Usually when a band plays the Buffalo Chip Campground during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, they step off the bus, onto the stage and back on the bus as they head to their next gig.

Not Steven Tyler, the voice (and lips) of Aerosmith.

Tyler is involved in Dirico Motorcycles USA. He has taken more than a casual interest in Sturgis. Last year, he came to the rally by himself to do publicity for Dirico. This year he’s bringing the band, and they’re playing the Chip on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

And today I found Tyler has signed on as a rider in the 2009 Legends Ride through the Black Hills of South Dakota on Aug. 3.

The Legends Ride, hosted by the Legendary Buffalo Chip and the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, is a big deal. Some of the nation’s top bike builders participate. This year’s roster includes including Roger Bourget, Christian Clayton, Brain Klock, Michael Prugh and Paul Yaffe.

It’s a fund-raiser for the Children’s Home of the Black Hills and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Last year’s event raised nearly $40,000 for charity.

Riders start out in Deadwood. They cruise 50 miles through the Black Hills, ending at the Buffalo Chip. Riders get a VIP pass to the Chip, where Lita Ford and Toby Keith are playing that night.

You can buy tickets to the Legends Ride at www.legendsride.com or by calling (605) 347-9000. The cost is a $150 contribution, which goes to the charities.