Organizers of Americade say they are optimistic that the 38th annual motorcycle rally will be held in the Lake George area on Sept. 21-25.
Americade last year was schedule for June, then postponed until July because of the coronavirus pandemic. Ultimately, it was canceled, compelling organizers to carefully consider all safety measures put in place by state and federal health agencies while still offering attendees a true Americade experience.
Those precautions are still at the forefront of planning for 2021, Dutcher said.
The annual rally will be held between Sept. 21 and Sept. 25 over concerns that an event of such magnitude would not be allowed to take place in June as the state’s vaccine rollout continues to progress slowly and limits on large gatherings remain in place.
“We want to make 100 percent sure that a 2021 Americade will happen, but we’re not confident an event of this size will be permissible in June,” Dutcher, said. “But, moving it to September gives us a very high likelihood of it happening.”
Americade typically attracts upward of 50,000 motorcyclists, packing local hotels and restaurants in the region.
Dutcher said he moved the event to September so it wouldn’t interfere with other motorcycle rallies scheduled throughout the country. The mild temperatures coupled with the beginning of the region’s foliage season, make fall the end of September a “perfect time for riding,” he said.
“Interest in Americade 2021 is very high because so many 2020 events were canceled, and we are expecting a huge Americade 2021,” said Dutcher.
“We created a touch-less Americade 2020, which would have made the event a model for how to run a large event during COVID-19,” said Dutcher. “We plan on doing the same in 2021 if needed. It’s simply a safer way to run an event.”
According to Dutcher, for nearly four decades, Americade has offered not only the best guided and unguided rides in the Northeast, but also the most factory demos of any motorcycle event in the U.S.
The event website is www.americade.com. Dutcher can be reached at 518-798-7888.