Bike Week Tomorrow

Swap in the snow blower for an engine an' 2 wheels!

Places to go, things to do:

Up to 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts arrive at the world's most famous beach for spring bike week, but you'd never know it by checking attendance at these motorcycle races.  This year, consider buying a pair of tickets to see what it's all about.  Support motorcycle racing.  Here's what's up for bike week 2013.  

Race Schedule:

March 9 - Supercross by Honda

March 10, 11 - Ricky Charmichael Daytona Amateur Supercross

March 14, 16 - AMA pro Road Racing Series

March 14, 15 - Daytona Flat Track Racing

March 16 - Daytona 200 

Ticket Info:  www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or 1-800-PITSHOP

Florida Weather Trending Warmer.

As recently as a month ago, Daytona residents were basking in temps nearing 90 degrees.  Those hot February days have been tempered by record breaking late season snow north of dixie.  If there's any bad news, thats it.  Outside of a chance of rain for just one day, the 10 day run of the 72nd Bike Week looks dry as a bone, with temps hanging in the seventies during the day, fifties at night, nearly perfect weather for riding, riding, and more riding.  If the 70's doesn't do it for ladies looking for more heat, try Main Street.  Bikers packed in like sardines on an air cooled hot plate is nearly always good for an extra 7-10 degrees of warmth.  

Florida Sharks Trending, Too.

The east coast of Florida between Daytona and the Georgia state line is home to more sharks than anywhere else in the world, and they're gathering in huge numbers for a run toward cape cod.  They can't stand the snow, either?  Most locals have little fear, as shark attacks are rare.  Be less of a target by not dangling them gams off a surf board, or floating donut, to Mr. Shark, that looks like a couple of tasty bananas.  Chilly as it's been the past couple of days, surf temp is still a luke warm 67 degrees at the end of Main Street.

Main Party Areas.

After a few years of being left for dead, Main Street, Daytona Beach is back to reclaim the title of Party Central.  Intimate atmosphere, bikes parked curbside for about as far as the eye can see, a gazillion different bikes, and thousands of pretty girls who don't believe in overdressing make Main a good place to be.  Tough times have taken down a bar here and there, but Boot Hill, Dirty Harry's, Bank n Blues, Full Moon, and Froggies are rockin' on. 

Ten miles north on US1 brings you to the "Ormond Strip", a cluster of bars a few miles south of Destination Daytona.  Ironhorse Saloon is the big daddy.  The brew ain't cheap, but they throw one hell of a good party.  The 'horse is laid out like Ballard's Full Throttle in Sturgis, but since the 'horse predates the throttle, we kind of figure Michael designed his joint after this one.  Smiley's Tap, across the street is a cool little joint, and has a bangup buffet to check out.  Next door, directly across US1 from the Ironhorse is the newly bought and refurbished Boot II, (our name for) the "other" Boot Hill Saloon.  BHS has teamed up with Strip Club Choppers, promising pole girls with little clothing, cold beer, and cool custom bikes for drooling over.

If that's not enough, keep heading north, go under the I-95 overpass, and check out Destination Daytona's myriad of vendors.  You can buy a part and have it installed right on the spot.  JP Cycles is right next door, and believe me, when it comes to parts, they have just about one of everything.  Destination Daytona is sponsoring a "Woman's Day" ride March 12, and a free show by the great Shooter Jennings March 16th (Saturday) in the pavilion.

Looking for Gilley's Pub 44?  Unless they found a buyer, it's been shuttered for a year.  Same-same for the Dog House on Main Street.

Main Display/Try Our Stuff Areas.

      Lots of new bikes for you to ride with a group of ten to twenty.  Staging area is in front of, or on the east side of Daytona International Speedway.  Bring a helmet or they won't hand ya the keys.  The huge lot between the 4th turn of the speedway and Int'l Speedwy Blvd (Rt 92) is packed with manufacturer displays.  Beach Street intersects Main Street at the foot of the Intracoastal bridge, and is making a huge comeback too.  A few years ago, nothing happening.  Now there's a vibrant crowd checking out vendor displays, especially the Harley Davidson lot.  Last year, they blocked off one end of the street for an interesting exhibition the crowd seemed to appreciate.  

Oh, and free parking for those who don't want to risk burning up their bike in the Main Street crawl.  With cages clogging up Main during the busiest part of bike week, you have to wonder if the city is liked up with an engine rebuilder.

Park your bike in the free lot, and take a quarter mile walk over the aqua blue water, snap a pic or two of the dolphins, and poof, you're on Main Street.

Smoke 'em if you got 'em, but..

  Dude, field strip that butt, or douse it with water.  Doesn't rain much this time of year down here, and roadside grass and pine straw will go up with a single spark.  Help to keep Florida green!  

Last day in the compound, we're Daytona Bound!

Check back often for ABM updates, pic's and vid's, see ya there.