The Unsung Zero: Where Glory Days, Mayhem, and Having ZERO Fun Collide at Camp Zero

PUBLISHED ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023
By Ashley Eriksen

There’s a place in Sturgis where hell raisers collide, wiener jokes abound, and smiles stretch for miles. Spend a few hours here, and you’ll throw out any notion that Sturgis is just party for old men with oversized baggers. 

Jump on your chopper or Coleman minibike and bring a partner-in-crime because the unforgettable parties at Camp Zero will be your glory days. 

Nestled in the corner of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip kingdom, Camp Zero isn’t just any spot; it’s the raddest spot to claim as home base. 

As a passionate photographer and major thrill-seeker Camp Zero has been the pulse of my rally vibe for the last three rallies. In the third lap of exhilarating 2023 photo adventures through the eyes of those experiencing it (Catch up on part 1 & part 2.), you’ll get the unique perspective of seeing the Sturgis Buffalo Chip®  through MY eyes. Follow me on this journey that takes you straight to the heart of the action to discover the meaning of “Zero.”

Enjoy the ride!

 

Just a casual game of Tuesday afternoon Jenga with your new best friends. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

 

The Camp Zero Taxi Service is unconventional but highly effective. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

You’ve got to have the best hype men for Sasha’s Cycles Rodeo Games keg rolls. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

When you’re intentionally tryin’ to get a wiener in your mouth at Sasha’s Cycle’s Rodeo Games.
The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Some finish lines are hotter than others. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

When you came to Sturgis for motorcycles and mayhem and found minibikes and a megaphone.  “Who let me have this thing?” TJ – The Ornery One. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

The combination of badass babes and bikes creates the perfect mix of strength and style. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Big Grass Race energy. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Only at the Led Sled Sportster Showdown do you see this this rad of a custom Sportster. Banana for scale. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

When you hijack your buddy’s Coleman Powersports minibike at Camp Zero and do dirty burnies before he finds out. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Catch our class on sending smoke signals. Taught by Professor Mayes in front of Zero Bar. It’s a Sturgis Buffalo Chip exclusive. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Banks like Talledega. Speeds like a Geo Metro filled with your mom and her groceries going uphill. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Just a normal Saturday afternoon chillin’ on the couch with Camp Zero OGs Tanner and Jason drinking Twisted Teas. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

You know what would make this picture cooler? NOTHING. Pat Patterson rides his epic bike up to the starting line of the Sportster Showdown Dirt Drags. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

If Two-Wheelin’-Tire-smokin’-custom-built-story-in-every-piece-gas-burning-magic-machines don’t make you THIS happy, don’t show up. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Yeah. Factory bikes are just not our thing. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Your smile when you actually find out what the Zero stands for. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Zero Sunshine. Buckets of rain. Minibike lemonade made. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Don’t forget to bring your swamper boggers for the Led Sled Dirt Drags. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Where staying hydrated takes the lead, and safety is, well, somewhere down the list. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Coleman Minibikes? You mean Smile Makers? The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

When 40 MPH feels like 80 MPH and aerodynamics are key. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Thanks to Brad for showing us the best way to ride two-up at the Led Sled Dirt Drags. It’s not just a race; it’s a dynamic showcase of skill, coordination, and a shared love for the adrenaline-fueled experience. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

Missed Connections: I met you in the Camp Zero Bar, we partied too hard and didn’t exchange phone numbers. Also, can we be best friends? – Signed the Beerbulance The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.

 

Click to see Ashley Eriksen’s full top 100-ish picks to relive more of the magical moments from the party at the Chip during the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally! 

 

Check out the entire Top 100 Picks gallery and don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the ultimate party experience!

Passes for The Best Party Anywhere® in 2024 are now officially available. These passes are your ticket to an unforgettable journey filled with endless entertainment, new friendships, and thrilling experiences. Be more than a bystander – be a part of The Best Party Anywhere®! Secure your passes today and get ready for a party like no other.

About Ashley Eriksen
With a published and nationally awarded photography career spanning two decades, the first half dedicated to classical black and white film, portrait, and professional photography, Ashley Eriksen has embraced the ‘say yes’ philosophy. She has explored unexpected paths and found herself in some of the most peculiar scenarios, always with a camera in her hand.

Within the last 10 years, her focus has shifted strongly to adventure photography, cars and motorcycles. From capturing minibikes and unconventional cars exploring the remote landscapes of Iceland alongside MotorTrend and Iron and Air magazine, to documenting major events like the King of the Hammers and Ultra4 Nationals, she has truly embraced her passion. She thrives when photographing mentally and physically demanding, as well as constantly changing scenarios. While she excels at capturing striking images of vehicles, her distinctive touch lies in subtly preserving the electric energy of those at the events and the fervor of those engaged in wild, remarkable and challenging experiences.