IAFF Motorcycle Group to Hold First National Rally
IAFF-MG members ride to the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Service through Sturgis, South Dakota

The IAFF Motorcycle Group (IAFF-MG) will hold its First National Rally in conjunction with the IAFF 2007 Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado Springs, Colorado, September 15, 2007. More than 500 IAFF-MG riders will head to Colorado Springs via Sturgis, South Dakota, to participate in the 2007 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Service.

IAFF-MG will meet in Sturgis and spend three days networking and riding through the beautiful Black Hill Mountains of South Dakota. This will be a great opportunity to enjoy the scenery and attractions, including Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, great roads, great curves and wide-open spaces.

On September 11 -- the sixth anniversary of 9/11, the IAFF-MG will sponsor a Motorcycle Ride for up to 500 IAFF-MG members/Riders from Sturgis to Rapid City. The "IAFF-MG 9/11 Tribute Ride ~ Never Forget" is held in honor and memory of the 343 FDNY fire fighters who made the supreme sacrifice on September 11, 2001.

Register for the IAFF-MG National Ride: Click here to complete the IAFF-MG Rider/Passenger Waiver, Release and Consent Form. Click here to download the IAFF-MG National Ride registration form. Forward your completed and signed forms to IAFF-MG National Coordinator Michael Crouse via Fax at (202) 783-4570 or e-mail to mcrouse@iaff.org or motorcyclegroup@iaff.org.


 

See you in Sturgis! Stay Safe.

IAFF-MG National Ride Schedule and Activities

Monday, September 10, 2007: Riders arrive in Sturgis, South Dakota

The IAFF-MG will be at the Loud American Roadhouse for membership, registration, ride information, day ride routes and other assistance. In addition, the IAFF Online Store will offer IAFF and IAFF-MG merchandise in Sturgis and Colorado Springs.

Tuesday, September 11, 2007: Join the IAFF-MG Leadership, Committee members, District Event Coordinators and the Leadership/Members of IAFF Local 3959 will ride with other IAFF-MG riders from across North America in the "IAFF-MG’s 9/11 Tribute Ride ~ Never Forget" which is being held in honor and memory of the 343 FDNY fire fighters who made the supreme sacrifice on September 11, 2001. All IAFF, IAFF-MG and Alumni members are invited to participate in the IAFF-MG’s 9/11 Tribute Ride ~ Never Forget. Click here for Ride details. Click here for Sturgis to Nemo map. Click here for Nemo to Rapid City map.

IAFF-MG ~ PUB CRAWL & DICE RUN (Sturgis)
5:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Starting point: VFW, 868 Main Street; Ending point: Loud American Roadhouse, 1305 Main Street
There is no charge to participate, but you must be a member of the IAFF-MG.

Tentative Locations:

VFW
Firehouse Saloon
Sidehack Saloon
The Knuckle Saloon
Fireside/Oasis Lounge
Loud American Roadhouse
(Gunners - TBD)

Participants must get a stamp at all Dice Run stops -- see rules on the back of the scorecard.

Please be at the Loud American Roadhouse by 10:00 p.m.

Prizes will be given for highest scores, but you must be present to win.
 

Wednesday, September 12, 2007: IAFF-MG day rides while in Sturgis. There are only a few places on earth that offer the scenery and attractions available in the ancient Black Hills. A few suggestions for review and consideration for day rides in Sturgis:

Black Hills Maps
Spearfish Canyon Ride
Badlands Ride
Crazy Horse, Needles Hwy, Keystone, Mt Rushmore (yes, all one trip)

Start early, you could be in for a pretty long but great riding and scenic day.

From Sturgis, take 34 West to 14A to Deadwood (approximately 12 miles)
In Deadwood follow 14A to 385 through Hill City (approximately 45 miles)
Stay on 385 to Crazy Horse Memorial (Approximately 10 miles south of Hill City)
At Crazy Horse you can either enjoy the view from the parking area outside the memorial park and take pictures for free, or go in the gate and enjoy the amenities of the gift shop, information area and better view for a fee. If you choose to go in the park, plan for at least a couple of hours because it is a great place and there are good things to do but they will take some time.

On to Needles Hwy

From Crazy Horse Memorial, back track up 385 to the Needles Hwy turn off. After about six miles you will come to the entrance to Custer State Park (this will cost you too, $10 per head). Needles Hwy. is a great ride, take your time and take in the sights. If you want to have fun in the turns and push them a little, come back for a second ride. Needles Hwy ends at 16A (approximately 15 miles). Take 16A left toward Keystone (approximately 25 miles). Stay on 16A; it is now called Iron Mountain Road and the curves return. Be prepared for some corkscrew turns that can catch you by surprise. This road is also a great place to see buffalo and donkey in the wild. 16A takes you in to Keystone, and if you have not spent too much time at Crazy Horse it should be in time for lunch. There is no other place to eat so you will be hungry no matter the time. Keystone is a great place to eat -- there are several places to choose along with a well-deserved cold one. There is also a Harley store.

On to Rushmore

Back track on 16A to the road to Mt. Rushmore 244 just a few miles away. Get out the money again; it will cost $8 to park. When you leave Rushmore get back on 244 and go about 10 miles back to 385. Turn North on 385 and head back to Hill City to Deadwood to Sturgis. If you follow this ride, keep track of your time at Crazy Horse so you get back to Sturgis for the first beer.

You can also use Mapquest to plan your ride.

IAFF-MG/MDA Hospitality Event: IAFF-MG and MDA will host a reception for IAFF-MG riders and their guests at the Loud American Roadhouse from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 13, 2007: Day rides on your own. MotorcycleRoads US provides a comprehensive listing of great motorcycle roads and routes in South Dakota. The information on this site is made available from various resources or contributed by motorcycle riders.

IAFF-MG Sporting Clay Competition ~ Buffalo Chip Shooting Complex 

9:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.

Nine-station shooting game with teams of five and up to 30 teams. Each person will be given 50 shots. A barbeque lunch will be served starting at 11:00 a.m. There is a minimal fee of $25 per person to participate, which includes barbeque lunch. All IAFF and IAFF-MG riders and guests are encouraged and invited to attend.

Friday, September 14, 2007: Riders head to Colorado Springs. some group coordination may take place; check with the IAFF-MG Coordinator at the Loud American Roadhouse.

Saturday, September 15, 2007: The Annual "Ride to Remember," coordinated by Wind and Fire Motorcycle in cooporation with the IAFF and the IAFF-MG, brings fire fighter riders from across North America to Lakewood, Colorado, for fellowship and fun, and to honor our Fallen. This year, IAFF-MG riders traveling into Colorado Springs from the National Rally in Sturgis are invited to participate in the “Ride to Remember.”

To participate in the Annual Ride to Remember you MUST register. The large motorcycle and fire apparatus procession travels to the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Service in Colorado Springs ,where the majority of riders will dress in Class A or service uniforms and participate and observe the 2007 IAFF Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Service at Memorial Park.

PROCESSION OF FIRE APPARATUS AND MOTORCYCLES: The "Ride to Remember" begins in Metro Denver in Lakewood early Saturday morning. It is a very early and cold ride from Colorado Springs to Lakewood; we recommend that the overnight FOR RIDERS be spent in the Lakewood area. For those riders who DO NOT WISH TO DO THE RIDE TO REMEMBER segment, please meet in the Pikes Peak Harley-Davidson; 5965 N Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs; (719) 278-2301, by 10:00 a.m. dressed in Class A or service uniforms for the final procession to the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Memorial Park in downtown Colorado Springs. At 12:00 noon the final stage of the procession will depart from Pikes Peak Harley-Davidson and proceed to the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial. For additional Information on the procession and fire department apparatus registration, visit the Colorado Springs, Colorado Local 5 web site.  All motorcycle participants need to register with the Wind & Fire Motorcycle Club.

Sunday, September 16, 2007: Depart Colorado Springs (on your own ~ Travel/Ride Safe)

HOTEL INFORMATION

Participants are responsible for lodging. Hotel information is listed below. Note that you may find better rates online. When making your reservations, mention that you are with the Fire Fighters Motorcycle Group to get the discounted rate.

NO VACANCY                                                            NO VACANCY

Super 8 Motel                                                             Best Western Inn

2600 Whitewood Service Road                                  2431 Junction Ave.

Sturgis, South Dakota                                                Sturgis, South Dakota

$52.99, plus taxes single or double                           $34.90 per room, plus taxes

(605) 347-4447                                                          (605) 347-3604

ROOMS AVAILABLE

Days Inn Sturgis                                                         Star Lite Motel

2630 Lazelle Street                                                    Sturgis, South Dakota                   

I-90 and Hwy 14 at Exit 30                                         www.star-litemotel.com

Sturgis, South Dakota                                                 $45, plus taxes

$85.00, plus taxes single or double                            (888) 214-3352

(605) 347-3027

Canyon Inn*                                                                Lantern Inn

$55, plus taxes single                                                $40, plus taxes, double

$65, plus taxes double

*We have been informed that the Canyon Inn Hotel (Exit 30) in Sturgis will be torn down immediately following Sturgis Bike Week August 13, 2007. Representatives from the Canyon Inn will be contacting IAFF-MG members to assist with other hotel accommodations. If you have reservations at the Canyon Inn, contact Priscilla at (605) 347-2506.

The Full Throttle Saloon has 99 cabins available. Call (605) 423-4584 for rates.

Additional hotels are available in Deadwood and Spearfish.

Other hotels/motels to consider.

For more information, email motorcyclegroup@iaff.org.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For those Riding through Cheyenne to Sturgis: Cheyenne Local 279 and their local Texas Roadhouse will host the first "Thunder on The Prairie" on September 9, featuring sandwiches and cold libations for all riders and their guests. IAFF-MG riders will receive a commemorative patch for this event in hopes that it will become an annual stopover for our Brothers and Sisters on their way to the National Rally in Sturgis.

This gathering is for our IAFF-MG Brothers and Sisters who are on their way to the IAFF-MG National Rally in Sturgis. Local 279 is looking forward to seeing the riders from Texas who are staying in Cheyenne and all others who will be in town. Cheyenne is only a four-five hour ride from Sturgis. Local 279 will also be making contact with some "watering Holes" between Cheyenne and Sturgis to let them know the IAFF bikers will be coming through on September 10. For additional information on the “Thunder on the Prairie,” e-mail Roger Peterson at rogerpeterson1@msn.com.

Lake Express Ferry Service (from Canada to the United States): Lake Express began service on June 1, 2004, linking the states of Wisconsin and Michigan with terminals in Milwaukee and Muskegon. The high-speed Lake Michigan crossing takes just two and one-half hours, saving passengers a lengthy drive through heavily congested Chicago. Lake Express is a fun, fast and easy transportation solution. Save time, avoid traffic hassles and enjoy your time during the voyage. IAFF-MG Members Discount: The IAFF-MG has made arrangements with Lake Express to offer a 20 percent discount on all Lake Express fares. IAFF-MG members using these services should call the Toll-Free Number at (866) 914-1010 and reference IAFF and fire fighters to receive the discount. Click here for additional information.

IAFF-MG National Ride Challenge Coin: The IAFF-MG 1st Challenge Coin will be available onsite in Sturgis. The IAFF OnLine Store will also offer the Challenge Coin  for $10.00 per coin. A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion (usually military), bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and is carried by the organization’s members. They are given to prove membership when challenged and to enhance morale. Note: “IAFF Always on the Front Line” is also engraved on the edge of the Challenge coin.

Denver’s City Ordinance on Loud Motorcycles: Some bikers are avoiding Denver now that a noise ordinance is in place. For those IAFF-MG riders traveling through Denver, click here.

Ride Safe and Legal ~ Know the Helmet Laws ~ Read and Heed: For helmet laws in the United States, visit State-by-State Motorcycle Laws. For helmet Laws in Canada, click here.

Other Links of Interest: The South Dakota Office of Tourism provides in-depth travel information for your review and use.
For more information, email motorcyclegroup@iaff.org or mcrouse@iaff.org.

Just in time for the IAFF-MG National Rally, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame announces the opening of a new exhibit devoted to the history of motorcycle clubs. The exhibit features four clubs: the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, Boozefighters Motorcycle Club, Wind & Fire Motorcycle Club and Yonkers Motorcycle Club. Lonnie Isam Jr., motorcycle memorabilia collector and motorcycle restorer, has generously placed a portion of his collection of patches worn by club members on loan for this exhibit. This is a rare opportunity for the public to study the “colors” from a wide variety of clubs.