Harleys everywhere, masks nowhere: Sturgis draws thousands

[Judi Lynn]

Stephen Groves, Associated Press
Updated 3:59 pm CDT, Friday, August 7, 2020

STURGIS, S.D. (AP) — Thousands of bikers poured into the small South Dakota city of Sturgis on Friday as the 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally rumbled to life despite fears it could lead to a massive coronavirus outbreak.

The rally could become one of the largest public gatherings since the pandemic began, with organizers expecting 250,000 people from all over the country to make their way through Sturgis during the 10-day event. That would be roughly half the number of previous years, but local residents — and a few bikers — worry that the crowds could create a “super-spreader” event.

Many who rode their bikes into Sturgis on Friday expressed defiance at the rules and restrictions that have marked life in many locales during the pandemic. People rode from across the country to a state that offered a reprieve from coronavirus restrictions, as South Dakota has no special limits on indoor crowds, no mask mandates and a governor who is eager to welcome visitors and the money they bring.

“Screw COVID,” read the design on one T-shirt being hawked. “I went to Sturgis.”

More:
https://www.chron.com/news/article/Harleys-everywhere-masks-nowhere-Sturgis-draws-15467642.php

[Doodley]

1. They are so weak that their delicate masculinities would be threatened if they wore masks.

[SheltieLover]

3. Yup!

No doubt!

[SheltieLover]

2. Natural Selection at work in real time

May they reap their reward before infecting others!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

4. What could possibly go wrong?

[wcmagumba]

5. The Florida grim reaper lawyer guy...

should make an appearance there....they'd probably run him down or shoot him though...

[Judi Lynn]

13. Florida is a great target. They can't say they weren't warned. Thanks.

[mr_lebowski]

6. Their plan is f***ing genius if I understand it correctly (nt)

[MyMission]

7. SD has low population of under 900,000

And has had over 9,000 cases so far

Over the last 3 weeks, their average daily rate has increased steadily, already on the rise.
51 cases per day three weeks ago, 64 two weeks ago, 77 last week, and 84 this week, per NPR.

My big concern is these bikers travelling and returning, spreading it. They will certainly spread it amongst themselves there. A super spreader event, to be sure.

Dumb bikers attending. Smart ones staying home or travelling elsewhere and wearing masks.

[SeattleVet]

8. Smart ones are staying home...

waiting to pick up bikes at upcoming estate sales.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

9. Good thing they're not the types to pack the bars!

[RussBLib]

10. such tough guys!

stronger than covid.

not.

[AZ8theist]

11. Coming SOON to a town near YOU!!!!!

LOTS and LOTS of clean, used Harleys for sale!!

[Judi Lynn]

12. Just found a Sturgis live cam, looking for an underwater live cam in Yucatan! Sturgis link below:

https://www.webcamtaxi.com/en/usa/south-dakota/sturgis-motorcycle-rally.html

It appears they've really all turned out in a crowd, to get their own doses of Covid-19.