Attending a Bike Event: What Should You Know?
During a typical year, late spring through early fall is prime time to attend local motorcycle events. Some are charity rides to support a specific cause, while others are simply for camaraderie.
Due to COVID-19 concerns and social distancing measures, many annual bike events have been canceled or rescheduled to next year. Yet across the country, some events are still on with significant changes from previous years.
If you plan to attend a motorcycle event in 2020, here are some common precautions being taken and what you should expect.
Outdoor Only
Most motorcycle events have adapted to be outdoor-only for 2020. Take Myrtle Beach Bike Week’s Fall Rally as an example. This event will take place outside under a pavilion and feature about one-third the usual number of vendors.
Although an outside event eliminates some risk, those in attendance still need to practice social distancing and be mindful of the surrounding community.
COVID Testing
Especially for events that have attracted thousands of motorcycle riders in the past, some organizers are debating, if not requiring, COVID testing pre or post-event.
In the case of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, this 80-year-old event attracts riders from all over the country, who could have brought in the virus or took it back home to loved ones. It’s estimated that more than 400,000 people attended this year’s 10-day rally.
Due to opposition from the surrounding community, Sturgis organizers encouraged attendees to be tested four to seven days following its conclusion on August 16th.
While some Coronavirus cases have been attributed to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, official numbers have not yet been determined.
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