What started out with the modest ambition of becoming the biggest biker bar in the world has morphed into much more, including a reality TV show, and a traveling road show.
We're talking, of course, about the Full Throttle Saloon, outside of Sturgis, SD.
Created by Michael Ballard, the Full Throttle is more of a mini-city than a bar, at least in its Sturgis incarnation. Situated on the highway that leads out of Sturgis to the big campgrounds, such as the Buffalo Chip and the Broken Spoke, the Full Throttle offers shops, bars, cabins, restaurants, burn-out pits, and acres of parking. Not to mention its eclectic construction that includes old bridges, buses standing on end, and a variety of iconic old signs.
While there isn't much going on at the Full Throttle when the Sturgis motorcycle rally is not in session, it was open when we stopped by in June. The parking area on the interior was overgrown with grass and nothing was open except the main bar. The difference when I stopped back in during the rally presented an interesting contrast that I figured warrented a photo essay. You can find that below.
Meanwhile, Ballard has gone way beyond the basic bar concept. A reality show on truTV features Ballard; his girlfriend Angie, who runs Angieland; musician Jesse James Dupree; and Goat, the "official voice of the Full Throttle" and one of the bar's original employees.
The Full Throttle also takes to the road, making appearances at events such as the Thunder in the Rockies rally, upcoming Sept. 3-5, in Loveland, CO. According to the Thunder in the Rockies site, "The Full Throttle Saloon boasts an array of unique entertainment spectacles. Some things to look forward to include FLAUNT, a flirty burlesque show, the girls of Full Throttle Saloon with their special way of serving drinks, midget wrestling, theme nights, mechanical bull and live musical entertainment. Also on site, Michael Ballard, Angie from Angieland and Goatboy (sic), stars of truTV’s “Full Throttle Saloon” reality TV series."
The slideshow below should give you some idea of what the Full Throttle is all about.
Comments
You have re-affirmed my position of not caring to go to Sturgis in August!
Yep, you sure need to be a goggle-eyed first timer or a serious party person to enjoy Full Throttle. Some people don't like roller coasters either.
Sharon
First this on my list is to go to Sturgis
I've met Michael & Angie in Atlanta GA last year at motorcycle rally. I was there to sell leather vests & gear - http://www.dynamicleather.com & he was there to promote Full Throttle Saloon. He is the most down to earth celeberity and very respectful ..
Oh man. It was a long line of people waiting to take pictures with Michael
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