70th Bike Rally caps busy summer

The 2010 Rally Week capped an already busy summer of tourism in Custer.

Custer County offered several events to attract bikers during Rally Week. The Custer Area Chamber of Commerce and the Custer Cruisin’ committee sponsored historical re-enactors to greet people as they entered town.

Mitch McLain, who portrays General Custer for the Chamber of Commerce, was at the center of action all week as he stood at the corner of 5th Street and Mt. Rushmore Road, waving to people as they entered town.

“In my opinion, numbers were up,” McLain said. “I do believe that it’s going to continue to grow, based on the response of the bikers.”

McLain talked to hundreds of tourists over the week, obliging countless requests for photos with the legendary general. He said he heard many comments on how reasonable prices are in Custer compared to other areas in the Hills during the rally, as well as how hospitable the community is.

“One guy went out of his way and specifically thanked me for the hospitality of the community,” McLain said.

Rex Harris, a Custer Crusin’ Committee member, agreed that numbers appeared to be solid this year.

“I heard from a couple of businesses that they recorded record profits on Tuesday,” Harris said.

However, numbers for the Mayor’s Ride faltered this year that this year’s ride had between 65 and 70 riders, about half of last year’s total.

Yet the VFW’s Veterans Appreciation Ride, which took place Tuesday, saw significantly higher numbers. Tony Gonsor, an organizer for the event, said they had around 30 riders, nearly triple the number from last year.