Michael Ballard, the owner of Full Throttle Saloon, passed away on Friday, June 11th, 2021. The news shook the motorcycle community and fans of the reality TV show that documented the life and events at the Sturgis, South Dakota-based bar.
Ballard was 56 years old and had been battling pneumonia for weeks before his death. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones when he passed away peacefully.
The Beginnings of Full Throttle Saloon
Full Throttle Saloon was a popular destination for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world. Ballard, a motorcycle enthusiast himself, opened the bar in 1999, and it quickly became a popular spot for riders attending the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Over the years, Full Throttle Saloon grew in popularity and became a destination for live music, motorcycle events, and reality TV. The bar was featured on the reality TV show "Full Throttle Saloon," which aired on truTV from 2009 to 2015.
The Legacy of Michael Ballard
Ballard was known for his larger-than-life personality and his passion for motorcycles and the biker lifestyle. He was a beloved figure in the motorcycle community and will be remembered for his contributions to the industry.
Full Throttle Saloon was more than just a bar to Ballard; it was his life's work. He poured his heart and soul into creating a destination for bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world. His legacy will live on through the bar and the memories created there.
Tributes to Michael Ballard
Following the news of Ballard's passing, tributes poured in from the motorcycle community and fans of the "Full Throttle Saloon" TV show. Many shared their memories of visiting the bar and meeting Ballard.
Country music star and friend of Ballard, Gretchen Wilson, paid tribute to him on social media, saying, "Rest in peace my friend. You were one of a kind and will never be forgotten."
The Future of Full Throttle Saloon
Following Ballard's passing, the future of Full Throttle Saloon is uncertain. The bar has been closed since 2016, when it was destroyed in a fire. Ballard had been working on rebuilding the bar and had planned to reopen it in the near future.
It is unclear what will happen to Full Throttle Saloon now that Ballard is no longer with us. However, his legacy will live on through the memories created at the bar and the impact he had on the motorcycle community.
In Conclusion
Michael Ballard, the owner of Full Throttle Saloon, was a beloved figure in the motorcycle community. His passion for motorcycles and the biker lifestyle was evident in everything he did, including creating one of the most popular bars in the world.
While his passing is a great loss to his family and friends, his legacy will live on through Full Throttle Saloon and the memories created there. Rest in peace, Michael Ballard.
