The Statue Fund

From humble beginnings, the world famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was born. However, behind every dream and successful endeavor, there is always a person with a vision and the courage to see it through. This person was J.C. "Pappy" Hoel.

Pappy Hoel was born and spent all of his life in Sturgis, and motorcycles were his passion. When the family ice business began to falter due to the advent of refrigeration, Pappy applied for an Indian Motorcycle franchise and eventually achieved the honor of being top dealer in the nation in 1947.

Every August hundreds of thousands of riders make the pilgrimage to South Dakota to be a part of this annual historic event. Every brand of motorcycle is represented. Every motorcycle product imaginable is offered by the most recognized industry leaders, and the innovators who come to earn their place. Famous musicians perform at famous venues that have grown up around the Rally. Race fans can watch a hill climb or a drag race. If you are a motorcyclist, Sturgis is Utopia.

In recognition of their contributions, and as a tribute to Pappy Hoel, and his wife Pearl, Hoel Motors is beginning a project to establish a life size bronze sculpture. The sculpture of Pappy sitting on a motorcycle will be situated in a premier location to show our respect and pride, as well as making it accessible to our many visitors who come to pay homage each year. The sculpture will stand as a permanent and lasting tribute to our history and our legacy.

This is the first piece of public motorcycle art in Sturgis, and you can help make it happen.

Pappy, Pearl, and the History of Sturgis...

In 1938 Pappy Hoel along with his wife Pearl, gathered with friends who were motorcycle enthusiasts for a “good time” including riding, picnics, and racing. Little did the Hoel’s know that this “gathering” would grow into the World’s Largest Motorcycle Rally, or did they? Over the past 67 years, Pappy and Pearl Hoel were dedicated to nurturing and expanding this motorcycle event to ensure it’s success. This dedication continued until the passing of Pappy in 1989 and just a short time ago with the passing of Pearl in 2004.

The Hoel’s vision was to promote motorcycling and have everyone on two wheels. Pappy became an Indian Motorcycle dealer in 1936 and not just any dealer but one of the best in the nation. His passion for the sport of motorcycling created many opportunities for his community. Pappy, one of the founders of the Jackpine Gypsy’s, was the first to suggest short track racing on the track that would be given his name and was accredited for starting the “Rally” that would encompass the entire Black Hills of South Dakota.

We now honor and continue in Pappy and Pearl Hoel’s footsteps and vision. We continue the adventures just as they have over the years. With this magazine we will ensure the life of their spirits.

J. C. “Pappy” Hoel was born and raised in the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota. As a young man Pappy owned a natural ice business. When the refrigerator was introduced, natural ice was no longer a commodity and with that, Pappy began a career in the motorcycle industry.

Thank you Pappy! Thank you Pearl! And thank you Mr. Refrigerator!

Community of Sturgis

Hoel Motors is deeply ingrained in our community and are expanding our efforts every day.

From our project to place the first piece of public motorcycle art in Sturgis, to our benefit dinner for the scholarship fund for  Sturgis Brown High School.

Sturgis has always been there for the motorcycling community, now we are here for it.

The Hoel Ride

Join Peter Fonda, Branscombe Richmond, Billy Lane, Kendall Johnson, Kim Suter, Paul Cox, Paul Yaffe, Christy Hemme, the World Famous AngieLand, and a group of T.V. and Sports Celebrities!and friends on Tuesday, August 8th, 2006 for “The Hoel Ride”

We will commence at the Jackpine Gypsie Short Track at 10:00am. From the track we will ride through Deadwood where each rider will receive 5 playing cards from a variety of our sponsors. Once a full poker hand is accumulated(...more)