The Legendary Buffalo Chip, Black Hills Harley-Davidson and Prugh Design have officially made a commitment to the future of motorcycling. A press conference held on Tuesday, January 26th announced the kick off of the 2K10 Challenge, an in-classroom bike build project, pairing an elite motorcycle builder and exceptional parts with students seeking a future in the motorcycle industry. The finished motorcycle is scheduled to roll out of the shop in less than 16 weeks and is expected to exceed the standards of a world-class, custom bike. 
The Legendary Buffalo Chip made the Challenge and other leading area businesses have come together with the staff and students of Western Dakota Technical Institute to get the project underway. The bike build will take place at WDT’s state-of-the-art welding and manufacturing facility under Michael Prugh’s direction and Luke Steinmetz’s classroom supervision. First and second year WDT students will have the opportunity to work on the project, which will put the machining, welding and fabrication skills of these students to the test.
"This bike will definitely have its own personality, as it is being built with the efforts of 25 future technicians," explains Michael Prugh, the bike’s designer and owner of Prugh Design. "The goals of this project are broader than just the nuts and bolts of a motorcycle. We hope to inspire a new generation of talent."
Students who are part of the 2K10 Challenge will get the benefit of a real world, real work atmosphere without the costs associated in building a world-class motorcycle. "It’s extraordinary to have this rare combination of business and education coming together on this scale to provide something truly special for our students," said Luke Steinmetz, WDT’s Welding Manufacturing program lead instructor. "We think our students are up to the challenge and capable of building a world-class motorcycle with the help of top motorcycle businesses."
The industry’s top parts manufacturers Custom Chrome, Jaybrake, Performance Machine and Black Hills Harley-Davidson have all graciously donated parts to aid in completion of the build. "The 2K10 Challenge is a way for all of us to come together and give these students a competitive edge by providing the best, high-quality parts in the industry," said Terry Reimer, general manager of Black Hills Harley-Davidson." Hot Leather’s, the leader in motorcycle apparel and accessories has also provided the official apparel for the 2k10 Challenge which makes this build more than just a classroom project.
The originator of the 2K10 Challenge, the Legendary Buffalo Chip, will provide WDT students with the ultimate stage to debut the finished bike which will be the highlight of a special live auction in support of the 3rd annual Legends Ride scheduled for Monday, August 9th 2010. Rod Woodruff, owner of the Legendary Buffalo Chip, is thrilled that the Chip’s team created this ground-breaking 2K10 Challenge bike build. "We are proud to have brought Western Dakota Tech together with leading motorcycle industry businesses to promote technical education and the future technicians of the motorcycle industry."
The public is invited to follow the build online at www.buffalochip.com, where a dedicated blog complete with pictures and webisodes will be published. For more information about WDT and its more than 20 programs, visit www.wdt.edu. Visit www.prughdesign.com to view Michael Prugh’s previous and exceptional builds or to learn more about Black Hills Harley Davidson make sure to check out www.blackhillshd.com.
