About a quarter-million motorcycle riders are expected to descend upon the town of Sturgis, South Dakota, taking part in the 10-day annual rally that kicked off on Friday August 7th.
The rally made headlines this weekend with mainstream media criticizing attendees for not wearing facemasks and participating in a large gathering during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is noteworthy to mention the same outrage has not been voiced over any protest gatherings or any of the riots in other cities over the past few months. It seems that whenever there is any large gathering of citizens for any purpose other than those the media approve of, the press contingent largely treats them like children for failing to listen to their wisdom.
More than half of the locals in the town of Sturgis with a population of just under 7000, were in favor of postponing the rally this year due to the virus scare. Politicians and local business owners along with the rest of the town voted to allow the 80th Annual Sturgis Rally to run as planned. This is the 80th Annual Rally that thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts look forward to every summer.
Organizers planned for 250,000 expected attendees around half the size of last year's turnout, due to some people not wanting to attend this year prefering to avoid the crowds.
South Dakota has never shutdown during the Covid-19 scare, choosing instead to allow residents to maintain social distancing and let business maintain safe sanitation and health procedures to prevent the spread of the disease in the State. It seems to have worked, with only 40 people in the hospital for Covid symptoms statewide.
Of course the media can't let good news spoil a good health crisis so they are all predicting the Rally will be the cause of a nationwide spike in cases, while ignoring any comparisons to liberal protests in other states.
No matter, the Rally is off to a great start, with streets lined with custom Harley's and Indian motorcycles from all across America. It's remarkable to see the creativity and care that goes into these customized pieces of art and engineering. Faces brimming with pride and awe.
While the rally is the focus there are nightly concerts featuring a who's who of blasts from the past. Molly Hatchet, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, 38 Special, Quiet Riot, Buck Cherry, Night Ranger, Smashmouth, Reverend Horton Heat and many more headline several locations nightly.
There are also drag races, a poker tournament, excurions and a traveling photographic memorial to Fallen Heroes of the War on Terror.
Local accommodations are usually booked well in advance, but there are plenty of organized campgrounds and cabins nearby.
Here's to wishing the organizers all the best and hoping this gathering remains safe and sets a great example for the future. Happy 80th.
