When you visit the Sturgis Rally, it’s true that you share the same asphalt with your fellow riders, but the magic of it all is that the same moment on the same road often provides you with a wholly distinct experience that is uniquely yours to tell.
Welcome to round two of a remarkable journey as seen through the eyes of one who has lived it, Derek Dobell, a seasoned photographer and aficionado of life’s thrilling moments. The following electrifying photo series plunges you right into those moments when the sun peaks through the Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling Welcome Home Bikers gates, a lone rider dances with the setting sun, or you exchange those soul-warming smiles with your co-pilot on a night of unforgettable concerts.
Derek’s collection of images grants you a backstage pass to the heart of the Best Party Anywhere®, revealing the essence of the experience through his eyes with each adrenaline-fueled shutter click. Enjoy!
Step by heart-pounding step, Kyle Ives clears High-Wire Walker Blake Wallenda in a jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring jump during the Death Wire Daredevil Spectacular. A testament to the spirit of fearlessness. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Lead guitarist of Buckcherry Stevie D tips his hat to the excited crowd. “The energy in the air is electric,” reminisces Derek. “You know it’s going to explode when the main act comes out.”
The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
A symphony of charm and beauty are on display at the Miss Buffalo Chip Pageant, where these remarkable women light up the stage each night with their infectious energy. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Tumbleweed, the maestro of mayhem, steers the audience on a high-octane journey of music and events at the Wolfman Jack Stage. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
A perfect duo – the Budweiser Dalmatian and the Budweiser Girl, together at the heart of the Budweiser tradition. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Gonzalez from Peach Street Revival, gives a rockin’ performance of their original songs and covers some of the greats on the Wolfman Jack Stage. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Frontman Robbie Helms caught deep in the groove during one of Big Skillet’s electrifying sets at Bikini Beach. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Sometimes you just need to take time out when the wow factor of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip experience is overwhelming. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
When music is your true heartbeat, showing it off with the Def Leppard flag is the ultimate testament to the band you love. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
The Ives Brothers are experts at living life on the edge, showing off their skill daily at the Wall of Death. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
A touch of class and tradition with the Budweiser Girls at Sturgis Buffalo Chip. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Kiss outfit. Check. Kiss Boots. Double check. Kiss Motorcycle. The trifecta has been assembled at the Motorcycles As Art exhibit. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
When asked about the coolest event during Rally, photographer Derek Dobell said, “The Motorcycles as Art exhibit is where you get to see the top work of some of the world’s best bike builders. These are works of art. Then, you throw in the artwork of artists in the motorcycle world and genre, and you have a full afternoon of being in awe of the true art form that is being a biker.”
It’s not just an entrance; it’s a gateway to an unforgettable journey at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Cruising into the Sturgis Buffalo Chip at sunrise after a long day of riding – where the open road meets the legendary party vibe. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Concerts at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip are always better with your favorite person by your side. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
International Bikini Team member Shauna shows off her Poison Ivy Superhero costume during the Miss Buffalo Chip Pageant. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Photographer Derek Dobell says, “Since my teenage years, I’ve waited for an opportunity to take a photo like this of Lita.” The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
You know everyone is having a great time when hands are in the air! The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
An unforgettable moment as the Budweiser Girls and Clydesdales make a special appearance at Sturgis Buffalo Chip. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Tommy Howell peers over the sea of concert goers as he walks to the edge of the Wolfman Jack Stage. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
The Buffalo Chip’s free-access Crossroads from the sky – Seeing the heart of the action from a whole new angle. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Where beauty and the beach collide – soaking up the sun at Bikini Beach pairs well with a Milagro. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Rick Savage, bassist for Def Leppard, works his magic as he plays his heart out with his bandmates on the Wolfman Jack Stage. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem makes a special stop at Buffalo Chip’s Freedom Field during the signature Legends Ride® charity event. The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Night time at Bikini Beach means one thing – riders performing a wild dance of rubber and smoke as the encore to the nightly band performances on the stage! The 83rd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally at The Buffalo Chip.
Photographer Derek Dobell says, “After 2 a.m., everyone is your friend and looking for a good time along with a great burnout. I have always thought you may go to Sturgis by yourself, but you never do Sturgis by yourself, for you are there with 500,000 of your closest partying biker friends.”
Click to see Derek Dobell’s full top 125 picks to relive more of the magical moments from the party at the Chip during the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally!
Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the ultimate party experience! The much-anticipated passes to The Best Party Anywhere® are officially available for purchase, and they’re your ticket to an unforgettable journey in 2024.
Seize the opportunity and secure your passes today. 2024 is set to be a year of endless entertainment, new friendships, and thrilling experiences. Don’t just hear about it, be a part of it – The Best Party Anywhere® awaits your presence! Grab your passes now and prepare for a party like no other.
Where is your favorite spot to party at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip? Tell us in the comments below!
Meet Derek Dobell
For the past three rallies, I have been fortunate and blessed to have been a Sturgis Buffalo Chip staff photographer. I have always had an interest in photography, something my father passed down to me, himself being an avid amateur photographer. I took a serious interest in photography in 2015 when I came back from my deployment in Afghanistan. It truly helped me to re-enter civilian society. I was trained and mentored by Andy McAlpin, a 35-year professional who showed me the true art of photography. I have been a professional photographer since 2019 and have loved every moment, meeting wonderful people and capturing the action, spirit, vibe and emotion of everyday and not-so-everyday life.
