THUNDER ON THE PRAIRIE

Written & Edited by STIX DOUGLAS and S. Sydney


With the arrival of summer it is time to start planning my annual trek to the bikers’ Mecca in Sturgis, South Dakota.

My “Wise Guy” buddies Butch and Joe, and I will once again mount our bikes and ride to the Black Hills Rally and Races as we have for many years. In all this time we’ve also been keeping a secret about the place we stay at while we’re there; and that is about to change.

Anyone that has previously visited Sturgis knows of the many changes that have taken place over the years. Due to the increasing numbers of bikers flocking to the Rally, it has overspread a vast area. There is no way to be able to see and do everything during this time. It does however give you a good reason to return again the following year.



Tucked away like a little oasis in the desert just north of Sturgis, we’ve found Newell to be one of the most pleasant, and hospitable towns. A welcomed and wanted change to have a quiet place to go to rest, relax and unwind each night before returning to the swarming masses that congregate at the Rally each day.
Many “Sturgis Virgins” arriving at the Rally want to be a part of the action and remain immersed in the center of the crowds, the noise and excitement trying to absorb as much as they can of the hectic schedule of events at Sturgis. They may not appreciate what this town has to offer.
During Sturgis week in August this town takes on a new name: Thunder On The Prairie. They have added their own community events and offer a Bike Fest for those looking for alternate forms of entertainment away from the massive crowds with a more relaxed atmosphere. Here are some of the events taking place Rally week:
Sunday starting at 1:00 pm is Veterans Appreciation Day. Join the celebration as the community shows it appreciation to all of its Veterans and heroes. Get acquainted with the townsfolk while you, eat and enjoy live music performed on Main Street.
On Tuesday is one of last year’s most talked about events the annual Poker Run starting at Thunder on the Prairie Saloon on Main Street. Sign up begins at 1:00pm and the ride ends about 5:00pm. You can try your hand at winning, and enjoy a ride that takes you back to the days of the wagon trains following routes that will lead you through some of the best sights the area has to offer.
Thursday is the “Bull Bash” at the rodeo grounds from 1:00 until 5:00pm. Where the local cowboys try their luck at staying aboard close to a ton of fighting fury for eight seconds. This is followed at 5:00pm by the Volunteer Fireman’s BBQ and Street Dance, you definitely don’t want to miss this event. Be sure to try some of the finest BBQ Buffalo prepared and served by their Volunteer Fire Department staff. You won’t go away hungry.
Of course you may find the locals entertaining as well. There is Karaoke every night at the Newell Hotel located just across Main Street from the Thunder On The Prairie Saloon, which has drink specials all week.
Change isn’t always good, and up until recently Newell has been a well kept secret. With its website and the news spreading about this town, the future events and participants will in all probability continue to grow in number. But what won’t change are the hospitality and the genuine sincerity of the people, and that is why we will continue to stay in this region on our annual pilgrimage.
For more information, go to http://www.thunderontheprairie.com and see what has been kept a secret; you will be glad that you did.

The Sturgis/Saskatoon Pin Story

By Stix Douglas

A few years ago I took a road trip by myself up north. While there I happened to stop by a motorcycle event happening at a Harley Dealership. I couldn't help but notice the majority of those attending, both men and women were wearing vest. Granted they help keep your body warmer in the cooler weather and did provide some protection against the cold. But they were wearing them more like a fashion statement. Instead of plain denim or plain leather vest's. they were nearly filled with what I want to call purchased pins. The same cheap sometimes funny ones but foolish never the less that you could get form your local Five and Dime stores,

I am sure that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but seeing it only made me think they were want to be's.  They seemed to be trying to imitate the wiser older more experienced bikers . Ones who's vest would be decorated with pins from the many events. Where  they had traveled or gone to over their many years of riding.  Having them all over the front of the vests as if to demonstrate or brag.


 It got me wondering if there really were any pins that you could actually earn , rather than just buy or purchase.. By coincidence, I began reading an article on my way home from a trip I had taken into Ontario, Canada it was mid July that year. What made the article interesting was I noticed the National Canadian HOG Rally had been scheduled on the ending weekend of  the Sturgis Motorcycle or Black Hills Motorcycle Rally and Races.

What raise my curiosity and then got me even more interested was in the article it stated that if you brought proof of attending the Sturgis Rally, they had a “special” pin for you when you arrived at the Canadian National Rally.



This was something that I was looking for, a real challenge.  It would be like reaching for a brass ring, a bit daring too perhaps. Since I would be doing this alone.  I'd be in a foreign country without knowing anyone along the way or there.
As I got myself ready to leave from Sturgis the “Wise Guys” that I had traveled up to Sturgis with were somewhat disheartened because of my earlier than normal departure.
I enjoy a little variety and different scenery when touring by motorcycle, Rather than take the straight shot to Saskatoon from Sturgis, SD  I had chosen a few roads that were even more desolate. When I arrived the next day, I had rode approximately 650 miles from Sturgis the day before. I entered the facilities of the Rally at 4:00pm and presented my proof, the coveted Sturgis Gas receipt.
The woman behind the desk made a phone call and informed me, Quote: “ I’m sorry but registration closed at 2:00pm”. There was nothing she could do.”

I was frustrated. Perhaps angered a little, feeling as if I had been sucker punched.  I had foolishly been chasing after a mirage. I was stunned, and needed to rest, relax, and think a moment before I went off half-cocked.
Looking around I began to wonder what to do next.  I realized my plans were based on what would be happening that Saturday in Saskatoon. Now it seemed as if everything had suddenly changed. To make matters worse I had no idea what to do next.

Needing to find a place for the night I pulled out my trusty Road Atlas. Then located a Provincial park not too far south of Saskatoon that had camping facility’s. After having a huge Chinese buffet supper I headed out and arrived at the park just before dark to set up my tent.

The next morning my 2001 Electra Glide Classic would NOT start. After using the park’s telephone for a considerable amount of time while I answered numerous questions over the phone I was informed there would be an additional charge that, I would have to settle with the driver to have the bike towed to the local dealership. The truck was also delayed an hour and a half longer than what I was told to be expected.

Once at the dealership I noticed that, not only was my seat’s backrest and my longhaired sheepskin was missing. These items where expensive and would not easily replaced.

As I sat down and pondered my thoughts as I waited it was becoming clearer to me that in the brief 24 hours or so since I had left the States and come into Saskatchewan, the following had happened:

(1) I had raced to get to the Canadian National HOG Rally, but still got there too late to receive the “special” pin that I had came for.

(2) My motorcycle breaks down and will not start the next morning.

(3) Accessory parts of my motorcycle end up missing in transit,

(4) I had no idea of the cost or the expense of the repairs as I wait.

(5) It was already late afternoon and I had not had so much as a cup of coffee or anything to eat that day and was feeling sick to my stomach.

As I sat outside feeling sorry for myself, I begin thinking that this was becoming a very disappointing excursion. I was trying to remain as calm as I could, but by now I was shaken and ready to lose faith in my decision in coming. I was beginning to worry that I had taken on too much without enough preparation for the economical devastation this was going to cause.

As I waited, I tried to remain upbeat as I spoke with many of the workers and customers that happened by. After all it was Sunday and because of the National HOG Rally the dealership was open when they normally would not have been.

It was about this time when A regular patron of the dealership pulled up on his Harley with a large Green and Yellow Saskatchewan flag on the back of his “dresser”. I approached the “Canuck” to ask him where he had gotten it having never seen one before.. He first started to tell me, but then he said: “You’re not from around here? Are you?”I shook my head no and then without hesitating, he took the flag off the bike and handed it to me. Saying;” Keep it, it’s yours. I can get another one you can’t.”

I was elated. From that point on it felt as if things were turning themselves around.
Pat the tow truck driver returned a little while later and surprised me by handed me my backrest and sheepskin. He had traveled back and found it and then had worked the paperwork so I did NOT have anything extra to pay on the tow bill.

Someone had overheard the mechanics talking, then brought back some encouraging news. It was not the bikes module or the “computer brain” that had went out on my motorcycle. This would have made it an even more expensive repair. Instead, it would be less costly. However, they were still weren't possitive what was wrong but they were working on it.

By this time, several of the dealerships crew had heard of my disappointment over the Sturgis to Saskatoon pin. As a nice jesture they went out of their way and got a group together as we all stood around.


I was presented with two distincive pins, one was of the Canadian flag and another of the Provincial flag of Saskatchewan. It was a wonderful gesture and I felt honored and uplifted as I told them, I had something the other people at the National Canadian Rally did not have. I had new friends.
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They stayed later than their closing to make sure my bike was finished. It had been a cam sensor. The cost was minimal and I was back in the wind. I thanked them, paid the bill, placed the Saskatchewan flag on the bike, and I left heading for a Chinese Buffet.

When I returned home after traveling 6,000 miles through 12 states
and 4 Canadian provinces in the previous two weeks, I called the Canadian HOG to find out what had happened.

After talking to Mary Reddick, a HOG Member Services Coordinator who was gracious enough too not only answer all my questions but to put my mind at ease explaining what had happened. It was then I found out that there were two different Hog Tales magazines; A US and a Canadian version. She asked that I send her a fax of the gas receipt along with my address and telephone number. Which I took care of immediately.



I received my Sturgis to Saskatoon pin by mail a few weeks later. Although it has been a few years now But I keep it with those ones I was given as I remember the memories and value of that trip. But most of all I remember and value the friendship.

The Sturgis to Saskatoon Pin is more than just a trophy and therefore virtually priceless because it was earned, not purchased. It was more than just a learning experience, or an adventure, it was an experience with my Brothers in the Northern Winds.

It was a memory that I felt I needed to share.

I wish you all well in your travels….
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Sincerely… STIX DOUGLAS