Sorry for the long post.

For the last 11 years I have been going to OCMD Bike week. Let's just say I think this will be the last year they have it. It was a Total Sh*tShow. From the promoter screwing everything up, to unhappy vendors...to a huge amount of accidents and a few deaths...and the city is really pricing everything out of reach for people.

One of my friends has been trying to get us to go to Biketoberfest and I think next year will be the year. I have a friend who is the GM for a hotel group and they own the comfort Inn near the race track....I can get rooms for almost next to nothing plus it's not an issue parking the trailers there.

Since I have never been there, would this be a good place to stay? How is the area? How far away are all the events and where everything is set up?

Thanks for any advice you can give

 

I like to camp at the various camp grounds. My group goes out during the day sight seeing and watching races. Then we return to the campsite and listen to the band. We are usually back at the campsite, small fire relaxing and chatting. Wake up and repeat again the next day. Many campsites available. Various levels of bands and entertainment. Various levels of campsites and amenities.

I have never liked the hotel based rallies. So many folks I would not have met if I was staying in a hotel.

 

@Scudda
What/how did the promotor screw up?
I started going to OC Bike Fest in 2011 and I've been to each event up to 2019. Covid hit and I haven't been back. I've noticed the prices creeping up and this event just hasn't been on my radar since.

 

I went several years ago and had a blast. It is an older crowd than Daytona Bike week, so you don't get as much of the Mc****ery, which could be a good or bad thing I guess.

 

Plenty of ways. First there were almost no vendors at the stadium and only one food truck when in years past there were plenty to choose from. There was not stunt show, Indian was not there as in all the years past I talked to a lot of vendors there and they all said they won't be back. This included JP Cycles. They all said the rates for space doubled this year. The convention center was ok. I have a couple of friends that are on the OCMD planning comity and in all the years past the promoter would request hotel rooms for months in advance for the bands and workers, yet this year they only made the request 6 weeks before the event...and were blocked out of a lot of hotels. The promoter has made this more about the concerts then the bikes..and even people that went only for the concerts were not happy.

As far as everything else Prices in OCMD have skyrocketed....I blame greed not inflation.......one example is I had breakfast at a little place connected to our motel...had creamed chip beef on toast, home fries, coffee and an OJ and it cost me $26.....now I get it's a vacation spot but that is outrageous.

The people going have also changed, as they probably have at other events....BUT...there were too many accidents and people died or were critically injured...younger people were there riding scooters like idiots.....and one of the bigest reasons I thing is that one of the Major clubs started to show up...( Not that I saw or heard about any issues with them) but just the police presence around their hotel was crazy...I know the town won't put up with that as well.

I have been going for the past 11 years even the Covid year and the Hurricane year and I think this has been dying since 2018

 

I say “go”…

Definitely something to see - one of the largest rallies. Lots of options to “make it your own.”

It’s spread-out across a few main areas, including the old Ross-Meyers site and the racetrack. There’s a ton of action on Main Street, but there’s a lot going on in Ormond and New Smyrna. Then there’s riding along A1A, hitting “the loop” and a number of other peripheral sites and activities. Flagler’s beach is a popular ride up A1A.

Again, lots to choose from - worth it to experience for yourself.

 

A little late reply, sorry. OC city, this was my second year to go and probably was my last. I still had a good time, weather was good, some good bands locally. We went down to the vendors and seemed same as usual, stereos, tires, Chinese chrome, its all good. I did notice a different vibe with people though. I miss Wildwood NJ bike week in September, it was close to Pa. and just a good time.

Daytona, We did this once about 8 years ago. I rode from Lancaster Pa. to Lorton Virginia and took the auto train with the bike to Sanford Fl.. Weather and riding in Florida was good, still need to watch for the crazy drivers. We did two days in Daytona, Seen the vendors, clubs, people watched ect. and moved on. Put air tags on your bike, gear ect., there is theft there. Another five days of riding, St.Augustine worth doing, South Beach Miami also good, We did the keys and did one day Scuba diving (certified in hotel pool for 30ft. dives). Very good experience on the train, Book Lower level seating if you do go that route. Daytona for me was a once and done event, But there are many other events to do in Florida.

What County in Pa. are you in.

 

Wynn hotel in vegas a couple months ago. Same breakfast you had. $91 plus 20% tip.

Eagles show was decent.

 

I am planning on heading down to Biketoberfest. I am celebrating our 40th anniversary there. First rally other than Sturgis, where I have been several times.

Speaking about price gouging.Rapid City and vicinity. Not even during the rally, in June hotel prices were $3-400 a night.

Tim

 

You wont know till you go! The speedway is centrally located so your hotel is in a great place. Biketoberfest isn't as busy as Bike Week so if you don't like the huge crowds and crazy traffic you will like Biketoberfest.