Miss Buffalo Chip 2024
EM POWERED
Em Powered‘s Profile
Eye color: Big Brown Eyes
Hair color: Jet Black
Hometown: The Beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota
Instagram: @__em.powered__
Occupation: Travel Nurse & Ambassador to Women and Motorsports
What are three words you’d use to describe yourself?
IRON BUTT RIDER
What is your greatest skill or ability? What do you pride yourself on?
A few years ago, I was given the road name Em Powered; which has become more of a standard I hold myself to. I take pride in being a nurse, lady rider, uplifting other women, giving back to my community, and being the best role model I can be.
What is the quality that sets you apart from others?
I think everyone has something that makes them unique and beautiful and while it may set us apart from others, it doesn’t make us any better than anyone else.
I truly carry the weight of the world on my shoulders and wear my heart on my sleeve.
What motivates you?
In 2017 I got into a motorcycle accident I was lucky to walk away from. Covered in road rash and blood, I made it home, patched myself up, and ordered the parts I needed to fix my bike. Two and a half weeks later, I rode to the Smoky Mountains and did “Tail of the Dragon.” I knew that if didn’t face my fear of getting back in the saddle, I would never ride again. It’s been 7 years years and 100,000 miles since my wreck and I’m still riding…. I share this story because at some point in life everyone falls down. It’s inevitable. However, choosing to pick yourself up and continuing to throttle forward is what motivates me to keep going….
What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend?
Riding my motorcycle from sunrise to sunset through the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota, catching some live music, and surrounding myself with friends and family.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?
I would give everyone more time because it’s the one thing in life money cannot buy and you never really know when a person’s clock will stop ticking.
What’s the craziest thing on your bucket list?
In 2022 I rode my motorcycle to the lower 48 and all four corners with my dog Tator. Together we covered 13,528 miles solo in 26 days. In 2023 I cruised Hawaii and soon I will make my way Alaska to for my 50th state. Eventually, I plan to ride around the world.
Do you prefer to ride on the back of a bike or to ride your own, and why?
I love riding my own motorcycle because it has given me strengh, confidence, and independence. It has also given me the opportunity to see the beauty our country has to offer and introduced me to a community I am lucky to call family.
What is your favorite band/performer who has played at the Buffalo Chip?
Since 2020, I have enjoyed sitting on my Indian in the ampetheater surrounded by the people I love listening to all of the bands that have played. I am really looking forward to Jelly Roll because I will celebrate 8 months of sobriety during rally.
What are you bringing to the Buffalo Chip that you could not leave home without?
My motorcycle, of course🤘🖤🏍
What are you looking forward to most about the Buffalo Chip experience this year?
I’m excited to be a part of the International Bikini Team for the first time. Since 2020, I have watched these beautiful badass ladies rock the Wolfman Jack Stage.
I always admired the confidence and comradery these women have. I never imagined I would get to share the spot light with them and I’m truly greatful for this experience.
Why do you want to be Miss Buffalo Chip?
“There are hundreds of places you can stay in the Black Hills during the Sturgis Rally. What sets the Buffalo Chip apart from everywhere else is the “magic in itself.” The Chip has the ability to bring such a diverse group of people together and despite our differences, form a community. Each year, it’s as if we attend a family reunion. Which is why the sign “Welcome Home Bikers” as you enter the campground has such a strong meaning. We all know the venue for being “The Best Party Anywhere.” However, it is so much more than just that. From their generous contribution to the veterans, to their ongoing effort to embrace women in motorcycling, the Buffalo Chip has earned my love and respect which is why it was an honor to represent them in 2023. Being Poster Model taught me first hand that you are not only a role model but also a brand ambassador for the largest music and motorcycle festival in the world. It allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, be fun, creative, outgoing, embrace the industry, and promote the place I call my second home. I poured my heart and soul into it and will forever be greatful to the Woodruff family and all of our sponsors for the opportunity. The greatest win was not the crown, but the friendships I have made over the years. I would love to be Miss Buffalo Chip so that I could share the spot light with all 20 ladies. Because at the end of the day I’m not here to compete against them; but be the spark their flame so that we all shine that much brighter. Much love, Em Powered 🤘🖤🏍👙
If you have been before, what’s your favorite memory from a past Sturgis rally?
My favorite memory was sitting on the seat of my motorcycle in front of the Wolfman Jack Stage for the first time. As I enjoyed the live music and the rumble of V twins, I realized I was home and surrounded by people who would later become my family.
If you could ride with any influential person in history, who would it be and why?
Karen Davidson. I am beyond excited she is leading the Biker Belles Ride this year for their SWEET 16!
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would ride my motorcycle around the world and immerse myself into different cultures to learn more about them.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I have ridden my motorcycle from The Smoky Mountains to The Black Hills in 22 hours covering 1,442 miles through 7 states and 2 time zones.
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?
I would give everyone more time because it is the one thing in life money cannot buy and you never really know when a person’s clock will stop ticking.
What’s your favorite type of music and who’s your favorite artist?
I love all music especially when it is live or on vinyl.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“Gold Dust Woman” by Fleetwood Mac