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Hundreds of Thousands of Bikers Expected at South Dakota's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Hundreds of thousands of bikers were expected to descend on the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota, for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, beginning on Friday, August 7, local media reported.

The rally draws motorcyclists from across the nation, usually averaging an attendance of 450,000 visitors. The coronavirus pandemic was expected to lessen attendance this year, with city officials expecting about 250,000 people, local media reported.

The festival runs from August 7 until August 16. City officials told local media that attendees were “recommended” to wear masks and sanitation measures have been heightened.

Gov Kristi Noem said on Thursday that “South Dakota is in a good spot in our fight against COVID-19,” adding that she is “excited for visitors” to come to the state for the rally.

This footage, provided by the City of Sturgis, shows bikers gathering in Sturgis on Friday. Credit: City of Sturgis via Storyful