Get your motor runnin’: Sturgis bike rally is on
Buckrail 20 hours ago Jackson Hole, Wyoming



Sturgis officials estimate last year’s 10-day event generated $655M of direct spending by visitors—a net profit to the city of $1,165,688. The rally drew an all-time high of 739,000 visitors in 2015. Photo: Courtesy Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

JACKSON, Wyo. — The 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is on after a vote of the city council Monday. ... The annual gathering of bikers means big money for the city of Sturgis, South Dakota, and surrounding states have also benefitted from the travel spending associated with the rally.

Sturgis officials estimate last year’s 10-day event generated $655M of direct spending by visitors—a net profit to the city of $1,165,688. The rally drew an all-time high of 739,000 visitors in 2015.

Back in April, the city council outlined a set of metrics for allowing the event to be held. They included ICU beds and ventilators available, virus case growth, and the infection curve in surrounding states like Wyoming.

The 8-1 vote of the council will allow the rally to go on as planned with modifications designed to prevent the massing of a great many people into a small area. Concerts, a B1 flyover, various contests and activities, and all parades will not be held. The vote was made against the recommendation of city manager Daniel Ainslie that the event be postponed until 2021.

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The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will take place August 7-16.