The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), the main organizer of the annual Tomahawk Fall Ride motorcycle event, has pulled its involvement from the 2020 event due to COVID-19.
“With the uncertainty of what is to come with COVID-19 we simply cannot risk the responsibility of any illnesses for our guests, customers and MDA clients,” wrote MDA Executive Director Murphy Maes.
MDA also hinted funding and staffing challenges during the pandemic played into the decision.
“MDA has elected to implement a furlough for employees whose services are not immediately required at this time,” Maes wrote.
As of Tuesday afternoon, it was unclear whether any other group would continue hosting the event.
The event bills itself as the largest annual motorcycle rally in the Midwest. Travel Wisconsin estimates the event brings in more than 40,000 bikers to the Tomahawk area each year.
This September’s event was scheduled to be the 39th annual.