MITCHELL — A student-built motorcycle made a pit stop Friday for a public unveiling on the Mitchell Technical College campus before it hits the road for an elite Las Vegas auction.
Working with Helping with Horsepower and the City of Sturgis, second-year Power Sports Technology students customized a 2018 Harley-Davidson Road Glide into “a performance, almost-race bagger with a touch of elegance,” said Chris Degen, director of Mitchell Tech’s program.
The finished bike shows the city of Sturgis logo and the number 83, to commemorate the Rally’s 83rd year, set in ’80s-style racing stripes.
It will be auctioned Jan. 24-28 at the elite Las Vegas Mecum Auction.
Proceeds will benefit “the Sturgis Rally Endowment Fund, a part of the Black Hills Community Foundation, to ensure that the Rally tradition of charitable giving endures for the benefit of future area residents,” according to Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen.
Adam Thury / Mitchell Republic
Some of the funds raised will be routed to Helping with Horsepower, a Mitchell-area nonprofit providing opportunities for purpose, well-being and growth for individuals born or diagnosed with limitations. The organization’s Bike Rebuild Program is a therapeutic opportunity for participants to rebuild a motorcycle as they acquire tools to rebuild their lives.
“It’s a win-win-win,” according to Laura Klock, creator of the Helping with Horsepower Bike Rebuild Program. “The students got the project experience, which included extra training by some of the sponsors, … (while Helping with Horsepower and the Rally endowment) benefit from the proceeds (allowing) HWH to continue to provide opportunities and hands-on programs. “
The Mitchell unveiling took place Friday, Jan. 13 in the foyer of the Nordby Trades Center on the Mitchell Tech campus.
Adam Thury / Mitchell Republic
Following the reveal, the bike will be taken to Sturgis, where the city will host its own unveiling at 4 pm on Jan. 17, before sending the bike down the road to Las Vegas for the auction.