The Earley Family

The Earley Legacy: A Family of Motorcycling Passion

The rumble of engines and the thrill of the track have been woven into the Earley family’s story for generations. From the moment Lloyd Earley Sr. became a life member of the Black Hills Motor Classic, his family’s name has been synonymous with dedication to motorcycling and the iconic Sturgis Rally.

For many years, Lloyd Sr. played an essential role in the Black Hills Motor Classic, working the admission gates at the half-mile track. His dedication wasn’t just about performing a job—it was about being close to the sport he cherished. Lloyd’s enthusiasm for motorcycle racing never wavered, and his excitement for every race was palpable. Even after he passed away in 1985, his legacy continued, inspiring the next generations of his family.

One of those inspired was his son, Bob Earley, who inherited his father’s passion early on. Bob’s first introduction to two wheels wasn’t with a simple bicycle, but a motorized one—a Whizzer, igniting a lifelong love affair with motorcycles. By 1950, he owned his first official bike: a Harley-Davidson Hummer. As the years passed, Bob explored different models, upgrading from a Harley Hummer to an AJS Single and eventually a Matchless Twin. However, his heart ultimately belonged to Harley-Davidson, the brand he stayed loyal to for decades.

Bob wasn’t just a rider—he was a skilled mechanic, learning his craft under the guidance of J.C. “Pappy” Hoel, one of Sturgis’ most iconic figures. This technical prowess complemented his love of riding, and Bob became a proficient off-road racer, gathering countless trophies and a circle of lifelong friends who shared his zeal for the sport.

In 1972, Bob’s personal and riding life found its perfect partner when he married Ann Lushbough, a fellow motorcycling enthusiast from Sturgis. Ann, with a Harley-Davidson of her own, shared Bob’s passion for adventure. Together, they explored the country on two wheels, making the most of every open road. In 1987, the couple moved to Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, drawn by the promise of year-round riding weather. However, Sturgis always called them back, and they made the pilgrimage to the Rally every year, where they reconnected with old friends and soaked in the sights and sounds of the event that had shaped so much of their lives.

But the Earleys’ mark on Sturgis didn’t end with Bob. His brother, Gunner Earley, carved his own niche in the town’s motorcycle culture. In 1965, Gunner and his wife Bev founded Gunner’s, a legendary Main Street watering hole that became a fixture of the Sturgis Rally. For 35 years, from 1965 to 2000, Gunner’s was a beloved biker hangout where riders gathered to swap stories, refuel, and revel in the camaraderie that the Rally is known for.

Gunner’s contributions to Sturgis extended far beyond his bar. Following in his father’s footsteps, Gunner attended countless races as a child and developed a deep love for the sport. This passion led him to the Board of Directors of the Black Hills Motor Classic in 1965, where he served as president from 1971 to 1977. Like his father and brother, Gunner found his greatest joy in the roar of engines at the half-mile and short track races, becoming a life member of the American Motorcycle Association (AMA).

For the Earleys, motorcycling is more than a pastime—it’s a family tradition and a way of life. From Lloyd Sr.’s early days taking tickets at the track to Bob’s prowess as a rider and mechanic, and Gunner’s impact on the Black Hills Motor Classic, each generation has left its mark on Sturgis history. And as long as there are motorcycles on the road and racers on the track, the Earley legacy will continue to be celebrated, one race and one ride at a time.

So, the next time you find yourself at the Sturgis Rally, take a moment to remember the Earleys—the family that helped make this rally the legendary event it is today.