[defconw]

There were I believe, 5 middle aged men who died at Sturgis, from apparent natural causes. Time will tell of course, but the Black Hills can be extremely hot. There is often not much in the way of humidity. It can pour rain and a hour later everything is dry as dry can be.

People generally do not realize how dehydrated they can become. Most especially if they are guzzling beer in the hot sun.

Altitude, the Hills range in altitude from 2,000 to 4,000 feet and of course there are places that are over 7000 feet high. Rapid City is at 3250 feet and Sturgis is at 3422. Generally not high enough to have altitude sickness, but it can cause problems with physical exertion. Harder to breathe etc.

With the five reported deaths it sounds as if some combination of these factors along with pre-existing heart problems, will likely be the cause of death.

[bgill]

True. Despite what many practice, beer guzzling and hot sun don’t mix well.

[Robert Teesdale]

There were I believe, 5 middle aged men who died at Sturgis, from apparent natural causes. Time will tell of course, but the Black Hills can be extremely hot. There is often not much in the way of humidity. It can pour rain and a hour later everything is dry as dry can be.

The heat was incredible. You would be fine in the shade, but step into the sun and it was like a sudden burning blanket of heat thrown over you. People radically underestimate hydration needs, especially if drinking. Riding on a bike in the open air is dehydrating in itself as well.

[TangoLimaSierra]

Time will tell of course, but the Black Hills can be extremely hot.

A few years ago I rode my M/C thru the Black Hills in August. 107 degrees. Luckily my bike ( Kawasaki 1600) was water cooled. My buddy on his Harley was having a hard time.