You are here

Home » First Greenpeace, Now Motorcyclists Drawing A Bead On Mount Rushmore National Memorial

First Greenpeace, Now Motorcyclists Drawing A Bead On Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Share

Published Date

July 29, 2009

"First Greenpeace, now Sturgis. I tell you Abe, this is a rough summer." NPS photo by Ed Menard.

Well, after all the uproar over Greenpeace's recent visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial, does anyone want to hear about thundering convoys of motorcyclists descending on the park?

No, we're not talking Hell's Angels. Rather, it's merely the spillover from the throngs of bikers who head to Sturgis, South Dakota, in early August for one of the summer's largest motorcycle gatherings.

With the 69th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally set for August 3-9, Mount Rushmore officials are bracing themselves for their own surge in visitation in the form of riders and their two- and three-wheel traffic.

“The staff at Mount Rushmore has worked hard preparing for and executing special events this summer. They continue their fine work preparing the Memorial for our rally visitors,” said Mount Rushmore Superintendent Gerard Baker. “As one of the premier destinations for rally participants and visitors, we are looking forward to another successful rally season.”

How does the memorial prepare for the bikers? Beginning Thursday crews will start placing traffic markers on the memorial grounds. Then, from August 1-7 you can expect to see a greater number of rangers at the entrance of the park to help direct increased traffic.

In addition to the added number of rangers, the memorial also will offer some special entertainment. For instance, Jasmine Pickner, a local Lakota hoop dancer, will perform the “People’s Hoop Dance” to highlight the Sturgis Mayor's Ride on August 3 from 11:00 – 11:45 A.M. on the Washington–side, top level, of the parking facility. Other ranger programs are scheduled throughout the Memorial during this time.

National Park Service facilities, including the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center, the historic Sculptor’s Studio, and the Indian Heritage Village will open at 8:00 a.m. Visitors are asked to please be patient and to expect delays as they arrive and depart the Memorial. Enhanced security measures will be in place for the safety and security of the Memorial and Park visitors.

General information about schedules can be found online at www.nps.gov/moru.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Ilex_Opaca on July 30, 2009 - 9:59am.

Motorcycles are loud and disrupting but I mostly fear for the lives of the bikers. Motorcycles are dangerous even if you happen to be an excellent driver. If there is some other person who can't drive out there and they happen to hit a biker, there is nothing between that person and the front end of a SUV or other vehicle. Although I really hate motorcycles, I do hope that all the bikers come out of this ok as with all the law enforcement. I know every year there happen to be some major issues between biker gangs.

I do want to say one redeeming thing about the Hell's Angels. When the DC Sniper attacks were occuring, the HA volunteered to pump gas for people who were too scared to get out of their cars.

Ranger Holly
http://web.me.com/hollyberry


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.