Another Sturgis Rally is in the books, and I’m sure everyone enjoyed the excitement and camaraderie. However, the rally also has a darker side—motorcycle accidents. This year, Motorcycle Rider News and BikerDown.org had the privilege of spending time with the Christian Motorcyclists Association at Monument Health Hospital in Rapid City, where their presence brought comfort and compassion to riders in need.
CMA Volunteers Bring Help and Hope to Sturgis Rally
CMA Volunteers Bring Help and Hope to Sturgis Rally
For most riders, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a week-long celebration of freedom, friends, and two-wheeled adventure. But for members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA), the rally is also a mission — a chance to serve bikers in need when life takes an unexpected turn.
This year, CMA members from 15 states traveled to the Black Hills for the rally’s 85th anniversary. During the week, volunteers dedicated up to 11 hours a day assisting fellow bikers, turning what is often a party into a lifeline of compassion.
A Legacy of Service
Founded 50 years ago, the CMA has been sending volunteers to Sturgis for more than three decades. Their mission is simple: support bikers and their families during times of illness or injury. That might mean transporting riders and their belongings between campgrounds, hospitals, airports, or other locations. Sometimes, help extends far beyond South Dakota — like this year, when a rider injured at the rally required out-of-state care. CMA quickly connected the biker’s family with volunteers in that state to ensure the support continued.
Leading with Heart and Hands
The CMA this year had a 35-member team this year. Most served at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, while others rotated through facilities in Sturgis, Custer, Lead-Deadwood, and Spearfish.
Monument Health even posts a banner to let patients know CMA is available, outlining the services they can provide — from storing motorcycles for hospitalized riders to helping arrange transport through brokers. When a riders has an accident at home, you’ve got family and friends to help, but here, most bikers are on their own. There are only a few organizations like CMA and BikerDown Foundation that work behind the scenes, to help injured motorcycle riders at Rally.
Teamwork, and Trust
This year’s team, a mix of seasoned and first-time volunteers, visited a dozen patient rooms a day — plus countless hallway conversations — offering encouragement, prayer, and practical help. Shifts began at 9 a.m. and ran until 8 p.m., with the emergency room sometimes calling on them after hours.
A Partnership Built on Gratitude
Over the years, CMA has built a strong relationship with Monument Health’s staff. “The doctors and nurses will come in and say, ‘We appreciate you helping,’” Roger shared. “God gets the glory. He works in our lives to accomplish this.”
For the volunteers, the rewards go beyond thank-yous. They treasure the fellowship, the renewed friendships, and the chance to make a spiritual and practical difference. As Roger summed it up:
“It’s a great experience. Even though it’s long hours, it’s so worth it.”
