Revving up for the Rally

Locals, tourists, bikers and rally goers can support both of the senior center organizations in the area by attending a rally breakfast.

The rally breakfast is a no brainer for anyone. Jon Veltman, who is organizing this year’s rally breakfast for the Keystone senior center says, “where else are you gonna eat for eight dollars?”

That’s the cost for the egg, sausage, pancakes and  biscuit and gravy breakfast being served up at the Keystone Community Center for two days, Aug. 2-3, from 8-10:30 a.m.

The meal comes with coffee and is a fundraiser for the Keystone seniors. Veltman is putting flyers around town and placing a few banners to help people make their way to the meal.

“It’s a good price—it’s a good meal,” Veltman said. “It’s a great way to socialize with members of the community, see your friends and support your seniors.”

The Hill City biker breakfast might possibly be the biggest draw to town for many bikers. The seniors have been serving bikers breakfast since 1994. It is the biggest fundraiser for the group who serves on average, 7,500 eggs, 500 pounds of bacon and  2,500 biscuits during the week. 

The 10 days of  great breakfasts begins Aug. 1 and runs through Saturday, Aug. 10, 7:30-11 a.m. Adults are $13 with kids under 10 eating for $5.

The menu includes scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits with gravy, pancakes, orange juice and coffee and  cinnamon ​rolls on the weekend.

Around 25 volunteers run the breakfast like a well-oiled machine, filling 150 slots to make the fundraising event happen. Every day those volunteers cook, clean, service, set up and break down.

Both the Keystone Chamber of Commerce and Hill City Chamber of Commerce are taking part in Travel South Dakota’s Rally Rush program this year.

Motorcycling is a major draw for South Dakota statewide, Keystone chamber director Robin Fugier said.

“It is a tradition for many couples, families and friends across the state and around the country,” she said. “Travel South Dakota is joining with South Dakota communities like ours to celebrate this tradition with the Rally Rush campaign.”

The chamber will deliver posters (very limited quantity) to members who want them. Visiting riders can visit the chamber Visitor Information Center, where staff members will officially help welcome riders and pass out stickers and swag. This is also true at the Hill City Chamber of Commerce visitor center. 

Fugier added thanks to an industry partner  at BlackHills.com/Sturgis.com, the chamber has been invited to provide a list of its Keystone member restaurants for some rally registrants who will receive the Sturgis Rally registration packet.

Rally numbers are expected to be average this year, and recent flooding East River and construction on Hwy. 385 might impact the number of bikers that come to Hill City.

For the Hill City Seniors, who try to raise of much as $25,000 from this event, this fundraiser is important. Dale Householder, president of the senior center board, encourages locals to come have breakfast at the senior center. 

“It’s still the Hill City Center social club,” Householder said. “Come on down and have a good breakfast with your friends.” 

Householder aid the Hill City Seniors biker breakfast is a great way to get to know the bikers that come to the Southern Hills. 

“They’re not the Hell’s Angels type,” Householder said. “They’re professionals who take off their ties and put on their leathers and bandanas.” 

Householder said the stories some have as well as the camaraderie of the groups as a whole are fun. 

Both towns are altering parking procedures for the rally. In Keystone the state parking lot will be motorcycle parking only for a $3 fee. In Hill City Main Street will be closed from Aug. 2-11 like usual.

“The Hill City Chamber is perfectly positioned to demonstrate our outstanding year-after-year hospitality to welcome those who enjoy riding The Hills,” said Hill City Chamber of Commerce executive director Janet Wetovick-Bily. “We’re working collaboratively with other South Dakota communities to welcome guests from every corner of the country and the world.”

The 84th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally officially kicks off Aug. 2 and runs through Aug 11.