Bikes At The Beach
Back for another year, the Daytona Beach Bike Week organizers have prepared a safe, fun 2021 event. // B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N
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he roar of the engines, the sound of the ocean waves and a warm breeze blowing through your hair—this combination can only mean one thing: It’s time once again for the Daytona Beach Bike Week. What began on January 24, 1937—the inaugural running of the Daytona 200—has morphed into one of the world’s largest gatherings of motorcycle enthusiasts. In 1986, the Daytona Regional Chamber of Daytona 200 Commerce got involved to help organize the event and evolve it into a world-class festival of motorcycling. Today, the chamber continues to serve as the event planner, organizing all details related to its production in cooperation with the Daytona Beach community and national sponsors. A 10-day festival that spans throughout Volusia County, there are hundreds of events for riders to enjoy. One of the first is the 51st annual Daytona Supercross, held at the Daytona International Speedway. The March 6 race features one of the longest and most grueling courses on the Supercross circuit and offers high-flying excitement from the big names that Supercross fans know and love. Other events include the Ruff Ride Poker Run benefitting Halifax Humane Society, the Miss Burning Bike Contest, the 43rd Annual Trike and Sidecar Day, 43rd Annual British and European Bike Invasion Day and, of course, the Daytona 200 on March 13. In addition to all the main events, you’ll find bike shows, benefit rides, demo rides, swap meets and a wide variety of vendor booths. You also won’t want to miss checking out the live 14
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music schedule—you’ll hear every kind of music you can imagine at locations all over the county. While at the event, visiting riders can enjoy the Main Street area, which is the most historic Bike Week destination and includes the Daytona International Speedway and its entertainment complex One Daytona across the street. Heading north on the U.S. 1 corridor, destinations include Iron Horse Saloon, Broken Spoke Saloon and Destination Daytona where Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson is located. Bike Week always offers the Official Bike Week Motorcycle raffle, and this year the raffle features the 2021 Harley-Davidson FLHCS Heritage Classic 114. Raffle tickets start at $50 and can be purchased in advance on the Bike Week website. Nervous about the crowds? Janet Kersey, executive vice president and COO of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, says that area merchants and businesses have dramatically shifted gear to ensure the safety of visitors.
“We’re sure the crowds will be less than an average year just because some people will not travel,” she says. “On Main Street we have a new traffic plan approved by our commission that reduces motorcycle parking. The street will be restricted to motorcycles only, and the flow will be controlled by our expert public safety officials, and the reduced parking will also allow for expanded sidewalk space to allow for greater social distancing.” While in the Daytona area, Janet suggests riding the Loop, which takes you through Ormond Beach and the more natural side of Florida. Check out the website for specific route details. You can also ride along A1A to experience some Daytona Supercross breathtaking ocean views, head over to Ponce Inlet for an up-close view of an old Florida fishing village or visit DeLand with its natural springs and old oak trees. No matter what you do during Bike Week, Janet says there’s absolutely one thing not to miss. “You must go to the beach when in Daytona Beach,” she says. “It’s a natural treasure you just can’t explain. There’s something about the ocean that just calls us to it.” Daytona Beach Bike Week // March 5-14 // officialbikeweek.com
Bike Week photo courtesy of Daytona Beach Area CVB; Daytona 200 photos courtesy of Daytona International Speedway; Daytona Supercross photos courtesy of Monster Energy Supercross
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