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The owner of the Buffalo Chip Campground is Rod “Woody” Woodruff, seen here at a press conference during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The focus of the concerts and events is The Chip as it’s called.

I visited with Woody in his office and learned how he got this event started out here on the property that’s just three miles outside the city of Sturgis. Woody was born in South Dakota but had moved to San Francisco. He came back and wound up staying. He says the city fathers were kind of fed up with the Rally and he thought it would be “just like throwing a keg party in high school,” so he started one just outside of town.

Woody says the relationship with the Renewable Fuels Association as a sponsor of the Rally was a natural fit. He says that a long time ago a local co-op told him he should use the fuel. “I’ve been using it in my own vehicles for however long that’s been and exclusively.” He says he even notices getting better fuel economy!

Listen to my interview with Woody here: Interview with Woody at The Chip

2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Photo Album

His name is Rupert Boneham but everyone knows him as Rupert, winner of Survivor. Rupert is one of the folks I’ve had the pleasure to meet here at the 2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. In the photo he’s being interviewed on the street before the Legends Ride. I ran into him again out here where I’m staying at the Buffalo Chip Campground.

Rupert has a charitable organization called, “Rupert’s Kids” which is “dedicated to serving an easily overlooked population of youth: those that have become too old for the youth social service system, but are not old enough for the adult social service system. We teach these youth valuable skills and trades, while also empowering them to discover their inner strengths, passions and interests.” I heard him speak about the work his organization is doing and the fact that they’ve never taken any government money. That message alone was well worth bringing to your attention. With donations lagging due to the economy he’s turned to some very creative ways to create funding that includes his own branded video games.

Rupert is from Indiana and is also a big supporter of home grown fuel like ethanol!

Listen to my interview with Rupert here: Interview with Rupert

2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Photo Album

During the Legends Ride activities here at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally a press conference was held. The lineup of speakers included personalities like Rupert, one of the winners of Survivor. Also on the list was Robert White, Renewable Fuels Association.

I recorded Robert speaking to the standing room only filled room of media. You can listen to Robert’s statement here: Robert White Press Conference

2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Photo Album

The opening event for the 2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the Legends Ride that starts in Deadwood, SD and ends at the Buffalo Chip in Sturgis. Here’s RFA’s Robert White (right) being interviewed on the street over the Legends event PA.

I recorded him describing the importance of this renewable fuel to America. You can listen to the interview here: Robert White Interview

2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Photo Album