STURGIS, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW)

Sturgis rally bikers who tour through the central Black Hills on U.S. Highway 385 during the upcoming 2024 rally will ride across gravel surfaces that experts say can increase accident risks.

Road under repair: The South Dakota Department of Transportation is in the midst of a multi-year, $72 million redo of U.S. 385, the only major north-south road through the Black Hills. The road will be open, but two sections will have a gravel surface during the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally from Aug. 2-11.

‘Bikers hate gravel’: Motorcycles can slip or slide on gravel surfaces, making driving more difficult, especially for inexperienced riders. One expert told News Watch that riding on gravel surfaces can be like moving across marbles or ball bearings and makes wipe outs more likely.

Mayor’s Ride rerouted: To reduce the risk for rally riders, the city of Sturgis has rerouted its annual Mayor’s Ride that typically used Highway 385 to visit Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. Instead, the route will take bikers to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming.

DOT confident in safety: The state says the surfaces will be safe as long as bikers obey traffic signs and ride within the limits of their experience.