Winter in Daytona Beach is Auto Racing, Biker Festivals and a Break from the Cold

January 8, 2010

When I think of Daytona Beach several things come to mind. I remember hanging out on the beach during the day getting ‘the perfect tan’ then going back to the room to freshen up, out to dinner and then clubbing all night. I really enjoyed meeting all the people from all over the country there to party and have a good time.

Auto Racing

Speed Week happens and other popular races such as the Rolex 24 hour race and the Daytona 500 are run at the Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR was born from stock car racing which was born from boot legging in the Appalachians during prohibition. Bootleggers, as they were called, needed fast car to outrun the cops as they made their deliveries, many drivers did their own modification to their cars to increase the cars speed and handling. It all started back in 1947 when a gentleman named William France Sr. and some friends founded a small organization they called NASCAR.

When prohibition ended in 1933 the need for bootleggers dried up but some of these guys came to love the speed and excitement of driving down twisty mountain roads. They continued to work on and improve their cars and by the late 1940’s the races for bragging rights and money began. These races were held mostly in rural North Carolina run using modified street cars.

There are also several truck races and events that take place during the week but theses are the main racing events. Then at week after the qualifying events the Daytona 500 is run. The Daytona 500 is run for 200 laps, 500 miles on the two and a half a mile long track of the Daytona International Speedway and it’s considered the biggest, richest and most prestigious race of the NASCAR series. Touted as “The Great American Race” families save of all year and make the week their traditional family vacation. I’ve been to the infield after Speed Week and have been amazed by all the things left behind, arm chairs, sofas and all sorts of other things, it’s an awesome sight.

Bike Week

Many of the bars of Daytona Beach are on the Main Street strip. One of the draws to Daytona Beach is Bike Week 2010, held in February and March. Bikers from all over the country and world converge on Daytona Beach for a few days of booze, bikes and babes. The Hogs Breath, Dirty Harry’s, Froggy’s and the Boot Hill Saloon, the Bank and Blues club; these are just a few of the names you’ll see. If you go to any one of these places during Bike Week or Biktoberfest you’ll find a party going on, wet t-shirt contests, live music, drink specials, food, fun and some fabulous bikes, its well worth the trip.

Daytona Beach

The Main Street pier is reminiscent of the Coney Island style pier, all our friends from the North East can appreciate. They have several restaurants with fare including ‘by the slice pizza’ hot dogs, corn dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, you know, all the junk food one would associate with a good time. They have a midway will all the games and prizes you’d imagine plus some hair raising thrill rides like the big swing where you go up some hundred feet then they drop you to swing up and out, it’s quite breath taking. You can also fish off the pier so it makes for a great family day. Up at the other end of Main Street there’s a different kind of fun to be had.

Drive on the Beach

One of my favorite things about being on the beach at Daytona is the fact that you can drive on some of the beaches there, you have to be respectful of the dunes so they have where you can and can’t drive clearly marked. They also have beach patrols there in case of an emergency so don’t be afraid to suntan there it’s not like you’ll be run over form all the cars. Every year they have runs for charity and good causes on the beach, one I know of is around the Easter holiday every year it’s appropriately called the Easter Beach Run. It runs right by the Main Street Pier which is a great place to spend the day.

There is so much to do all year long in Daytona Beach I guess that’s why I called it one of my favorite cities in this big state, oh and on your way out of town if it’s the weekend and you’re headed to I-95 go under the over pass and on your left there is a great little flea market called the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market. Actually it’s rather a large flea market and voted by USA Weekend one of the top 5 markets in the country not a bad way to spend a few hours.

Leave a Comment » | Daytona Beach, Florida, Travel | Tagged: , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by travelflorida

Harley-Davidson Fans Gather in October for Daytona Biker Festival

July 25, 2009

Hog Rally

As the name would suggest Biketoberfest 09 is a motorcycle festival generally held in mid-October in Daytona Beach. Motorcycle enthusiast from all over the country and even some from Europe come to see and be seen.

Biketoberfest began as The Daytona Fall Tour, and was first held in October 1992. It all started when Janet Kersey was hired as director of tourism events and promotions she was tasked by the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau to create special events that would attract visitors during off-season periods.

The first assignment they gave to her was to create a special biker event, similar to the ever-popular Bike Week, centered around the American Motorcycle Association’s annual fall races held each October at Daytona International Speedway. The event, was called “The Daytona Fall Tour featured a 125-mile scenic touring ride through Volusia County, bike shows, races at Daytona International Speedway and Bikefest — a series of activities offered mainly by the merchants of Main Street. The motorcycling festival attracted 5,000 new visitors, mostly from Florida to the Daytona Beach area.

The success of the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Daytona Fall Tour attracted increased interest from local merchants and the surrounding community. In 1993, local companies, especially Daytona Harley-Davidson, sponsored concerts, trade shows, and other activities. Under the CVB’s direction,during that time period, Biketoberferst activities grew to 40 events in a three-day time span, today there are many events to watch and maybe even a few you’d like to participant in.

This popular bikers’ spot has hosted celebrities, international guests and media from across the globe. The best party in Daytona Beach starts right on Main Street. You just can’t get the full Biketoberfest experience without a stroll down this ultra famous street. Once there you’re likely to see anything and everything including spectacular, high-end custom bikes and the latest, goofiest bikes on the planet, and vendors are everywhere selling the most unique items and food around. Be sure to visit some of the famous Main Street bars, many of which have been around for decades serving generation after generation of bikers. Biking has become an all in the family pastime, many wives ride with their husbands, on their own bikes, and as the kids get older sometimes they even join in the fun. Be sure to pick up many of the many unique styles of Biketoberfest t-shirts always on sale to commemorate your time there whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit, every year the t-shirts are specially made with a different design and become collectors editions the minute the event is over. You just never know what you’ll see on Main Street, but one thing is for sure, it’s always worth the trip and you’ll have many interesting stories for all your friends and family back home.

Some of the most popular annual activities include motorcycle shows and rallies that showcase new, vintage and custom bikes; demonstration rides on the newest machines from top manufacturers, including Harley Davidson. On Main Street and around you’ll also enjoy endless-delicious food choices, live music and plenty of people-watching. With a variety of events and activities planned at venues all across Volusia county. If you’re looking for some adult themed fun check local venues for wet t-shirt and beauty contests, you may also be able to find cabbage wrestling and such.

When you want to take a break from the craziness be sure to visit the Daytona International Speedway, after all it was the motorcycle races that started all the bike rally fun to begin with. Years ago the motorcycle races were held right on the beach, large crowds gathered to watch. It was a very popular annual event and people came from all over to see these adrenaline junkies race over the sand and through the surf at record-breaking speeds. The crowds screamed their enthusiasm as these early racers put on an amazingly spectacular show. Even today these daredevils on extremely fast, high powered bikes take some incredible chances as man goes and against machine over the famous high banks and corkskrew turns of Daytona International Speedway. Racing isn’t all you can expect at the Speedway, each year Kickstand City goes into high gear with live entertainment, demo rides and plenty of track side activities to entertain you during your visit.

If you’re looking to get completely put of the crowds for some quite solitude take your bike out on the Loop, it’s like no other ride. It’s freedom, sunshine, open road and graceful curves; it’s a riders dream. If you have never taken this ride it’s highly recommend that you do so. This leisurely ride will give you a feel for Florida’s natural beauty, you can check out nearby Ormond Park and see the Fairchild Oak tree – one of Florida’s oldest living Oaks. Be sure to bring a camera, maybe even a picnic lunch, and enjoy. The Loop is close to 22 miles long and a must for riders who enjoy the open road and want to get a look at Florida’s real natural beauty.

So mark your calendars now for the middle of October. Hotels fill up quickly so be sure to get those reservations booked ASAP too. Then gas up the bike, pack your sunscreen and head on down to Florida for a few days of bikes, babes, beer and nonstop fun, fun, fun.

View my travel guide with information about what to do in Florida you and your family will enjoy.

Leave a Comment » | Daytona Beach, Florida | Tagged: , , | Permalink
Posted by travelflorida

Getting Ready for Bikes, Beer and Hot Babes in Daytona

August 12, 2008

Wet T Shirt Blond

Where else can you find so many hot girls than Daytona Bike Week, make sure to head to Main Street this year where you’ll find wet-t shirt contest, Harleys and cold beer. Some of the most popular annual activities include motorcycle shows and rallies that showcase new, vintage and custom bikes; demonstration rides on the newest machines from top manufacturers, including Harley Davidson. On Main Street and around you’ll also enjoy endless-delicious food choices, live music and plenty of people-watching.

Wet T Blond

If you’re looking to get completely put of the crowds for some quite solitude take your bike out on the Loop, it’s like no other ride. It’s freedom, sunshine, open road and graceful curves; it’s a riders dream. If you have never taken this ride it’s highly recommend that you do so. This leisurely ride will give you a feel for Florida’s natural beauty, you can check out nearby Ormond Park and see the Fairchild Oak tree – one of Florida’s oldest living Oaks. Whether is driving down the beach or rolling through the loop, there are plenty of things to do in Daytona during the annual event.

Wet-T Girl

It’s time to start thinking about hotels and while making my reservations I noticed rates were fairly reasonable, but I noticed some were already sold out. While there, stop by the Daytona Main Street Pier for a great view and some fresh air. They serve alcohol and fresh seafood and you can even rent a fishing rod and try to catch the big one.

1 Comment | Daytona Beach, Florida, Travel | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by travelflorida

Daytona Beach During the Winter 2008 Season in Florida

December 1, 2007

Daytona Beach is the place to this winter with Spring Break, Bike Week, Races and more. With so much to see and do you’ll want to come back again this summer.

Daytona Beach is a favorite during the winter for tourist to Florida and for good reason. Daytona visitors are driving on the beach looking at the ocean, sea birds and bikinis while many of their friends are driving in snow. With over 23 miles of beaches to enjoy, wintertime activities are exciting and numerous.

Bike Week
Harley Davidson and other motorcycle fans are looking forward to Bike Week, this event continues to gain in popularity every year. Wet T-shirt contest at Main Street in Daytona are big draws for many of the leather clad bikers. Outside Daytona at the Cabbage Patch, the main event is the Cole Slaw Wrestling, it’s a fairly wild exhibition.

This year a new venue, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona is the place to be with over 150 acres of space. There is plenty of parking for bikes and cars, trams transported visitors from remote parking areas. Bike Week in Daytona Beach will be February 29 to March 9, 2008.

Races at Daytona
Daytona International Speedway is a race fan favorite. NASCAR fans will have plenty to enjoy with two races. The Daytona 500 is February 17 and the Daytona 200 is March 8. Also popular is the Rolex 24 Hour Race on January 26 and 27 and the Spring Car Show & Swap on March 28 to 30.

Spring Break in Daytona Beach 2008
Daytona Beach is a traditional Spring Break favorite. While Panama City has taken some of the party away, there are still lots of parties taking place in Daytona this year. Spring Break this year is March 9 to 31, 2008.

Nearby Orlando

Daytona Beach is only an hour from Orlando via I-4. Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World are among the most popular Orlando Attractions. There are plenty other smaller theme parks in Central Florida like Gatorland Zoo, Wet n’ Wild, Dixie Stampede and more to keep family entertained.

Ponce Inlet
Nearby Ponce Inlet is a half hour south of Daytona and is the perfect place to get away from the crowds. The Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is an excellent way to get a birds-eye view of the surrounding area. Ponce Inlet is also a favorite of fishermen with the inlet offering great fishing as well as charter and head boats.

Daytona Beach Pier
The Daytona Beach Pier is a great place to spend the day. The pier is over 1000 feet long with sky lift the entire length that offers one of the best views of Daytona Beach. There is an excellent restaurant on the pier and a bar that serves tropical drinks. Fishing in winter is good with catches of bluefish, Spanish mackerel, redfish, sheepshead and black drum. There is a small tackle shop offering bait and tackle sales and fishing rod rentals.

A Favorite Vacation Destination
The relatively warm weather Florida is famous for and plenty of activities make Daytona Beach a winter time vacation hotspot for families, groups, couples and singles. In fact, there are so many things to do in Daytona Beach that you’ll want to come back again in the summer.

Kirby Collins is a Florida Web Designer and maintains a web site about Places to go in Florida.

Leave a Comment » | Daytona Beach, Florida, Holiday, Orlando, Travel | Permalink
Posted by travelflorida