain their legions of fans and riders.

The Harley-Davidson Road Tour will begin on Saturday, August 4 and run through Saturday, August 11 and will be based at the intersection of 3rd and Lazelle streets in downtown Sturgis.

All Harley-Davidson activities in Sturgis are free of charge and include:

•Custom Ride-In Show on Friday, August 10. HD has partnered with American Iron;
•Photo Booth.
•Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) pin sales.
•Free Bike Wash.
•Willie G. Commemorative Merchandise.
•AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building on August 4 - 8.
•Women's Area which will include the Jumpstart rider experience so future riders can get a sensation of what it feels like to be a Harley.