Again, we all wonder if this year’s Daytona Biketoberfest is going to show some signs of renewed life and street energy. I remember the first edition in 1993, saw the event grow until 2005, then slowly decline in terms of frequentation until now. It doesn’t mean less interest for those participating and those working the event. Hotels and restaurants are cheaper, service is better, a lot of vendors offer discounts and or free installations, and the weather is usually very pleasant.
I forecast an attendance on the same level than last year, which would be good news at a time when all Americans wonder if we are on the verge or already in a double-dip recession. Anyway, I will be there to report and summarize after the jump some of the main events.
Harley-Davidson plans to set up their pin stop on Beach Street. A lot of vendors and the Original Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson, the last time you visit it as a Harley bikes selling place befiore it is turned into a museum. All brand demo rides, as usual at the International Speedway Boulevard. Vendors, races, bikini contests, etc. Major custom part vendors at Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach.
Oct. 13: The Old School Bike and Chopper show will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Willie’s Tropical Tattoo in Ormond Beach 825 S. Yonge St. (US Highway 1), Ormond Beach. 386-672-1888.
Oct. 13-Oct. 16: The 7th Annual Motorcycle Swap Meet Extravaganza & Bike Show at the Volusia County Fairgrounds provides the perfect opportunity to buy, sell and trade your motorcycle gear from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Fastlanes Chopper Show, Fri. Side Car & Trike Show, Sat. Antique Bike Show. Cash and trophies awarded! Free Registration from 12:00 – 2:30, Judging @ 3:00pm. Call Troy Rentz 386-801-1810
Oct. 14: Ben Prestage, known for his unique musical techniques (fingerstyle guitar, harmonica, banjo, lap-steel, fiddle, resonator guitar, foot-drums, vocals, and award-winning original songwriting), at Riverfront Park from 1-5 pm on Friday, October 14.
Oct. 14: The Boardwalk Classic Bike Show will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with registration starting at 8 a.m. All bikes welcome.The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and trophies will be given out at 4.30 pm.
Oct. 14-Oct. 15: The 2-day Poker Run for Autism Speaks. This 2-day poker run will start at the Racing’s North Turn at 11 am on Friday, Oct. 14. Route will be printed on the back of your poker card, cost to enter is $15.00 per hand. Last stop will be Racing’s North Turn on Saturday, Oct. 15 where there will be a live band, raffles and 50/50 drawing starting at 6:30 pm. Payout is $200 for best hand, $100 for second best hand and $50 for worst hand! All proceeds will go to Autism Speaks. Racing’s North Turn is located at 4511 S. Atlantic Ave., Ponce Inlet, FL. Contact: Desiree at 386-299-4177 or Michelle at 386-689-6716.
Oct. 15: Blue Oyster Cult will be performing a free concert at 6:30 p.m. at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona. View details here.
Oct. 15. The 19th annual edition of the Biketoberfest Rat’s Hole Bike Show at the Daytona Lagoon 601 Earl St Daytona Beach, FL. What’s new this year? Not surprisingly, the return of a “Cafe Racer” Class that the show included in the 70′s. Registration is open online or Saturday October 15 from 8 to 9am on Ora Street where the custom bikes will be lined up for entrance and must be fired at the gate to be able to compete.
I’ll be there, look for me in the black tshirt and jeans…! best bike event, laid back, easy to get around
great weather,
I’ll be there.
Enjoy Biketoberfest great weather and the crowds. Typically hang around Wednesday and leave late Friday since it is a 2-1/2 hr. ride back to the garage.
Boss Hawg
No crowds, easy riding, good friends. I will be there too.
I most likely will be there, sadly my Ironhead Chopper project is still no where near done, so I won’t have a bike.
Many of these weekend rallys have taken a hit from the economy. It’s a great mini-vacation though with plenty of accommodations in Daytona and the Orlando area. And unlike Bike Week it is actually pretty easy to get around and see things.
Always a great time and some awesome weather!!
Can’t wait for willies and pops..I’ll be there.
IF YOU MISS WILLIES YOUR NOT A REAL BIKER.. THE BIKES ARE UNREAL AND THE PEOPLE THE SAME…
YOU MISS THURSDAY YOU HAVE MISSED A GOOD TIME.. SERIUSKY THE BIKES HAVE ALOT OF TIME AND MONEY INVESTED IN OLD SCHOOL.
Looking forward to seeing all that make it.
In addition to taking photos and partying I will also be one of the judges at Willies.
sod it – I have nothing else to do and the weather should be good -I am going to fly out from England and check it out too.
ian the reason you are coming is that, it cost less to fly to Orlando, do Disney and drive 40 minutes to Daytona, get a Hotel on the Beach for 3 nights, eat 3 meals every day then it does to go to London for 1 Day!!! I just got back from London and when I saw the prices I thought every body in London is from DISNEYLAND. Have a good Trip!
Bigalyts. Thank our devaluated US dollar.
you know its true – the direct flight to Orlando is cheaper than renting a Heritage for 3 days for the Bike fest! You should have said you were in London, I would have lent you a nice cool custom to ride around on!
If the boardwalk show is still associated with the snake oil salesman that pretends to be a precher, I can promise you, they are ready to get in the rear just like every other event has that has bought into his dog and pony show.
Please people……that guy is a Hack, liar, BS artist, with no talent other than running his over sized, walking cain carrying, cheap sunglass wearing, mouth.
Steve Carr
I already notice an increase in bike traffic around town? I dig the week leading up to the events – fun to watch all the buzz setting up and stuff. Hope ya all have a good visit.
I’m already here on the ground and can’t wait for the event to ramp up. So the weather does not look that good, so what, since when did bikers care that much about a bit of rain? I’m looking for cool, one-off bobbers, choppers and cafe racers to shoot for publication in European custom bike magazines, if anyone is interested please e-mail me at stevekellyphotos@hotmail.com Hope you all have an awesome Biketoberfest.
Check us out at the show.
Weather turned nice, working hard on new inventory, visit Corbin