Ever since I was a kid, I knew about Sturgis and the weight it holds in the motorcycle community. For decades, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been the ultimate gathering place for riders, builders, and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world. I always dreamed of going, but for years I didn’t have the right friends to travel with—or the courage to head out on my own.

When I started BayMotoPhoto, I knew it could grow into something bigger than just shooting bikes on California backroads. So when riders began buzzing about Sturgis 2025, I decided it was time to finally be a part of the dream. My mission: bring roadside photography to the Black Hills and capture the magic of the rally for every rider who wanted their moment frozen in time.

Like many first-timers, there were countless things I didn’t know going in. I researched as much as possible—routes, shooting locations, rally logistics—but nothing could truly prepare me for experiencing Sturgis firsthand.

We packed up the RV and drove cross-country to South Dakota. Once we arrived, I set up along Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway, two of the most iconic rides in the Black Hills. Each day the roads filled with more motorcycles than I had ever seen in my life. At one point, I was clicking the shutter every few seconds just trying to keep up with the endless flow of riders.

For nine straight days, I photographed riders for six hours a day—sun, rain, and wind couldn’t stop me. My goal was simple: to capture every single rider I could and create photos that felt true to the Sturgis experience.

The bikes were incredible. From custom choppers to homemade builds, and from shiny new Harleys to weathered touring machines, every motorcycle told a story. Just as powerful, though, were the riders themselves—the smiles, the laughter, the sense of freedom that comes from riding through one of the most beautiful places in America.

Seeing people stop by my booth, recognize the camera, and light up when they realized I had captured their ride—that was the best part. The motorcycle community at Sturgis welcomed me with open arms, and for that I’ll always be grateful.

This was my first Sturgis, but it won’t be my last. The event was bigger, louder, and more inspiring than I ever imagined. Beyond the photos, it was about being immersed in a community I’ve admired for years.

I also got to explore parts of the country I never thought I’d see, making the trip even more unforgettable. We’ve already started planning for Sturgis 2026, and I can’t wait to be back on the roadside, capturing more memories for riders from around the world.

If you rode through Iron Mountain Road or Needles Highway during Sturgis 2025, there’s a good chance I captured your ride. Head to BayMotoPhoto.com to search for your photos, download digital images, or order prints to keep the memory alive.

See you on the road—and see you at Sturgis 2026!