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Every year, sometime in March, over a half million people converge on the city of Daytona for what’s been known as Bike Week since 1937. For 2016, Daytona bike week will run from March 4th through March 13th andwill begin with the inaugural Daytona 200, which was originally a beach race and is now run at the famous Daytona International Speedway. The race was put on hold during World War II, from 1942 to 1946, resumed in 1947, and in 1961 left the sand for the track. Although the race was the initial attraction, the popularity of this enormous motorcycle rally now includes a number of activities and events and sponsors for the 2016 calendar year:
Your first stop when you arrive at Daytona Bike Week is to go to the Official Bike Week Welcome Center. Located on Beach Street between ISB & Main Street, at the welcome center you can get free information about all the events in the area, enter the official Daytona Bike Week Motorcycle giveaway and grab yourself an official pocket guide.
Ride The Loop:
This 22 mile route takes motorcyclists on a leisurely ride through the beautiful Florida countryside. Driving through ceilings of trees and along the ocean, there are plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat or a picnic lunch. This ride has become a tradition for many who attend Bike Week.
Budweiser Clydesdale Parade:
On March 5th or March 6th you can enjoy the Budweiser Clydesdale Parade along Main Street. A Budweiser souvenir collector 75th anniversary cup can be picked up at River Front Park during the event. If you didn’t know, or didn’t guess by now, Budweiser is the official Beer of Bike Week.
H-D Demo Rides:
Harley-Davidson Motor Company is the Official Motorcycle of Bike Week. You can check out the new 2016 models and enter the Harley-Davidson raffle for a chance at winning a free motorcycle if you head to Daytona International Speedway. You can take a Demo ride on a Harley-Davidson, or just stop and get a pin. You can see all the new genuine parts, accessories and Motor Clothes offered by Harley-Davidson, checkout out the H.O.G. project bike, or ladies, you can join in the MDA Women’s Ride on March 8th.
Food and Music:
All over Daytona, live bands will be performing at bars and restaurants; most of which will be offering food and drink specials.
Some of the hottest spots and events include:
- BuckCherry at Jesters Live ( 1637 US Highway 1, Ormond Beach)
- Perewizt Custom Paint Show at Jesters Live
- B.F.F.A.R. Post 1 (745 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill)
- Bank and Blues Club ( 701 Main Street, Daytona Beach)
- Boot Hill Saloon ( 310 Main Street, Daytona Beach)
- Froggy’s Salon – A LOCAL FAVORITE EVERYONE SHOULD STOP BY! located at 800 Main St.
Other Things Of Interest:
Geico motorcycle insurance can be spotted at numerous locations, including Riverfront Park, Destination Daytona and the Daytona International Speedway, why not get a quote on your motorcycle insurance.
Plenty of Campgrounds are in the area waiting for bikers to arrive,m including Cackelberry Campground at Cabbage Patch, the Daytona Speedway KOA, and Geico is offering camping at the Daytona International Speedway.
There are numerous popular hotels in the area, but the Official Hotel is the Daytona Hilton Beach Resort.
For those of you who want to trailer your motorcycles to Daytona, the official bike week website, has a list of places where you can park your trailer. Don’t have a trailer and don’t want to ride that far? The website also has a list of freight companies that can bring your bike to and from Daytona so you can enjoy the week on your own bike. Once on the website you can also sign up to get the bike week newsletter which includes offers and specials for Bike Week.
Go with the intent to have fun and you will. With such a diverse crowd, you will surely find a place to hang out and meet people with your similar interests. Using common sense by staying away from situations that make you feel uncomfortable and you will surely create a memory that will last a lifetime.
Have an experience at bike week to share, send us your comments, pictures or recommendations!