Motorcyclists stretch Bike Week into 10- day event
Daytona Beach, Fla. is a sunny venue for two- wheeled action both on and off the race track
As riding season approaches, riders are all dreaming about the day we are going to get back on our bikes and where we are going to go. Well, the good news is you don’t have to wait for the weather to change to enjoy motorcycling.
If you are itching for some sunshine and looking to vacation south of the border, get on a plane and head for Daytona Beach, Fla., for the 71st annual Bike Week, which kicks off March 9 and continues to March 18 ( 10 days = a rider’s week, not a calendar week).
Sturgis, N. D., may be the biggest motorcycle event in the U. S., but Daytona is right on its heels.
Daytona itself is worth the trip. Miles and miles of pristine beach that you can ride on drew early riders’ attention way back in 1937, the year of the inaugural running of the Daytona 200 race.
You don’t have be a rider to enjoy a vacation to Daytona. This destination is the perfect playground for all members of the family. Walt Disney World in Orlando is a couple of hours away, as is the Kennedy Space Center, providing a family with options for everyone’s interest aside from parking yourself on an incredible beach and watching the day go by with the sounds of the waves of the Atlantic. Stay in Daytona and take a day trip to Orlando or the other way around.
“As a child, we went to Daytona often during Bike Week,” recalls Marissa. “I remember turning my dad down on a day trip to Disney World because the beach was a more attractive choice.”
Just strolling the beach is a sight to be seen. If ever you wanted to take in some motorcycle culture, a walk on Daytona Beach during this event will do it. You’ll find the usual motorcycle events throughout the week, I mean 10 days, including bike raffle draws, street vendors, show ’ n’ shines, bikini competitions and a variety of live music at the local evening hot spots.
But what draws the diehards to Daytona is the racing.
The Daytona International Speedway hosts a number of racing events throughout the year, from NASCAR to racing schools, but during Bike Week it’s Supercross, Flat track, the AMA Pro Supersport as well as the Pro XR1200 series.
The main events are the start of the season for the AMA Pro Road Racing circuit and the Daytona 200.
The AMA Supercross opens the racing schedule. Returning to the circuit is two- time Daytona champion Ryan Villopoto, in addition to James Stewart, Chad Reed, Ryan Dungey and Trey Canard. The Supercross track itself is being designed by a former champion — five- time titleholder Ricky Carmichael.
On March 10, the pros will take the spotlight in the 4 kilometre tri- oval portion of the Speedway. The lights will be on and the riders will be flying through the warm Florida night air getting the adrenalin going for a funfilled week of racing. By Sunday, the amateurs will have their chance at the track.
After your first look at the track, you will get a few days to explore the grounds with available tours, check out the garage, the pits, the fan zone and maybe even meet some of the competitors.
Heating up March 15- 16 are the AMA Pro Road Racing practice and qualifying runs as well as the Pro Flat Track Grand National competition. Then on Friday, the racing revs up with the Pro Superbike and Pro Supersport competitions.
Also on Friday, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame hosts a fundraising breakfast, where the guest of honour will be world roadracing champion Kevin Schwantz — a 1999 inductee.
“Kevin Schwantz stands among America’s greatest motorcycle racers, and holds a special place in the hearts and memories of a generation of racing fans,” said Jeff Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation in a news release. “We’re honoured that one of the Hall of Fame’s most decorated members is joining us at our annual Breakfast at Daytona fundraiser and will provide a first- hand perspective on his worldchampionship career, and the people and companies that he worked with along the way.”
If you haven’t seen a Pro XR1200 event, Daytona will ignite the series on March 17.
This model- specific race has riders on specially modified Harley- Davidson XR1200 motorcycles. B. C.’ s Darren James will be on the track again this year racing the bike with the maple leaf tank and working his way to that $ 60K jackpot.
Saturday hosts the main event; the kickoff to the 2012 motorcycle road racing season, the Daytona 200. An action- packed day of two- wheeled racing around a 12- turn, five- kilometre track that will have fans sitting on the edge of their seats with amazement at how these racers can handle a bike. All your senses will be activated as the bikes roar across the pavement like a swarm of bees on the edges of their tires flipping from side to side and reaching speeds that are only possible on a track.
Delta and US Airways fly directly into Daytona Beach, but if you want to see the countryside or would rather stay outside Daytona, Orlando is a good option as well. There are many trucking companies that will get your bike there or you can rent one if you want to.
If you can’t get to Florida for 10 days, no problem. Bernie Ryan — a mechanic we wrote about last year — is hosting his annual Daytona fundraiser at the Shark Club in Vancouver.
This is a great afternoon where you can watch the races on the big screen, share the company of other local enthusiasts, bid on auctions, help raise money for the Children’s Hospital and enter to win a motorcycle. It takes place on March 18 at the Shark Club on Georgia Street in Vancouver. Doors open at 11 a. m. For up- to- theminute details visit daytonaparty. shawwebspace. ca.
And for the real deal and vacation, just google Daytona Bike Week and a plethora of information will bombard you. Next step, visit your travel agent and go shop for some sunblock.