Daytona Bike Week

Daytona Bike Week

Feb 27th, 2009 through Mar 8th, 2009

Like many of the major motorcycle rallies, Daytona Bike Week has its roots in motorcycle racing. This event is officially considered to have started on January 24th, 1937, with the first running of the Daytona 200. Like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, gas rationing during World War II caused the race to be cancelled in 1942. While the race did not restart until February 24, 1947, many bikers continued to visit Daytona and continue the Bike Week event. Daytona Bike Week also has one more item of historic significance...it was the first major motorcycle rally yours truly attended, back in 1976.

Today, the Daytona Bike Week runs in early March, and features much more than motorcycle racing. Check out Big Daddy Rat's Custom Chopper Show, watch coleslaw wrestling matches, ride on the beaches, or just sit at your favorite tavern.

The future of Daytona Bike Week is still much in debate, with at least one of the city commissioners calling for an end to the event, so the citizens of Daytona Beach did not have to leave the area to get some sleep. But efforts in the past to close down bike week have failed, and it is a pretty good bet that, with an estimated attendance of 500,000, Daytona Bike Week will be here for a long time in the future.

Typical Events at Daytona Bike Week

Daytona Bike Week includes numerous events every year. As one of the 'Big Four', some of the best custom motorcycle builders, vendors, and manufacturers attend. A partial list of events is provided here, but I highly recommend going to the official website, listed below, to get a detailed listing as well as a schedule.

* AHDRA Motorcycle drag racing
* Daytona 200 Motorcycle Race Week, racing events throughout
* Coleslaw wrestling (check it out!)
* Several custom motorcycle shows, including Rat's Hole Custom Bike Show
* Live music throughout the event, at numerous locations
* Vendors - for about anything a biker would want
* Manufacturer displays

Daytona Bike Week Official Website (for further information)

Daytona Bike Week: www.officialbikeweek.com/