Rapid City, SD Bishop Back On Motorcycle For Fundraiser

RAPID CITY, SD - As bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City, Robert Gruss leads more than 24,000 West River Catholics in a journey of the spirit. But shortly before the Sturgis rally this summer, he'll be taking his shepherd's role on the road.

Gruss took a refresher course this week at Black Hills Harley Davidson in preparation for a charitable motorcycle ride in late July. The 59-year-old bishop said getting back on a motorcycle felt good, after many years of not riding.

"The beautiful thing about it, is it's kind of like riding a bike, sort of. You don't lose a lot," Gruss said Tuesday. "You get a little rusty. But it all comes back very quickly."

Gruss gave up his motorcycle when he went into the seminary about 25 years ago. But now he has reason to ride again. It's called the first ever Ride with the Shepherd Rally and Poker Run. It's a fundraiser to help build a new Newman Center at Black Hills State University in Spearfish.

"It's great to be back on the motorcycle again. And I'm looking forward to this ride," Gruss said. "It's my understanding that there could be in excess of 300 riders, so I look for it to be a great fundraiser for a wonderful purpose."

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