Thousands pack Duval Street for Bike Night in Cape Coral

Bikers were happy to celebrate Saturday night after a stressful year inside. Thousands of people flocked to Duval Street in Cape Coral for ‘Bike Night’ after the city canceled the original event.

These people love the thrill of being on two wheels. “It’s just wind therapy. It is,” said Brian and Mindy Farlow, two of tonight’s participants.

Everyone is looking for a break from quarantine. “Because you can get out there, you can ride on two wheels, get the wind in your face, get a nice little ride, forget about the problems for a little bit, and take a break from life,” said Chris Maslowski, vice president of Sons of Liberty.

The City of Cape Coral decided to cancel its annual Bike Night because of the pandemic. Leaders were concerned about having a large number of people gathering in one place.

“Everybody wanted it. Everybody wants to get back to some sort of normalcy,” Maslowski said.

So the Sons of Liberty joined forces with Duval Street to give bikers and the Cape Coral community the break they so desperately needed.

Many of those at the event weren’t worried about contracting the coronavirus. “I’m not. If you’re going to get it, you’re going to get it. That’s the way I see it,” the Farlows said.

Others simply put their fears aside for just a few hours. “Of course, everybody is worried a little bit here and there. It’s not something that is off the map but we are a little bit worried. It’s not something that we can’t protect ourselves from,” Maslowski said.

Organizers say between 2,000 and 3,000 people came in and out throughout the evening.

Another Bike Night event is planned in the Cape for Dec. 12.