MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina motorcyclists' event attracted large numbers of bikers from across the United States this year, after the 2020 gathering was diminished by the coronavirus pandemic.

Myrtle Beach Bike Week event began May 7 wrapped up Sunday. The Sun News reported that hundreds of bikers were out Friday in Murrells Inlet, listening to music and shopping during the spring Harley-Davidson motorcycle rally. A bar was surrounded by motorcycles with licenses plates from all across the U.S.

Michelle Jamison told the newspaper that she got her first motorcycle 12 years ago when she was 42. Now, she rides one decorated with more than 15,000 Swarovski crystals. She said she decided to bedazzle it to let people know it’s a woman’s bike.

“Women don’t want to be put on the back (of motorcycles) anymore,” Jamison said.

Jamison, who is from Minnesota, is one of many woman bikers who attended Myrtle Beach Bike Week. She said she hopes to inspire woman to do everything they want to accomplish.

“If they see somebody else doing it that looks like them or acts like them, they know they can do it, too,” Jamison said.

Hannah Guerra, who was out Friday with her mother, Helen Owens, said there seemed to be many more people this year than last year. Guerra and Owens traveled to Myrtle Beach from Rock Hill, S.C., to attend their sixth Bike Week.

Owens has been riding for about 11 years and said she enjoys going to the rally to look at the bikes. She said she has seen more women bikers in recent years.

“Now, it is getting to be more common,” Owens said. “There is about as many women as men.”