Beautiful beaches, warm weather, 500,000 bikers looking to party are just a few of the reasons that the Daytona Bike week has grown to one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the country.

     It all started in 1937 as the Daytona 200 Motorcycle race. The first one was a 3.2 mile beach and pavement course and the winner was Ed “Iron Horse” Kretz. A Californian, and founder of the 13 Rebels Motorcycle Club, who rode a Indian Sport Scout at an average speed of 73 Mph.

    Although World War II put a stop to the race for a few years, the tradition continued. The races started back up in 1947 and quickly started to gain in popularity. Promoted by the founder of Nascar, Big Bill France Sr,  it is now a Rally that rivals Sturgis, drawing 500,000 plus bikers from around the world.

    Bike Week is centered in Daytona, but the festivities are scattered around the entire county. Main Street in Daytona is the center of activities. However, The Daytona Speedway hosts a series of races during Bike Week and caps off the week with the running of the Daytona 200. For an unique experience look into the camping options on the speedway infield, and enjoy a week of exceptional racing with some of the best seats in the house outside your tent ! In between races you can enjoy the large midway filled with vendors offering just about anything a motorcycle enthusiast could imagine.

     The local motorcycle dealers all have events scheduled during the week. The largest being Bruce Rossmeyers Daytona Harley, located where I-95 and Hwy 1 cross north of Daytona Beach. Entertainment, food and a multitude of vendors are set up for the entire week. As you are riding up to Daytona Harley, make sure to stop at a couple of spots along Hwy1. Broken Spoke Saloon and Iron Horse Saloon, both offer camping, cold drinks, and Live music.

   With all the partying, racing and vendors it is possible to forget that you are surrounded by miles of unforgettable riding. The rolling hills and horse farms of central Florida offer a excellent contrast to the beautiful beaches that are right off Hwy 1A. There are also many cool towns and attractions to visit only about an hour away from Daytona.

   Full of history and eclectic shopping, St Augustine, the oldest city in the nation, is just a short ride north along the beach. Go south four an hour and visit the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. Also, don’t forget to visit the great theme parks in Orlando !!

Tips for First Timers

•            It goes without saying that you will need to get your lodging secured at least 6 months early. In fact you should be looking as early as a year before !

•            Even though Bike Week is held in the spring, make sure to bring and apply sunscreen. The Sun is really intense in Florida !

•            If you can’t make it in March, there is another rally in October. The Biketoberfest is held annually every year in Daytona.