You have heard of Daytona Bikeweek and Daytona Biketoberfest. Here is a brief description and differences between the two.
Daytona Bikeweek is held in the Spring and is about to have its 77th Anniversary. For the last 76 years – much like Sturgis – Bikeweek starts on Friday and lasts for 10 days through two weekends and ending the following Monday. Also like Sturgis riders often get to Daytona earlier and make a vacation out of it.
The Daytona Beach Bike Week rally started as the Daytona 200 race on January 24, 1937. This first race was a 3.2 miles (5.1 km) beach and pavement course. It was won by Ed Kretz from California riding an Indian motorcycle with an average speed of 73.34 mph (118.03 km/h). And when it comes to Daytona, if you have not seen Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona H-D you are missing out! The two story Harley dealer surrounded by a small village of motorcycle related stores including the J&P Cycles retail store, is worthy of an article of its own. From a law enforcement perspective, 2017’s Bike Week was the best Daytona Beach has ever had — at least according to Police Chief Craig Capri, who told that to his staff and members of the public during a public meeting. And during Bikeweek you will see Motorcycle Ministries like Heavens Saints, CMA, Chariots of Light, Soldiers for Jesus MC and of course FAITH Riders and their Harley giveaway.
Daytona Biketoberfest is held in the fall, since 1991. In 1992 it was known as “Daytona Fall Tour”; in 1993, it started to be called Biketoberfest, and is now known as the “little brother” of the spring Daytona Beach Bike Week event. The attendance is about half of it’s big brother Bikeweek with roughly ¾ of the vendors with smaller booths and only lasts one long weekend. The weather is usually nicer and more predictable than the Spring although in the evening you will ride in some colder temperatures; but the Florida cold is still warm for anyone not from the Sunshine state.
One thing you will not see much of in the fall during Biketoberfest is the Motorcycle Ministries and you will miss out on the FAITH Riders Harley giveaway! So if you had to choose Bikeweek is the way to go!
