Even with restrictions tied to the coronavirus pandemic, the allure of Bike Week remains strong as ever for Lee “Stretch” Kirby, who’s been attending for more than 30 years.

“It’s getting out on the bike, hanging out, partying,” said Kirby, 55, of Ocala, who was holding court Saturday along Main Street with thousands of other bikers out for the closing weekend of the 80th annual event.

Adorned in well-worn leather and camo, accessorized by a shoulder-high walking stick topped with a miniature skull, Kirby was joined by his two dogs.

Lil Bit, a Chihuahua snuggled inside Kirby’s leather vest, was sporting his own fashion statement: stylish pink riding goggles. At Kirby’s feet, Lil Man, a pit-bull Dachshund mix, was a canine version of a low-rider, padding along close to the ground in a leather vest of his own.

The pooches were popular for photo ops among passers-by, but they had plenty of competition for attention in the sea of humanity out on a sunny afternoon. On clogged sidewalks, it was a sensory overload that combined with the sight of gleaming motorcycles, the roar of exhaust pipes and the aroma of leather, cigars, grilled burgers and sausages.

Yes, there were concessions to the ongoing pandemic, ranging from the stretches of barricades that restricted motorcycle parking in the name of social distancing to the 60% capacity limits at many indoor bars instituted by the City of Daytona Beach.

But merchants generally were pleased with the crowds and business generated by the event.

“We had a record day yesterday with spending,” said Shawn Humphreys, gemologist at Humphreys & Son jeweler, a Main Street fixture for decades. “The numbers are strong. Everybody is wanting to get out and they are spending, making purchases big and small.”

The event also was a success at Dirty Harry’s Pub, where manager Sarah Saylor said the compromises made by businesses in the name of COVID-19 safety measures were reasonable.

“It’s been fine,” Saylor said. “We want to do what we can to be open and to keep everyone happy and healthy. We’re hoping that next year we’ll be back to normal, but isn’t everybody?”

Dirty Harry’s welcomed more Bike Week customers than they had anticipated, Saylor said.

“They’ve been really nice; they’re just really happy to be out of their homes,” she said. ”We’ve heard the same thing from other establishments, too.”

A few blocks east on Main Street, John’s Rock N Ride souvenir store also was plenty busy, said owner Johnny Sanchez.

“Business has been fantastic, which was a big surprise to everyone,” Sanchez said. “The weather has been phenomenal; the people are well-behaved; I’ve seen very little aggression. We were here until late last night and the people didn’t want to go home.”

As Bike Week approached, the Daytona Beach City Commission took action to incorporate COVID-19 safety measures into the planning. In January, commissioners voted to issue the permits that allow businesses to temporarily present outside activities during the event that runs through Sunday. In exchange, those bars, restaurants and shops agreed to limit indoor occupancy to 60% during the event.

But not everyone on Main Street on Saturday was pleased with the changes.

“There’s no place to sit and no place to park on Main Street,” said Randy Wilburn, 56, who rode his Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special to Daytona Beach from Hudson, near New Port Richey. “It sucks.”

Watching the crowds in front of the Boot Hill Saloon, Wilburn said that he was attending his first Bike Week in 10 years, although he did attend Biketoberfest in October.

“The town was more open then, allowing bikes along the street,” he said, adding that he didn’t think the restrictions would have much impact on the potential spread of the virus. “It’s a farce, in my opinion.”

Just west on Main Street, Bill Gromley, owner of Bill’s Trailer Sales, said that it wasn’t a banner year for business at his vendor tent despite the big crowds.

“It ain’t nothing to write home to mom about,” said Gromley, a Bike Week vendor for 25 years.

“Daytona has changed so much over the years,” he said. “All the rules and regulations, they change things by the day.

“I know a lot of the bikers are really upset that they can’t park on Main Street and I don’t blame them. But the street itself has been busy, the busiest it has been in some time.”