Daytona Bike Week – Both Loved and Hated But Here to Stay
Bike Week, a ten day festival in Daytona Beach that attracts hundreds motorcycle riders and enthusiasts from around the globe, is a welcome addition to the calendar of events on the central east coast of Florida. But it wasn’t always so.
Bikers come in all shapes and sizes - and all genders
The event evolved from simple roots. In 1937, bikers gathered casually for the the inaugural running of the Daytona 200, a 3.2 mile race course that made use of Daytona’s hard-packed sand beach and some lesser traveled roads south of town. An instant hit, the race continued to grow each year until World War II broke out, when rationing on fuel, tires, and key engine components forced its suspension. Though the race was officially called off, people still showed up for an unofficial party – Bike Week was born. The famous motorcycle race resumed in 1947 and drew such large crowds that the city fathers sent out a plea for residents to open their homes to bikers, since all motels and campgrounds were completely booked. By 1961 the crowds were so large that race was moved to Daytona International Speedway.
Showing off your ride is a big part of the event
During these years, the event gradually took on a “rougher” edge, with the result that many local residents were expressing concern for their safety. By 1986 relations between the bikers and law enforcement officials were at their worst and the city decided to organize a special task force to improve relations and change the scope of the event. Simultaneously, the image of bikers began to change. No longer limited to “Hells Angels” gang members, bikers began to encompass people from all walks of life. Doctors, lawyers, and accountants by day, during the weekend these respected professionals were donning leather jackets and helmets and setting out on the open road.
Bike Week now welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and is enjoyed by locals and motorcycle enthusiasts world wide. Scheduled for February 26 through March 7, 2010, the event features a calendar crammed with live entertainment, flea and farmers markets, street fairs, and motorcycle dealer and vendor demonstrations. The highlight of the festival, as always, is the Daytona 200 race on March 5th, where the top riders in AMA Pro Racing battle under the lights in America’s most historic motorcycle race.
Photo Credit: DeusXFlorida
Article by Barbara Weibel of Hole In The Donut Travels