Tag Archives: Sturgis

Motorcycle News, News

Fallout from world’s biggest motorcycle rally

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So what is the fallout from the 80th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally last week, the biggest mass gathering in the world since the pandemic was declared?

Organisers had predicted attendance would be about 250,000, down from an annual average of almost half a million.

However, official figures are 365,979 which is only about 7% down on the previous year. Fewer people aged 60-70 attended as this is the age group statistically most vulnerable to COVID-19.

It seems many riders chose to thumb their noses at the pandemic.

This is despite 63% of the town’s citizens voting not to hold the rally. It went ahead anyway after a gift wholesaler in nearby Rapid City threatened to sue the council.

The world’s media was there to record the event, leaving some scratching their heads and others cheering for freedom.

Rally falloutSturgis world's biggest motorcycle rally fallout

The fallout in infection rates and deaths is yet to come as the incubation period ranges from two to 14 days.

However, the damage to motorcycling’s image may already have been done.

One of the results of the rally in the small town of Sturgis is that many of the 7000 residents, especially the elderly, will now go into a 14-day lockdown.

This will put a strain on the town’s Meals on Wheels program, so a fund was set up to collect donations for the charity.

Robert Pandya, a motorcycle industry veteran and founder of the GiveAShift motorcycling lobby group that initiated the fund drive, says they had hoped to raise $US8000.

Instead, they raised $15,750 online and collected an additional $1408 in cash along Lazelle St during the rally in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

That’s a total of $17,158 from motorcyclists and motorcycle brands both attending and electing to skip the rally.

”This was wild and completely unexpected,” says Jamie Helms, manager of the Sturgis Meals on Wheels program. “Due to COVID-19 some of our donations coming in have slowed down in the past few months, this fundraiser from the motorcycle community will help so many here in Sturgis! I am overwhelmed by the generosity!”
USA America Sturgis Rushmore South Dakota rally crowd fallout
Riders in the Black Hills of South Dakota

While the number of infections and deaths from the spread of coronavirus is not known, we do know that there were 50 crashes reported over the 10 days of the rally.

That’s up from 41 last year.

There were four fatal crashes with five people sadly losing their lives.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

World’s biggest bike show postponed

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The world’s biggest motorbike show has been postponed from this November for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, switching new model launches to the virtual world.

The announcement that the EICMA show in Milan will be postponed a year follows the recent axing of the competing biennial Intermot in Cologne in October.

We wonder if this is the start of the end for motorcycle shows, anyway.

These shows have been the world’s biggest and most motorcycle companies have used them to launch new models, prototypes and concepts.

However, the strong competition for the limelight has forced many companies to conduct launch their new models on social media a few days before the shows open.

On Tuesday night, MV Agusta will hold a virtual media launch of its new Brutale 1000 RR.MV Agusta Brutale 1000 RR Blue & White M.L.

Other new model launches have also been conducted on social media, rather than flying moto journos around the world.

It’s cheaper and gets them just as much media exposure.

We expect this virtual launch program will accelerate in the wake of these motorcycle shows being postponed over the pandemic.

Shows and events postponed

Distinguished Gentleman's Ride Brisbane Jeff Gough fundraising2019 Brisbane DGR

Many other motorcycle shows and events have been cancelled or postponed, including the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride which this year goes virtual.

Yet the world’s biggest motorcycle event, the Sturgis Rally in South Dakota will go ahead.

It can attract up to a half a million riders and pillions. Perhaps not this year, though.

2015 Sturgis Motorcycle RallySturgis Motorcycle Rally

The 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally from August 7-16 will not include the usual parade, opening ceremony and B-1 bomber flyover.

Vendors will be required to wear personal protective equipment.

Mass testing is being considered for the safety of residents, but has not been approved.

Each test could cost $75 to $150 per person.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

News

Dubbo declares Bike Street for motorcycles

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Dubbo in central NSW will declare a CBD street as Bike Street for motorcycles during the inaugural Dubbo Motorcycle Rally from May 10-12, 2019.

Dubbo Motor Bike Rally Committee spokesman Wayne Amor says the region is the perfect place for a large motorcycle rally and hopes it will turn into Australia’s version of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Such Dakota, the world’s largest.

“We feel that Dubbo and surrounds have a great deal to offer riders along with the local venues that have already come on board to support our event,” Wayne says.

“It is a great excuse to get the bike out for a couple of days and gather with other like-minded people.

“We have the added initiative of covering off on some road and motorcycle safety aspects, especially considering the recent spate of motorcycle accidents and fatalities in NSW.”

Dubbo Bike Street

Dubbo Bike Rally
“Bike Street” for the 2018 Toy Run

The rally will be held in Church Street, between Macquarie and Brisbane streets.

It will one known as “Bike Street” from 8am to 6pm on the Saturday of the rally with the street closed to all but motorcycles. Access will be via Brisbane St.

A detailed list of entertainment will be posted on the rally’s website and Facebook page as the event gets closer.

“The aim of the rally is to promote safe riding and foster all the great things that riding a bike provides – fun, freedom and camaraderie,” Wayne says.

Simon, Steve and Wayne at the Black Dog Ride 1 dayer in Dubbo
Wayne Amor (right) at the Black Dog Ride 1 Dayer in Dubbo

The committee has invited the Motorcycle Council of NSW and are in negotiations with the RMS Motorcycle Safety Unit and the NSW Police Force.

Wayne says they also have many motorcycle related industries and outlet stalls plus major motorcycle companies interested in attending.

The city has many pubs, clubs and restaurants for riders to experience and more than 4500 hotel beds.

Biggest rally

“We aspire to be the largest bike rally in Australia,” Wayne says.

“From Harleys to Hondas, Buells to Beemers and Piaggios to Posties, all bikes and riders are welcome.

“We haven’t set a minimum, but we have pressed 1000 pins and patches for the inaugural event.

“Dubbo Regional Council is also very much behind the event and hope, like us, that it is hugely successful.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com