Biketoberfest ready to rumble into 30th anniversary event
DAYTONA BEACH — It’s a milestone year for Biketoberfest, the annual fall motorcycle rally that marks its 30th anniversary when fans rumble into town for the four-day event that opens next month.
Although the shorter longweekend-ish window of Biketoberfest typically doesn’t generate the crowds of spring’s 10-day Bike Week, this year’s anniversary edition — unfolding Oct. 13-16 in Daytona Beach and throughout Volusia County — could attract more bikers to celebrate the special occasion.
What’s on tap? Here’s a look at some recommended area rides, must-see local spots and events for the motorcycle-minded among us:
Make it to Main Street
Although Biketoberfest has expanded its footprint over the years, ground zero is still Main Street, packed elbow-to-elbow and tailpipe-to-tailpipe with motorcycles, onlookers, street vendors, bands and unusual characters from the Main Street bridge to State Road A1A.
It’s the prime spot for people-watching, snagging commemorative merchandise, noshing on grilled sausages or burgers from one of the street vendors, or merely sipping on a cold beer as the free-spirited, two-wheeled procession of motorcycles cruises the thoroughfare.
A look at license plates from across the country on the rows of gleaming Harley-Davidsons that line the street is evidence of the event’s appeal.
There’s everything from music on outdoor stages to jewelry shopping the motorcycle-themed offerings at Humphreys & Son Jewelers, a Main Street fixture since 1954.
Ride the Ormond Loop
This famed 23-mile stretch from Birthplace of Speed Park to the Tomoka River basin is known for its lush canopies of live oaks and breathtaking ocean, river and marsh views.
The trek, part of larger 30-mileplus double loop, takes riders past an assortment of oceanfront beach parks along State Road A1A, as well as North Peninsula State Park, Highbridge Park, Bulow Creek State Park and the Fairchild Oak, Tomoka State Park, Tomoka Outpost and the Ormond Beach Historical Society.
It’s the perfect getaway from the packed crowds (and roadways) around the event’s most popular watering holes and marquee destinations. Find details on this ride and others at biketoberfest.org.
Visit Daytona International Speedway
At the annual Fall Cycle Scene, the American Sportbike Racing Association and the American Motorcyclist Association host a weekend’s worth of on-track races on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway. Daily tickets and multiple-day passes range from $20-$60 at DaytonaInternationalSpeedway.com.
In addition, the Speedway also will host vendors, displays and entertainment in front of the track’s entrance at the Midway Marketplace, and admission is free.
Across International Speedway Boulevard, the event’s official
welcome center will be open daily at the One Daytona retail, dining and entertainment complex.
Party at Iron Horse Saloon
Another landmark watering hole, the sprawling Iron Horse Saloon on U.S. Highway 1 in Ormond Beach also is a mustsee stop for anyone seeking an old-school biker vibe.
Rock ‘n’ roll and country music is a fixture on the outdoor stage, where the Biketoberfest band lineup is typically stocked with tribute bands offering homage to AC/DC and other classic acts. Visit ironhorsesaloon.com for updates in coming weeks on the event lineup.
Biketoberfest at Destination Daytona
At Destination Daytona, Biketoberfest visitors also will find a slate of live bands at the outdoor pavilion of the 150-acre venue at Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 1 in Ormond Beach.
Outside Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson, at Interstate 95 and U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach, there also will be an assortment of vendors offering every imaginable fashion and gear-related accessory.
A highlight will be the presence of the Harley-Davidson Demo Truck offering test rides of the brand’s newest offerings from 9 a.m. daily Oct. 13-15. Visit brucerossmeyer.com.