RFA to Promote Ethanol at Sturgis

Courtesy of Renewable Fuels Association

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) will partner with the Sturgis Buffalo Chip campground to host the 74th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally set to take place Aug. 4–10. Approximately 500,000 motorcyclists from all over the world gather in Sturgis, S.D., for the week-long motorcycle rally that offers a unique opportunity to promote the benefits of high-octane, low-cost ethanol.

RFA promotional and educational materials will be prominently displayed at this year’s rally. The Crossroads, a popular gathering place for riders, will feature RFA’s promotional trailer. Additionally, RFA’s message of “Ride Safe, Fuel Right” will be front and center wrapping the jumbotron of the Buffalo Chip Main Stage while RFA promotional material will be shown on the big screen more than 140 times per day. Educational material and RFA banners will be visible at various locations on the event grounds. Additionally, riders will receive free giveaways including koozies and RFA’s new 2014 Sturgis t-shirts.

Additionally, Free Fuel Happy Hours are back by popular demand. RFA is once again offering motorcycle riders a free tank of E10 93-octane fuel. The fuel is brought in specifically for the rally and riders can receive their free tank at 1–4 p.m. on Tuesday Aug. 5, Wednesday Aug. 6 or Thursday Aug. 7. All riders participating in the Free Fuel Happy Hours must present a Buffalo Chip wristband.

Rod Woodruff of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip noted, “We are proud to once again partner with the RFA to help dispel the misinformation floating around about ethanol use in motorcycles. The Buffalo Chip campground provides a high-profile platform to counter these rumors and educate riders about the benefits of ethanol. And as always, I’m excited to fill up at the popular RFA Free Fuel Happy Hours.”

Robert White, RFA’s director of market development, will be on hand at the rally and during the Free Fuel Happy Hours to answer questions about ethanol use in motorcycles. White is a six-year veteran of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and will ride his flex-fuel Harley during the week to promote the benefits of ethanol.

White stated, “RFA’s partnership with the Buffalo Chip campground gives us the chance to educate riders about the proper use of ethanol in their motorcycles. As with any vehicle, drivers should read the labeling on the pump, but we want riders to know that E10 is warranted by all motorcycle manufacturers and safe to use in their bikes. E15, on the other hand, is only approved for flex-fuel vehicles and vehicles 2001 & newer and should not be used in motorcycle engines. We want to make sure motorcyclists know the cost-saving, economic, and national security benefits of ethanol. To nail home the positive aspects of ethanol we are once again offering free tanks of E10 93-octane fuel at the Free Fuel Happy Hours.”

In addition to the Free Fuel Happy Hours, RFA is sponsoring the seventh annual Legends Ride, which will take place on Monday, Aug. 4. The Legends Ride begins in Deadwood, S.D., with the proceeds going to benefit charities in the Black Hills region of South Dakota, including the Black Hills Special Olympics. All participants in the Legends Ride will receive RFA materials.

For more information on ethanol and higher level ethanol blends, visit www.ChooseEthanol.com. This website gives consumers information on what ethanol is, how it is made, and more than 45 quick facts on ethanol. It also explains how ethanol lowers gas prices, furthers America’s energy security, and revitalizes rural America.

Robert White will provide real time coverage from the event. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fuelinggood.