Daytona Bike Week

Every year, half a million visitors descend upon Daytona Beach for the annual Bike Week celebrations. Held over the course of ten days in late February and early March, this often riotous affair features an array of motorcycle related shows and exhibitions, not to mention races at the famous Daytona International Speedway. Main Street serves as the center for the festivities, which also include concerts that can feature renowned performers. The Daytona Bike Week dubs itself "The World's Largest Motorcycle Event," and if you like motorcycles, then it's an event that you'll do well to experience at least once in your life.

Bike Week in Daytona Beach is a big deal, and since it attracts so many visitors, those who wish to experience it will want to book their hotel room or vacation rental well in advance. It's also a good idea to brush up on the history of the event, which was started way back in 1937. In the early days, the Daytona Bike Week revolved a race that was called the Daytona 200. This race covered just over three miles and took place on both a road and beach course. In 1942, the Daytona 200 motorcycle event in Daytona Beach was discontinued due to World War II. It wasn't until 1947 that the races resumed, though interestingly enough, people kept coming during the off years to enjoy unofficial Bike Week celebrations. A year after the races resumed, a new beach and road course down near Ponce Inlet was introduced, and in 1961, the decision was made to move the now famous race to the Daytona International Speedway.

Over the years, Bike Week in Daytona Beach developed into quite the raucous party, which had a lot to do with the fact that the accompanying events were not usually organized. These days, this top motorcycle event in Daytona Beach is still known for its party atmosphere and its edge, though increased organization has resulted in a more pleasant experience for locals and visitors alike. In addition to enjoying all of the organized motorcycle shows and exhibits, those who bring their motorcycles to the Daytona Bike Week will also want to take a ride on the Loop while in the area. The Loop is a 22-mile long drive that is bound to please, as it features plenty of open road to explore. Among the highlights along the way is the Fairchild Oak tree in Ormond Park, which is one of the oldest living Oak trees in the state of Florida.

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast and you can't make it to Daytona Beach for Bike Week, you might try to plan your visit around Biketoberfest. The second most popular motorcycle event in Daytona Beach, Biketoberfest takes place over the course of a few days in mid-October. Like Bike Week in Daytona Beach, this event features races, shows, exhibits, and concerts. If you really like motorcycles, then enjoying a demo ride on a new motorcycle at the Daytona International Speedway is bound to figure among the highlights of your Biketoberfest experience.