The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.
Every August, the roar of motorcycles fills the Black Hills of Sturgis, South Dakota. Over half a million riders converge for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Military patches representing branches and clubs adorn vests throughout the rally. A significant number of riders are Veterans, finding purpose and connection at Sturgis.
Many come for the peace riding brings. Take United States Marine Corps Veteran Brandon Simmons (Cannon), Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 45-5 out of Madison, Wisconsin: “I ride to clear my mind—it brings me peace.” His words echo countless Veterans. They find solace on two wheels. They renew a sense of community. This mirrors the connection and camaraderie of military life.
A lifeline beyond the ride
The Veteran riding community at Sturgis goes beyond the thrill of the ride. It is a lifeline. Veteran motorcycle clubs offer a space where shared stories and unwavering support help navigate civilian life. These clubs provide an escape, a way to process the past and a path to healing. The rally amplifies this connection. It draws Veterans nationwide to swap tales, honor the legacy of those who served and find solace in the rush of the road. This is a raw reminder they are never alone.
VA is on-site for the 2025 Rally to support Veterans, caregivers, families and survivors. From August 1 – 8, VA will host a VA 1-on-1 Veteran Assistance Expo downtown at the Veterans Club. Attendees can enroll in VA health care, file claims for benefits, utilize on-site mental health resources and more, all at no cost and on their time.
If you are interested in joining the Veteran riding community, here are just a few of the many options available to get started. If you know of other riding groups, please share in the comments section below.
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Sturgis is very military friendly. It’s great to see in such concentrated surroundings.
This has some ideas and info that the press dept should consider sending out in email pushes prior to we have all returned from the ralley.
Great article, however, you did not mention Patriot Guard Riders.
Thank you,
Sergeant Major Ralph David US Army (Retired)
Sergeant Major, thank you for your service and highlighting the Patriot Guard Riders; I sincerely apologize for the oversight, which was unintentional, and appreciate your input as we invited readers to share additional groups.
-Ed / USMC
You lost me at Sturgis.
Check out Run For The Wall, the largest, longest, oldest motorcycle ride in history started by veterans, for veterans in 1989.
It’s an amazing ride and experience, great community, and a truly healing experience for many. Good to see you posting about RFTW Gunny!
Doing some fact checking on this. The author mentions 5 motorcycle riding associations/chapters but later in the article states: “Veteran motorcycle clubs offer a space where shared stories and unwavering support help navigate civilian life. These clubs provide an escape, a way to process the past, and a path to healing. ”
The following are a couple of examples of Veteran based National Motorcycle Clubs that the author failed to mention
warriorbrotherhoodmc.com
vietnamvetslegacyvetsmc.com
Tom, thank you for noting the Warrior Brotherhood and Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets Motorcycle Clubs; I apologize for the unintentional omission and value your contribution to our call for readers to share other groups.
-Ed/USMC
The VA hospital barracks at Fort Meade (formerly Camp Sturgis, just east of Sturgis) used to be available for veterans to rent at a good price during the motorcycle rally. Now (and for the last several years) they rent those rooms to exclusively to incoming police officers that are in Sturgis to augment the local law enforcement. That’s a foul in my opinion as the rally brings a lot of money into Sturgis and Sturgis should be able to house these officers in commercial lodging.