Sturgis, SD (09-05-11) Beginning in the spring of 2011, the
Sturgis Buffalo Chip created a groundbreaking partnership between business and education called the Buffalo Chip Challenge. Providing expanded opportunities to future technicians in the motorcycle industry, the program saw select students from
Western Dakota Technical Institute in Rapid City, SD customize a stock
Harley-Davidson that is currently part of a 6-page feature in the October issue of American Iron Magazine on newsstands now.
Based on the platform of a new 2011 Street Bob model graciously donated by Black Hills Harley-Davidson, the bike build was conducted under the supervision of renowned designer and builder Michael Prugh of Prugh Design. Prugh and the students rebuilt the stock motorcycle from the ground up using many in-house fabricated parts as well as parts from Custom Chrome's 2011 aftermarket catalog.
"Michael and the students received an overwhelming response with the debut the finished bike during the Legends Ride and the Sturgis Rally, said Rod Woodruff, owner of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. The program was a huge success due to the collective efforts of Western Dakota Tech, Michael Prugh and industry-leading businesses like Black Hills Harley, Custom Chrome, Hot Leathers and Corbin Seats. With their support, we are able to give local students real-world work experience while helping build an industry perfect for western South Dakota."
The finished motorcycle was the highlight at a special live auction in support of the 4th annual Legends Ride during the rally and sold to Joe and Susan Sterling from Tens Sleep, WY. Plans are now underway to continue the project in 2012 with the continued goal of private business, partnering with technical education, to promote economic development and new create new jobs in the state of South Dakota. For more information on the Sturgis Buffalo Chip and the Buffalo Chip Challenge log on to www.buffalochip.com.