‘You can’t live in fear’: A look at Myrtle Beach area’s Fall bike week amid a pandemic
Bikes, leather...and masks?
Hundreds of motorcyclists descended on the Myrtle Beach area this week for Harley-Davidson Fall bike week, though the 2020 event looks a little different than previous years. Social distancing signs are now as commonplace as kickstands and freshly polished chrome.
The Harley-Davidson shop in North Myrtle Beach is home to the Fall bike week and evidence of the new protocols was evident. Signs reminded people to keep their distance from others. A few bikers wore masks, but most did not while outside.
“This year we’ve seen the riders and visitors coming in early,” said Sheri Gibson, marketing manager for Harley-Davidson in North Myrtle Beach. “We feel the pandemic and being cooped up for so long has given people the itch to get out and socialize and have some sort of normalcy in their lives.”
Gibson said many of the riders are supportive of the safety measures in place at Harley-Davidson. While they may not agree with some of the regulations, they are following the rules because they know its in their best interest.
For many bikers, the Fall rally replaces the spring event they missed when coronavirus canceled the May rally.
Motorcycles glistened under the cloudless sky at the Harley shop on Thursday as a few visitors discussed what brought them to the event despite the virus’ threat.
Latham Brewer rode from North Carolina and admired some of the motorcycles for sale as he said he came because the spring event was canceled. Though he admitted, there was some concern being among the other people.
“Yeah, a little bit,” Brewer said as a mask hung below his chin, “I don’t want to be too much in crowds.”
Carey and Jack Smith also rode to the Grand Strand from North Carolina. They have attended previous bike weeks in both the Fall and Spring. They said this year was similar to previous years, except for one difference.
“There are a lot less people,” Carey said as Jack chimed in, “less vendors too.”
The husband and wife said they were not worried about attending the rally during the ongoing pandemic. As Jack put it, when the Lord calls, it won’t be one minute too early or one minute too late.
“You can’t live in fear,” Carey said.
Bike week served as a chance for the two to get out of the house and for Carey—who has been riding to 10 years to Jack’s 40—its a chance to fill the breeze in her hair.
“The freedom,” she said about why she enjoys the motorcycle, “The wind. The riding.”
SC event approval
The Fall bike week rally in Horry County is happening months after a heavily-scrutinized Sturgis, South Dakota, motorcycle event. The Associated Press reported that more than a dozen deaths and 290 COVID-19 cases were tied back to the rally. A study published by the Institute of Labor Economics, though its been questioned by other researchers, estimated a $12.2 billion heath care cost as a result of the Sturgis gathering.
The South Carolina Department of Commerce approved the events at Harley-Davidson during the bike week, which wraps up Sunday. Department approval is needed for any event where more than 250 people are expected. The application process includes the business detailing what measures will be taken to ensure COVID-19 safety precautions are in place.
Suck, Bang, Blow in Murrells Inlet is also a hub and received state approval to host events during bike week. Owner Williams Couch said this year’s event might have higher crowds than previous fall rallies.
“We’ve had good turnout,” he said.
The popular bar has also taken extra precautions to make sure riders and staff are safe as people gather during the week, such as extra security and cleaning professionals, Couch said.
Suck, Bang Blow was cited by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division during a summer bike rally for violating the state’s executive order designed to slow the virus’ spread. Though, Couch has said he believes they were in compliance during that event.
SLED spokesman Tommy Crosby declined to answer questions about future law enforcement action and whether agents would do targeted enforcement during bike week to make sure people are following the state’s order.
The governor’s order limiting how many people can gather, restrictions on how many people can be in a restaurant at one time and other regulations remain in place. Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle and Horry County all have mask ordinances that are still in effect.
Horry County police spokeswoman Mikayla Moskov said traffic patrol is in place for the work. Officers are aware of the mandate and will respond when they see or are told of any violations.
Officers are first trying to educate people when violations happen before issuing citations, she said. So far, no citations have been issued during bike week.
Photographer Jason Lee contributed to this report.
This story was originally published October 1, 2020 at 3:02 PM.
