CNN – Sturgis 2020 VS Covid Bikers Taking Risk
Buffalo Chip Campground owner “Ride free take risks…” Exactly what bikers already do every time we got on a motorcycle!
(CNN) Hundreds of motorcycle riders and enthusiasts are arriving in Sturgis, South Dakota, for the 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally despite objections from a majority of its residents.The celebration — which nearly 500,000 people attended last year — will take place as the coronavirus pandemic remains out of control in cities across the country and health experts warn against large gatherings that help fuel the spread.This year the city of 7,000 people is expecting about 250,000 people at the rally. “As in most years, the opening weekend is very busy,” said Christina Steele, spokeswoman for the city. “Normally the number of visitors will likely peak around Wednesday and will then begin to taper off.”
‘Ride free, take risks’
At the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, a massive campground spanning about 600 acres, the owner, Rod Woodruff, says he’s not concerned about the rally.”Ride free, take risks. That’s our motto,” he said. “That doesn’t mean you don’t calculate them. And these people calculate their risks every time they get on a motorcycle.”
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem says that to hold events like the rally, people should be given information that lets them protect their health, but still enjoy their way of life. Woodruff agrees with that sentiment.But Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen has expressed frustration at the fact the event has been allowed to proceed during the pandemic. “It’s been apparent what the city of Sturgis can do, we cannot stop people from coming,” Carstensen said on CNN’s “New Day” Thursday. “We have had a tremendous amount of visitors already.”Carstensen said that while masks will not be required, the city will provide sanitation stations and is asking attendees to follow CDC guidelines. “Again, back to personal responsibility. We encourage people to stay, you know, social distance as much as possible. Stay with your pods of people you are already interacting with. Just be respectful of others,” Carstensen said.But when the city surveyed its residents earlier this year, 60% said they preferred that the event not be held at all.
