# Do Hells Angels Attend Sturgis? A Comprehensive Look at the Notorious Bikers and the Iconic Rally

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- Published: 2023-10-18
- Author: Lillie Gabler
- Categories: [Tips](https://33rdsquare.com/category/home/tips/)

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The deafening roar of hundreds of thousands of motorcycles rumbling through the Black Hills. Live bands and stunt shows entertaining raucous crowds. Row after row of custom Harleys gleaming under the South Dakota sun. This is the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, one of the most iconic motorcycle events in the world. And mingling amongst the throngs of riders are the notorious leather-clad members of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club. But what draws the infamous Angels to Sturgis year after year? What is their connection to the area? And how do they behave during the massive festivities? This deep dive explores the history of the Hells Angels, their enduring bond with the Sturgis Rally, and their notorious behavior and reputation during the event.

## The Infamous Hells Angels Have Deep Roots in South Dakota

The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club was founded in 1948 in Fontana, California and has since grown into an international organization with hundreds of charters worldwide. According to extensive research by the U.S. Department of Justice, approximately 2,000 to 2,500 members currently belong to over 230 Hells Angels charters in the United States alone. The Angels expanded into South Dakota by 1975 and eventually founded an official charter in the state capital of Pierre in 2016.

The South Dakota charter consists of approximately 15-20 official members from areas across the state. They participate in typical Hells Angels activities like organizing poker runs, whiskey tastings, charity rides and overseeing various legitimate and criminal business operations. The South Dakota Angels maintain close ties with neighboring charters in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and Minnesota, periodically riding together for protection or common interests.

So the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, taking place deep in Hells Angels-controlled territory, is considered a must-attend event each year for members from South Dakota and beyond.

## Quick Facts on Motorcycle Clubs Operating in South Dakota

| Motorcycle Club | Location | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Hells Angels | Pierre and Rapid City | International Outlaw MC |
| Sioux Empire MC | Sioux Falls | Family/Sports MC |
| South Dakota Street Rods | Statewide | Mustang Enthusiasts |
| Deadwood MC | Sturgis | Charity/Community MC |
| Dakota Bikers | Black Hills | Off-Road MC |
| South Dakota MC | Black Hills | Touring MC |
| Black Hills MC | Rapid City | Off-Road/Touring MC |

## The Sturgis Rally Has Attracted Outlaw Bikers Since Its Founding

The small town of Sturgis, South Dakota first hosted their “Sturgis Motorcycle Rally” in 1938 with just 9 bikers participating in a single race. But the rally quickly gained fame in the motorcycle community and attendance grew rapidly. By the 1960s motorcycle clubs like the Hells Angels, Banditos and Outlaws were making the annual trip to Sturgis and the event became a must-attend for serious bikers.

The highest attendance was recorded in 2015 during the 75th anniversary rally with over 739,000 bikers flooding the small rural town. Throughout the rally’s 10-day duration, nearby highways rumble with a continuous stream of bikes rolling in from all corners of America. Attendees revel in rides through the scenic Black Hills, live music, races, stunt shows and row after row of custom motorcycles.

Given its reputation among the outlaw biker community, the Sturgis Rally has attracted members of the Hells Angels since the club first expanded into the region in the 1960s. The chance to ride the open roads, party with fellow Angels, and enjoy the massive gathering of motorcycle culture makes Sturgis a priority event each year.

## Hells Angels Provide Security at Many Sturgis Events and Venues

With their substantial presence in the region, Hells Angels members frequently volunteer as security personnel for events, concerts, races and local bars during the Sturgis festivities. Their tough, intimidating appearance and lack of fear operating as a pack makes them well-suited for controlling the often rowdy, drunken crowds attracted to Sturgis events.

Angels can be seen stationed at entry points, patrolling fences, backstage at concerts, and roaming the crowds with an imposing scowl. Casey McMillian, a local sheriff explained, “The bikers tend to police themselves pretty well. If anyone gets too drunk or out of control around an Angel, they step in before we need to get involved.”

Their foreboding style of denim, leather vests, and stare-downs commands respect and discourages troublemakers from getting too unruly. Concert promoters and bar owners actively recruit groups of Hells Angels to guard events during the rally, paying them in free drinks, merchandise, and access to the venues.

## Hells Angels Generally Keep a Low Profile and Avoid Trouble During Sturgis

The Hells Angels Motorcycle Club is no stranger to violence, with countless incidents tied to its members over the decades. But during the Sturgis Rally, they tend to keep a lower profile and avoid openly clashing with rivals and law enforcement.

The Angels typically camp together in designated areas outside of town and ride into Sturgis in orderly groups. They patronize Angel-friendly bars but otherwise avoid public confrontations or blatant criminal activity like drug dealing.

According to eyewitness accounts, any internal disputes between Angels during Sturgis are handled quickly and quietly with fist fights, stabbings or shootings well away from the public areas. “They don’t want the scrutiny and hassle from police that comes with violence during Sturgis. It’s kind of an understanding they have to lay low,” said Chris Hansen, a Sturgis rally veteran.

Any issues between Angels and rival clubs like the Outlaws or Banditos are squashed before the rally or postponed until after. They know violence means getting kicked out by police and potential arrests. So they keep their heads down, ride in packs, enjoy the revelry and wait to settle scores after leaving Sturgis.

## An Enduring Bond Between Outlaws and Sturgis

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally holds a special place in the hearts of Hells Angels members across the United States. Being founded in their backyard and growing into one of the largest motorcycle events in the world makes Sturgis seem like a hometown rally for the Angels.

Members eagerly await the annual pilgrimage to the Black Hills each August. They relish riding the open roads through picturesque scenery, the constant rumble of hundreds of thousands of bikes, and the camaraderie of partying and riding with their brothers.

One Angel member from Arizona said “I wait all year for Sturgis. It’s the highlight of my summer, to ride free and party with my brothers. We run this town.” So for the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, the connection to the legendary Sturgis Rally runs deep and continues drawing outlaws to the Black Hills for over eighty years and counting.

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Source: [Do Hells Angels Attend Sturgis? A Comprehensive Look at the Notorious Bikers and the Iconic Rally](https://33rdsquare.com/do-hells-angels-attend-sturgis-a-comprehensive-look-at-the-notorious-bikers-and-the-iconic-rally/)