From humble to rumble _ to ridiculous? World’s largest biker rally celebrates 70 years in SD

From humble to rumble: Sturgis turns 70

STURGIS, S.D. — The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

The six-day event officially kicks off Monday in western South Dakota. It’s expected to attract as many as 750,000 people, likely making it home to the highest concentration ever of chrome, leather and tattoos.

But these days, you’re more apt to run into a hog-riding orthodontist than a motorcycle outlaw.

After seven decades, the rally has morphed from a small race to a rowdy gathering of biker gangs to a weeklong party of biking enthusiasts from around the globe.

Some come for the concerts, while others simply want to gawk at expensive toys.

The rally began in 1938 as a venue for racing and stunts. It continued every year except for two during World War II.