Top 5 Things To See Outside of Daytona Beach During Bike Week
Since I started riding back in the 90’s, I’ve been to Daytona Beach for Bike Week and Biketoberfest almost two dozen times. Just like everyone else, I like to check out the bikes on Main Street, grab a beer at the Boothill Saloon and catch some live music at the Bank and Blues Club. These are all fun, but if you spend your whole trip within the city limits of Daytona Beach, then your missing out on a lot of other great things to see. Here’s my top 5 list of things to see outside of Daytona Beach.
1. International Vintage Motorcycle Swap Meet and Bike Show
Located about 50 miles southwest of Daytona in Eustis, FL, the Vintage Motorcycle Alliance puts on an awesome three day swap meet and bike show starting on Friday March 7th at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Admission to the outdoor swap meet and the indoor bike show are both free, with gates opening at 8:00 AM all three days for those that want to get there early to find the best deals. A number of vintage race bikes and Cannonball bikes will be on display as well as acres of antique parts, memorabilia, literature and more. Make sure to stop by the Replicant Metals booth and tell Tom that Panhead Jim says hello!
2. AMA Vintage Dirt Track National Championship Series Round 2 & 3
After spending a few days looking at vintage race bikes down in Eustis, what’s better than seeing them race up in Barberville? This time you’ll be riding 30 miles northwest of Daytona to the Volusia County Speedway for vintage dirt track racing. The first race will be held on March 10 and the second the following night on March 11. Gates open at 8:00 AM, so come early to check out the bikes and see some practice runs.
20 miles south of Daytona Beach is the famous Cabbage Patch Bar. They have a great bar, campground and plenty of vendors, but the real draw is the cole slaw wrestling. A large lined pit is set up outside the bar and filled with freshly made cole slaw. Wrestling starts at noon on the 12th and 15th and is open to all female contenders. There is a cash prize for the winner, so the wrestling can get pretty heated as the day goes by. A great mid week event and can be made even better by signing up your old lady up to wrestle!
Just north of Daytona in Ormond Beach is the Iron Horse Saloon. This place is a biker’s paradise with multiple bars, live music, vendors , a two lane burn out pit and campground. Plus they make the best Bike Week T-shirts. Grab yourself a couple grilled pork chops, find a place to sit and you’ll have hours of entertainment just watching the people and motorcycles that come through. The Iron Horse also has you covered with a mobile tire shop in case you get carried away in the burn out pit.
Although “Daytona” is in their name, Destination Daytona is actually located in Ormond Beach. It boasts the worlds largest Harley-Davidson dealership with a staggering 109,000 square foot showroom. It also has it’s own hotel, music pavilion, shops, restaurants, a tattoo parlor and a J&P Cycles Superstore. While your walking around, have your transmission upgraded to a new unit from Baker Drivetrain for a more enjoyable ride back home. Rock n Roll legends Great White will be performing a free concert on March 15th with special guest Vixen. Sounds like a great way to end Bike Week 2014.