Huntsman hops on hog for South Dakota rally

STURGIS, S.D. — Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. joined other politicians and bikers Monday in unveiling four commemorative postage stamps dedicated to the American motorcycle at the biggest gathering of bikes, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

"You get to enjoy all facets of life as governor. I'm out here promoting Utah on two wheels," Huntsman said of participating in the annual Sturgis mayor's ride on a borrowed Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail.

Huntsman joined about 350 motorcyclists, including U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, on the 100-mile tour of the Black Hills. Utah's governor has been lobbying Kempthorne to stop a proposed high-level nuclear waste site in Tooele County.

Kempthorne, whose father grew up in South Dakota, owns a Harley-Davidson but rode a Harley belonging to Steve Oberg of Rapid City, a member of the National Guard who injured his leg in Iraq.

"He's allowing me to ride his motorcycle today so I'm going to ride for Steve," Kempthorne said.

The riders paid $50 to take part. Proceeds go to the Sturgis Fire Department.

After the stamp dedication, Huntsman and other participants headed out to rows of motorcycles, started their engines, lined up and took off for a ride through the Black Hills to Crazy Horse Memorial, then a barbecue at the state game lodge in Custer State Park.

"When you ride a motorcycle, you experience life through all of your senses," said James Miller III, chairman of the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. "Four wheels move the body but two wheels move the soul."

The stamps dedicated replicate a 1918 Cleveland, 1940 Indian, 1965 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, all of which were on display, and a 1970s chopper that was created by an artist and will be built.

A hundred years ago, the post office used motorcycles to help carry the mail, so the agency has a historic connection to the bike, Miller said.

Other political leaders attending the stamp dedication included Sturgis Mayor Mark Zeigler, South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds and South Dakota's congressional delegation: Sens. Tim Johnson and John Thune and Rep. Stephanie Herseth.

Jason and Cherie Blevins of Bellavista, Ark., had heard about the ride before, but it was their first.

"Just wanted to do something different this year than the normal rides," she said.