Motorcycle Missions Serves Up FREE “Pancakes & Pistons”

During Harley-Davidson’s Military & First Responder Day at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, August 11th STURGIS, S.D. — Before the flyover, before the ceremonies, and before thousands gather to honor those who serve, the griddles will be hot and the coffee will be flowing as Motorcycle Missions welcomes veterans, active-duty military personnel, and first responders to its annual Pancakes & Pistons breakfast during Military & First Responder Day, presented by Harley-Davidson and the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, Motorcycle Missions volunteers will serve a free pancake breakfast until noon at Harley-Davidson Rally Point (1201 Main Street, Sturgis). More than just breakfast, this is Motorcycle Missions second year hosting Pancakes & Pistons and has become a requested event by attendees —a place where those who have served can gather, reconnect, share stories, and experience the camaraderie that defines both military service and the motorcycle community. The entire event—including the Pancakes & Pistons breakfast—is free and open to the public. While everyone is invited to enjoy breakfast and the day’s activities, Military and First Responder attendees will also receive special appreciation gifts from Harley-Davidson, including a commemorative T-shirt and challenge coin while supplies last. “Pancakes & Pistons is about much more than serving breakfast,” said Krystal Hess, Founder of Motorcycle Missions. “It’s about creating a place where veterans and first responders feel seen, appreciated, and connected. Around the breakfast table, friendships are formed, stories are shared, and healing begins. That’s what Motorcycle Missions is all about.” Following breakfast, Rally Point will transform into a day-long celebration of service, patriotism, and the motorcycle community with activities for attendees of all ages. Event Highlights Include: 9:00 a.m. – Noon: Pancakes & Pistons hosted by Motorcycle Missions (Free breakfast for all attendees) Harley-Davidson commemorative T-shirt and challenge coin giveaway for military and first responders Veteran resource organizations and community exhibitors Live broadcast of The WISCO Sports Zone with Bill Michaels Motorcycle Showcase featuring: Tim Duffy’s legendary 9/11 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Harley-Davidson ridden through all 50 states by R Dub 2025 Let’s Ride Challenge Diamond Winner motorcycle Harley-Davidson Military Custom Build Live music by Sal Gonzalez, courtesy of Wounded Warrior Project Military & First Responder Recognition Ceremony The annual 2:00 p.m. Flyover, one of the Rally’s most anticipated traditions City of Sturgis Presentation featuring speakers, a flag presentation, and the National Anthem The celebration will also feature an outstanding lineup of special guests, including Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Brand Ambassador and Special Advisor to the CEO; Tim Duffy, FDNY firefighter, founder of 1 Soldier, 1 Dog, 1 Team, and Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Grand Marshal; Rob “War Warrior” Carlo (R Dub), Jesse James Dupree, lead singer of Jackyl; Justin “Danger” Nunley; and Bill Michaels, founder of The Big Unit Foundation. Military & First Responder Day is made possible through the partnership of Harley-Davidson, the City of Sturgis, Motorcycle Missions, 1 Soldier 1 Dog 1 Team, The American Legion, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®, Wounded Warrior Project, and numerous veteran-serving organizations committed to supporting those who have answered the call to serve. Whether you’re coming for a stack of pancakes, to connect with fellow veterans, explore valuable support resources, see legendary motorcycles, or witness the patriotic flyover, Military & First Responder Day offers something for everyone while paying tribute to those who have sacrificed for our freedom. Event Details Military & First Responder Day Tuesday, August 11 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Harley-Davidson Rally Point 1201 Main Street, Sturgis, South Dakota Admission is free and open to the public. About Motorcycle Missions Motorcycle Missions is a veteran-founded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, active-duty military, first responders, and their families through motorcycle restoration, welding, mentorship, and community. By combining hands-on skills with peer connection, Motorcycle Missions creates opportunities for healing, purpose, and lifelong camaraderie beyond military service.