Born into a fourth-generation immigrant farm family in Hand County, S.D., Rod drifted back to South Dakota a year or so after his discharge from the United States Air Force. He ultimately settled in the Northern Black Hills and started a law practice.
He started a little hobby project in 1982 that is now known as the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, where tens of thousands of motorcycle and music enthusiasts gather annually in early August for the world’s most massive motorcycle rally.
Rod gave up the law practice and now stays busy traveling to biker events. With the help of his wife Carol, daughter Toni, son Daymon, and many relatives and friends, the rest of Rod’s time is spent preparing for the arrival of the many friends who’ll be sharing the 600-acre campground, race tracks, and amphitheater each August.
“There are simply no better people than those on a bike. Life can’t get any better.”