
Bikers from all over the nation and beyond have gathered in South Dakota for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, blowing up the sleepy town of 7,000 to more than a half a million.

But unlike most years, the 2018 rally has taken on a more political atmosphere, where President Donald Trump is front and center among a sea of enthusiastic supporters.

'I personally love the man,' James Bakalich, a Harley Davidson parts dealer, tells CNN. 'I think he's doing a wonderful job.'

In this Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018, photo, Donald Trump impersonator Brandon Letourneau, of Daytona, Fla., poses for photographs in downtown Sturgis, S.D., during the 78th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Unlike most years, the 2018 Sturgis rally has taken on a more political atmosphere, where President Donald Trump is front and center

Despite systemic problems facing the US - including stagnant wages, spiraling health costs and income inequality - the bikers have managed to turn Sturgis into a temporary Shangri-La

'We got really a lot of people that are in private business and industry that camp here and what they'll tell you is that it's the Trump bump,' says restaurant owner Rod Woodruff

'I personally love the man,' James Bakalich, a Harley Davidson parts dealer, tells CNN . 'I think he's doing a wonderful job.'

Although Trump grew in New York City to a wealthy family and later became a game show host, not the typical path for everyday Americans, the Sturgis crowd nevertheless see the President as one their own

Despite systemic problems facing the US - including stagnant wages, spiraling health costs and income inequality - the bikers have managed to turn Sturgis into a temporary Shangri-La, where confidence in the American dream has never been higher.

'We got really a lot of people that are in private business and industry that camp here and what they'll tell you is that it's the Trump bump,' says restaurant owner Rod Woodruff. 'The economy is so good and people are feeling so good.'

Former Governor of Alaska and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin even joined in on the activities, agreeing to make an appearance with her husband at Monday's Sturgis Rally, a charity ride which benefits a number of good causes.

'We are delighted that Sarah and Todd Palin will be sharing time with us at the Buffalo Chip,' Rod Woodruff, owner of the campground, told the Rapid City Journal last week.

Former Governor of Alaska and vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin (pictured) even joined in on the activities, agreeing to make an appearance with her husband at Monday's Sturgis Rally

Don Hudson, of Davison, Mich., parks his motorcycle along Main Street in Sturgis, S.D., during the 78th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Bikers from all over the nation and beyond have gathered in South Dakota for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, blowing up the sleepy town of 7,000 to more than a half a million

Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump impersonators pose for photos in downtown Sturgis, S.D. The duo, part of RxATTRACT, will be in town throughout the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Although Trump grew in New York City to a wealthy family and later became a game show host, (not the typical path for everyday Americans) the Sturgis crowd nevertheless see the President as one their own - the 'blue collar billionaire.'

'They're picking on him because he's from the outside. If you look at the Clintons, how come they can do things and no one else can?,' says Mark Halvorson, who doesn't seem to mind the numerous controversies surrounding Trump during his time as President.

The separation of immigrant families at the border; Robert Mueller's investigation into alleged Russian meddling; and even a spat with the most cherished name in American motorcycling have not swayed the Trump faithful.

'I'm going to have to go with what's going to make America better,' Halverson says. 'If Harley wants to choose to go somewhere else, then I'll choose to buy different bikes.'

Meanwhile, authorities said that two people died in crashes on the second day of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Police say a motorcyclist missed a curve on Highway 85 Saturday afternoon, went into a ditch and through a fence.

The driver was thrown from the bike and was pronounced dead at the scene.

In another fatal crash Saturday the driver of a utility terrain vehicle, a 53-year-old man, died after he missed a curve east of Deadwood and rolled over. A passenger suffered serious injuries.

'They're picking on him because he's from the outside,' says Mark Halvorson, who doesn't seem to mind the numerous controversies surrounding Trump during his time as President

The separation of immigrant families at the border; Robert Mueller's investigation into alleged Russian meddling; and even a spat with the most cherished name in American motorcycling have not swayed the Trump faithful.