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.

By: Kirby Collins

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]]> http://www.motorcycleetc.net/harley-davidson-fans-gather-in-october-for-daytona-biker-festival/feed/ 0 http://www.motorcycleetc.net/10-points-to-check-before-buying-a-motorcycle/ http://www.motorcycleetc.net/10-points-to-check-before-buying-a-motorcycle/#comments Thu, 03 Jan 2002 07:16:25 +0000 admin http://www.motorcycleetc.net/10-points-to-check-before-buying-a-motorcycle/ Buying a new or used motorcycle is serious business. It needs thought and careful selection. A motorbike is sacred to many and just a vehicle to some. However no motorcycle buyer should be without a check list that will help him or her make a great selection.

10 musts before paying for a motorcycle:

1. Check it out and do so with a motorcyclist friend in tow. Check if the motorcycle is clean and straight down centerline and forks.

2. Take along a list of models and their pros and cons. Discuss the nuances with the friendly sales person.

3. Find out about gears, brakes, clutch, and all other mechanics.

4. Determine engine specifics and details of gas tank and wheels.

5. Ask about service and warranties.

6. Get details of accessories and other musts like helmets, rear view mirrors and so on.

7. Sit on a lot of bikes to get a feel of height and riding position.

8. Read up on bikes in discover Today’s Motorcycling. Get all the information on types of bikes, financing, bike care and more.

9. If you are new to motorcycles choose a light-weight bike rather than the coolest, sexiest bike that only pros can ride. New riders should aim for a four-cylinder of less than 600 cc or 75- cc for sports machines and 150cc for everyday use.

10. Ask about safety gear and budget for this too in the cost of the motorcycle. Use pants, helmet, gloves, and jacket meant for motorcycling.

All motorcyclists must consider safety and reliability. Get a valid motorcycling license and insurance too. Be wise and take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course see: http://www.msf-usa.org/ .

Refer to magazines like beginner Bikes magazine for recommendations on good starter bikes. According to dedicated bikers, a good choice of a motorcycle for a beginner would be Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Buell Blast.

Choose a bike that suits you and not one that looks good on the cover of a magazine. The rule of thumb is the motorcycle and its rider must fit like hand in glove. Test ride the motorcycle and get a feel. A large part of selecting a motorcycle is comfort and instinct. So choose a motorcycle with care so that you get long hours of riding as well as comfort and safety.

Never buy a bike on first sight or visit. Take your time in making a selection. Visit the many motorcycle websites on the internet and comparison shop. Find out what offline prices of motorcycles are and compare features as well as prices, service contracts, and warranties. Many people find that the best deals are available on the internet. Others feel a motorcycle must not be bought without viewing and test riding. So get all your thoughts and options in order before you make a choice.