Bike Week Daytona 2023 – Spring Ritual 

Another March, and another Bike Week Daytona. This will be my fifth visit to the annual rally. We decided to get a hotel this time and see more of the attractions vs. day-tripping from Sebastian. We hit “Main Street”, rode “The Loop”, and visited the Speedway and Destination Daytona. Again, another half million bikes dominating everything within a 30-mile radius, and nothing but friendly folk. A visit to Bike Week is just a must-do if you love motorcycles.

I think the “new” for me this year was realizing just why Daytona is the “World’s Biggest Motorcycle Event” and so heavily subscribed. Bike Week Daytona marks an annual motorcycle awakening for some. With the prevalence of northern plates and an early March event date, it is many riders’ first opportunity for “flight” from cold, snow, and cabin fever. Like bears emerging from winter hibernation, the cyclist’s pent-up demand and hunger for a ride in the warm sunshine wearing only a T-shirt denote a new season. Most northerners trailer their long, idled bikes down to the Carolinas or Georgia, then ride into Daytona. Vendors report bike tires and batteries are their biggest sellers (that says it all). While my observations might just reflect the obvious (dah…), remember, I live in Florida and ride year-round, so there is nothing seasonal at all with respect to my Harley. With Daytona’s bike-friendly infrastructure, beautiful beaches, and weather, it works for everyone. Welcome to Florida.