Go Bold at Daytona’s ‘Biketoberfest,’ Oct 19-22

Florida rally celebrates 25th anniversary with rides, hard rockers Jackyl & 150,000 motorcycle enthusiasts on the guest list.

Now that Hurricane Irma has passed, we can get back to the fun of riding bikes, and what better way to do that than with a rally — a really awesome rally? Florida’s Biketoberfest 25th Chrome Anniversary will be happening again October 19 to 22 in Daytona Beach.

Biketoberfest, whose motto this year is “#25YearsBold,” is celebrating its birthday with motorcycle racing events, eclectic vendors, live music, and some hot nightlife. “With a guest list of 150,000, you’re sure to meet up with some old friends and make some new friends along the way,” promise the organizers.

While at the rally, you’ll want to stop by the the world’s largest Harley dealership, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson‘s massive 109-square-foot location in Ormond Beach (just a few miles north of Daytona).

Rossmeyer’s is also hosting a free concert with hit-making Nineties hard rockers Jackyl at Biketoberfest on Saturday, October 21. Jackyl, free?!? Now, that’s how to get the party rockin’. The Georgia band fronted by outrageous singer-songwriter-guitarist Jesse James Dupree is know for the timeless hits “Down on Me,” “When Will it Rain” and, of course, “The Lumberjack,” which features Dupree doing a chainsaw solo. Badass? You bet. But there’s plenty more baddassery at this year’s motorcycle meet-up.

Biketoberfest is also a great opportunity to go on some amazing rides. The “Official Biketoberfest Top Rides” map outlines four that you may enjoy. The Street Festival Ride is a scenic and historic cruise along Beach Street. The Ponce Inlet Ride is a 24-mile loop from the World’s Most Famous Beach to Florida’s tallest lighthouse. Old City Ride is a 100-mile loop beginning in Ormond Beach and includes a stop at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Harley-Davidson. Finally, The Loop is more than 30 miles of roadways traversing some of the most beautiful and diverse natural scenery in all of northeast Florida.

As Biketoberfest organizers say, it’s the perfect time “for putting those knees in the breeze.”

Dan Gregory

Dan Gregory is a longtime journalist and editor whose over 20 years of professional experience includes covering the automotive world for Los Angeles' EDGE Magazine before joining the Internet Brands Auto Group team. Dan currently contributes to Ford Truck Enthusiasts, Rennlist, JK Forum and Team Speed, among others

When not covering the auto industry and motorcycle events for the Harley-Davidson enthusiast site H-D Forums, the F-150-driving auto enthusiast can usually be found doing donuts and leaving smoke in local parking lots in the general Iowa area while listening to Slipknot.

He can be reached at autoeditors@internetbrands.com.