Guests at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip® spent the day on the edge of their seats as the first ever Daredevil Wednesday packed in an insane schedule of fearless motorcycle stunts. The spectacle had the Buffalo Chip’s free access CrossRoads area swarming with Sturgis Rally-goers throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
Daredevil Wednesday included such stunts as Tim Dyson’s double backflip with a passenger, Juli Moody using her bare arms to hold together two drag racing motorcycles, Patch McGillicutty speed record on the Wall of Death and unimotorcycle drag racing. By far the most ambitious stunt of the day was Clint Ewing’s attempt to set the world record for the longest ride on a motorcycle through a tunnel of fire.
An expansive crowd, along with a team of paramedics and firemen, and the CMT film crew, all waited with bated breath as nearly 40 people lit the 230-foot tunnel with their torches. Within seconds, a roaring fire had engulfed the tunnel, filling the sky with an enormous cloud of black smoke. Without delay Clint Ewing fearlessly entered the 2900-degree tunnel, but within seconds both he and his bike emerged from the side engulfed in flames. The emergency crew surrounded the brave stuntman, who immediately stood up to show he had survived the attempt. Even with third degree burns Ewing gave a thumbs up as EMTs loaded him up and took him to a to a nearby hospital where he was later released.
The fiery performances continued into the night on the main stage, as Rob Zombie brought a multidimensional show complete with huge stage props and plenty of pyrotechnics. In a fitting end to Daredevil Wednesday, also included adrenaline-pumping performances by Mastodon and Machine Head.
The Sturgis campground continues its lineup up thrilling events on Thursday with its annual Freedom Celebration. In a day of events designed to honor our nation’s military men and women, guests are invited to walk the Buffalo Chip’s Field of Flags, visit the Veterans Memorial Wall and honor the lives of two Benghazi heroes during an undoubtedly emotional main stage presentation.
Patriotic rockers, Madison Rising, will kick off the evening of thrilling musical acts by performing their rock rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Fellow patriots, Brantley Gilbert and Lynryd Skynryd, continue the American theme throughout the evening.
Campground admission passes are still available and all concerts are free with camping. Passes also grant guests access to the Bikini Beach swim paradise, 25 bars, thrilling exhibits, and outrageous events. The 32nd annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip Motorcycle and Music Festival runs July 29 through Aug. 11, 2013. More details are available at www.BuffaloChip.com or by calling (605) 347-9000.
