There were a lot bikes, but I didn’t see the 5,000 that were supposed to be there. I doubt there were 1,000. Possibly the threat of storms daunted a few, but it never rained a drop.

There were some damp patches along the forty-something mile ride up I-95, but not even wet enough to dirty the windshield. Temperature was around 80º.

Unfortunately they didn’t “close downtown” for bike traffic. There were cars on all the roads, just like in Daytona. And lots of cops everywhere.

I took Gina Woods’ suggestion and called in a brief on-the-scene “report”. You may have heard it if you listen to Open Road Radio.

Photos at my site.

E-Money

R.I.P. Jerry Graves – the best bike builder to ever walk this earth.

http://fabercycle.com/

Having the handlebars available makes building a replica 1955-59 Panhead do-able now – since you can use one of our Vintage Twin® (stock-style, but modified shape) oil filter brackets on any year rigid Pan, and put a 61E generator crankcase in your stock-style V-Twin® rigid frame, using the (reliable) ’58-up voltage regulator (instead of a problematic “relay box”) …and still keep the stock external oil filter and the teardrop toolbox. What more do you need?
Spigot exhaust, Linkert intake Panheads? V-Twin stocks them.
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

12/2/09 – Tom Faber http://fabercycle.com/ called to say he has just completed a small production run of 1954-1959 (one piece) “Buckhorn” handlebars. They will go quick – and it took him about 3 months to create the current inventory.

Not to sound contradictory but Steve & Bikerdata are on a good track. Quaker attracks anywhere between 2000 to 5000 bikes “per week” (not per year) – they have bands, prizes, bike giveaways etc.. it is a huge crowd – if you look them up on the net http://www.quakerlube.com under the st pete chapter you will see pictures that speak for themselves.

PS Really enjoy your blog. Awesome job!

I have also been told by local biker magazine editors, that Pinellas County, which is where the “Lube” is located, has the most motorcycle registrations out of any county in the State of Florida. I would like to know how to verify this info, but dont know exactly what agency to get the info from.

Steve Carr

I might argue that the largest bike night takes place at the Quaker Steak & Lube in Clearwater, FL. I have been there and over 5500 bikes show up on a Wednesday night. They give away a bike almost every month.

RE:
“… I don’t report about local motorcycle events…”

Well, ya the events themselves aren’t interesting (all about the same).
But the occasional cool idea, and unusual bike are……….

To me, anyway

-nicker-