Sturgis, SD -
Sturgis is happening. While most outdoor car shows and various automotive events have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19, the
2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is in full throttle and will take place in the Black Hills located in Sturgis, SD on Aug. 7-16.
This year marks the 80th Anniversary of the most popular motorcycle festival, known throughout much of the civilized world, simply as "Sturgis." Popular events on the schedule this year include several motorcycle drag races, a charity poker tournament and Remembering Our Fallen which is a traveling war memorial dedicated to the men and women who served but will not be forgotten.
Over the 10-day Sturgis Bike Rally, several music concerts will also be taking place at the legendary Buffalo Chip, which includes a staggering band lineup of The Guess Who, Molly Hatchet, Smashmouth, Buckcherry, Lit, Drowning Pool and 38 Special just to name a few.
Also unfolding at the Buffalo Chip will be a Bikini Beach Pre-Party as well as the Lingerie Fighting Championships where ladies wrestle wearing skimpy lingerie in an event titled "A Little Bit of Wrestling, A Little Bit of Clothing."
Local news media and the Associated Press has reported that over 250,000 people are expected to attend the
80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. In the past, on special anniversary years, Sturgis has brought in upwards of 500,000 to 800,000 people, so the 250,000 estimate mentioned above might be a little conservative.
Despite the numbers, one fact is known about this year's bike rally. The
2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will be the world's largest event that will take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began, perhaps sparking even more attention and attractiveness to those wishing to participate.
While the
2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally offers bikers and people from all walks of life an escape or a new level of freedom, if you will, during a pandemic, it is also bringing many concerns from health officials throughout the country. Campgrounds, hotels, bars, restaurants and many other businesses are going to be extremely busy during this upcoming week.
South Dakota has been a hot spot for the coronavirus off and on during the entire timeline of the pandemic, raising even more concern. South Dakota is currently flagged as one of the "red states" on the map seeing an uptick of 50% or more in cases.
For those who wish to attend, please be aware that there are some travel restrictions through the Badlands on tribal lands. Visitors are asked to be respectful, follow the re-routing guidelines and be sure to plan ahead when attending this area of the country.