Some Speculations and Realities About The Contingency of Sturgis Rally 2020

• Table of Contents
• 1. A brief history of this event:
• 2. When is Sturgis 2020?
• 3. What will be included and what will be excluded from the rally?
• 4. What are the SOPs and instructions to follow on the event?
• 5. Where to stay during the event?
• 6. How many bikers are expected to join this year’s rally?

The summer of 2020 has turned out to be like no other in recent memory. The coronavirus has changed the lives of people by 180 degrees. Since its onset, the COVID-19 pandemic has spread to almost every country in the world. Public health restrictions including social distancing, lockdowns of businesses, educational institutes, and social life as a whole, which have become commonplace all around the globe to curtail the spread of the disease. These measures have led to cancel festivals, concerts, and other recreational and sports events. Many vacations, trips, and large celebrations have been limited or postponed. In short, everything has moved from the prevailing state, and motorcycle rallies are no exception. Because of living in strict lockdowns for months, seeking out fun activities maybe even more important now. Doing something you love will distract you from problems and help you cope with life's challenges. After so much surmise over the occurrence of Sturgis Rally 2020, the cat has finally come out of the bag. The organizers have decided to make this event happen and entertain people in these most desperate times. The event will be organized under certain SOPs and restrictions.

Source: NBC News

1. A brief history of this event:

The history of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally dates back to August 1938. At that time, the rally was organized by a motorcycle club called the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club and led by a famous motorcycle dealer named Clarence “Pappy” Hoel. Initially, the rally included a series of motorcycle races and riding skills competitions like motocross, flat track, and hill climb events. Throughout the past 80 years, Sturgis bike week has certainly grown and evolved to become a can’t miss event for motorcycle enthusiasts. The rally is organized in the city of Sturgis which is located in western South Dakota, on the eastern side of the Wyoming border, and lies in the heart of the Black Hills. It offers some of the most unique and beautiful scenery in the country, including Mount Rushmore which is one of the reasons for the popularity of this rally.

2. When is Sturgis 2020?

The Sturgis Bike Rally 2020 is scheduled for Aug. 7-16, and there’s plenty to do within that time! Riding is, of course, at the forefront but there are tons of other chances for fun in this event. Make sure to stay in a place close by so you’re never too far away from what all the event has to offer. Additionally, you must keep in mind that the activities will be limited this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Source: Rapid City Journal

3. What will be included and what will be excluded from the rally?

In the previous Sturgis rallies, some famous events and must-do of the rally include Buffalo Chip(a destination at the South Dakota that offers campgrounds and cabins besides hosting concerts, races, and lots of big parties), Motorcycle Museum(preserving the history of motorcycling from interactive displays to a lounge with famous motorcycle movies to a collection of vintage motorcycles), concerts(Every night of the event there’s live music from local, home-grown bands, up-and-coming regional acts, and well-known and celebrated national artists to entertain the bikers), rally rides and races(there are event rides like the Mayor’s Ride that brings together riders to benefit local emergency services, The Pappy Hoel Memorial Ride to honor the event founder and support local charities, etc), and vendors(they sell t-shirts, patches, and pins; you can also find sales on gear, accessories and bike upgrades directly from the dealers).

On the other hand, in Sturgis Rally 2020, all of the city-sponsored events, such as the opening ceremonies, the parades, a B1 Flyover, and entertainment and live music at the Harley-Davidson Rally Point have been canceled. As of Tuesday, some of the bands originally on the roster on July 21 were removed from the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally’s website by the organizers. However, there is still a lot of entertainment left with around 25 acts listed, from hard rock acts to country. The list also includes Wyoming group Chancey Williams and the Younger Brothers Band. Moreover, other events will include drag races and a poker tournament for this year’s rally.

4. What are the SOPs and instructions to follow on the event?

Currently, South Dakota has around 900 active cases of the coronavirus, with around 50 hospitalized right now. The state has seen 123 deaths because of this ferocious pandemic since mid-March. There has been a hike in corona patients throughout July. The city administration has advised vendors to use face masks and other protective equipment during the event, these equipment could be provided by the administration in the time of need. Furthermore, bikers are allowed to park their rides on the Main streets. For sanitation, the organizers will install sanitation stations at selective spots. Moreover, the idea of mass testing is also circulating but there is no evidence for the approval of this idea. All these measures are taken to limit the number of riders and save people from the corona pandemic.

5. Where to stay during the event?

Staying in Sturgis can be as economical or luxurious as you can afford. Campgrounds are adventurous and save you lots of accommodation dollars. You can stay on the mild side or where the party goes on all night long. Each campground has the normal amenities like shower houses and restrooms while some have little bars and places to get something to eat after a long day on the road too. Surprisingly some of them even have swimming pools which are great for cooling off after a long day in the saddle. There is something for everyone at Sturgis.

Source: Black Hills South Dakota

6. How many bikers are expected to join this year’s rally?

The message has been widely broadcasted across social media and electronic media that with some restrictions, Sturgis Rally 2020 will throttle ahead. Despite the fact that South Dakota is dealing with an upsurge in coronavirus patients especially in the month of July, it will host hundreds and thousands of bikers for the 80th edition of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This event hosts around 500,000 bikers every year and according to city statistics, the highest attendance was just under 740,000 in 2015. But due to travel restrictions in some countries including Canada, only about half the usual number of people, nearly 250,000, are expected to rumble through western South Dakota, seeking the freedom of cruising the beautiful mountains and mesmerizing landscapes in a state that has skipped lockdowns. This event could be the biggest of all anywhere so far during the pandemic. Although authorities have split the residents after weighing the city’s options, yet many people are afraid that the rally could cause an uncontrollable outbreak of the COVID-19.