Join the Buffalo Chip and Special Guests in Military Tribute Ride
Music, motorcycles, freedom and camaraderie are at the heart of everything Sturgis Buffalo Chip®. Attend the Freedom Celebration Ride on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2017 and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy all of these elements wrapped up in one amazing event!
The Freedom Celebration Ride is an extension of the Buffalo Chip’s Freedom Celebration, which is now in its 26th year. The ride allows you to honor America’s veterans, hear from inspiring and enlightening special guests and enjoy the freedom of the open road on a route across the scenic high plains and foothills north of the Black Hills!
With your $75 ride donation, you’ll also be able to help the Buffalo Chip assist wounded vets and their families. Feel good knowing all ride fee donations will benefit the Warrior Dog Foundation, Combat Wounded Coalition and America’s Mighty Warriors.
The Freedom Celebration Ride kicks off on Spearfish Main Street, where you can take advantage of private parking and special discounts at various local businesses. While you make the rounds, listen to some rip-roarin’ rock ‘n’ roll from South Dakota Army National Guard Band SGT Rock. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet a number of special guests including former US Navy SEAL and founter of Warrior Dog Foundation Mike Ritland, America’s Mighty Warriors’ CEO Debbie Lee, author and retired Navy SEAL Jason Redmen, Purple Heart and Bronze Medal recipient Mary Dague and retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant William “Spanky” Gibson.
Following the ride, you’ll arrive at the CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip® for a brief program and catered reception with entertainment. While there, be sure to get autographs from participating celebrities, dignitaries and authors, take part in the group photo at the Buffalo Chip’s Field of Flags, and pay your respects at the Veterans Memorial Wall and Battlefield Cross.
Event Schedule
9:00 a.m. – Spearfish Main Street: Freedom Celebration Riders registration and gathering in preparation of the ride at the B&B Back Porch. Charity, vendor and sponsor booths open.
10:00 a.m. – Charity, dignitaries and honored guests speak from stage
11:30 a.m. – Live music from the SD Army National Guard Band SGT Rock and more on Spearfish’s Main Street
1:30 p.m. – Ride departs Spearfish Main Street for the Buffalo Chip
2:45 p.m. – Ride participants gather at the Buffalo Chip’s CrossRoads for a catered reception and meet and greet with the honorees. The Freedom Field and new Fallen Soldier Monument are located near the reception area.
Amphitheater Schedule*
8:30 p.m. – George Thorogood concert
10:00 p.m. – In a stirring ceremony, honorees will take the Buffalo Chip’s Wolfman Jack Main Stage as South Dakota’s 147th Army Band SGT ROCK performs an acapella version of the National Anthem. They are then bestowed with the Bob Hanson Distinguished Service Award
10:30 p.m. – blink-182 concert
*Activities in the amphitheater require a campground admission pass.
Freedom Celebration Ride Route
Depart from the corner of Main Street and Jackson Boulevard in Spearfish
Proceed north on Main to Hwy 85
Turn right (east) onto 212 heading through Nisland
Turn right (south) onto Hwy 79 to junction of Hwy 34
Turn left (East) onto Hwy 34
Turn right onto Fort Meade Way
Turn into Buffalo Chip West Entrance
As you well know, there’s no better way to experience freedom at its finest than by riding your motorcycle down a stretch of open road. So don’t miss your chance to honor the brave men and women of our nation’s military and reserve your place on the ride now!
“The Legendary Buffalo Chip supports the Troops and Vets. I see it every year at the Rally. Why I keep coming back to the Chip!” – Michael Jole
