Biketoberfest®

Oct 16th, 2008 through Oct 19th, 2008

Biketoberfest® was first run in 1992, as a means of filling more of the motel and hotel rooms during Daytona Beach's off-season. It was estimated that the first year turnout was around 5,000. The next year, attendence tripled, and the name for the event officially became Biketoberfest®.

Today, Biketoberfest® attracts nearly 100,000 visitors, and surely the dreams of its founders have been realized. Yet, like Daytona Bike Week, the city management appears to be trying to close down the event. Imagine that, create an event to help the economy, then try to shut it down, simply because one member of the board is anti-biker. What they have succeeded in doing to date is discourage many from spending their money in Daytona Beach, instead going to the outlying areas, which still welcome them with open arms.

Yes, vendor rates have been raised, the motels have started trying to rape the participants with minimum stay times and artificially increased rates, the police seem to become real nit-picking in what tickets they will issue to pad their coffers... but Biketoberfest® will survive, and we will continue to have a good time.

Typical Events at Biketoberfest®

Biketoberfest® includes numerous events every year. With the number of bikers expected to attend each year, some of the best custom motorcycle builders, vendors, and manufacturers attend. A partial list of events is provided here, but I highly recommend going to the official website, listed below, to get a detailed listing as well as a schedule.

Biker Bash on the Beach
Main Street Rally
Motorcycle Expo
Rajun Cajun Fest
Live music throughout the event, at numerous locations
Vendors - for about anything a biker would want
Manufacturer displays

While at Biketoberfest® don't miss these nearby attractions

Many people spend their entire vacation enjoying the events and comradery offered during Biketoberfest®. But, if you want to just get away from the hustle and bustle that is Daytona Beach during the rally, here is a short list of some of some of the attractions nearby:

Visit country unchanged since America was first settled at St. Johns River Country only a half hour west
Kennedy Space Center (even if there is no launch scheduled, this is a good visit) is one hour south
St. Augustine the "nation's oldest city", is one hour north
Sea World an hour and 10 minutes southwest
Ride in the glass bottom boats in Silver Springs, an hour and 15 minutes west
Walt Disney World, fun for all ages, is one hour 15 minutes southwest
Universal Studios Florida an hour and 15 minutes southwest
Cypress Gardens theme park is two hours southwest

Biketoberfest® Official Website (for further information)

Biketoberfest® www.biketoberfest.org/

Motels and Camping Near Biketoberfest®

Click to view available lodging and check availability.

Motorcycle related laws to know while attending Biketoberfest®

One of the common complaints when returning from a major motorcycle rally is about the law being rampant, and giving tickets out for every minor infraction. While we cannot stop all tickets from being given, some of those tickets are due to you, the attendee, not being aware of some of the standard laws in the state. Below are some of the most common laws for Florida. Be aware, though, that many rally locations have recently passed local ordinances that may be more strict than the state law. For example, a new noise ordinance was passed in Myrtle Beach just in time for the 2005 Fall Rally. I make every effort to keep this information up to date, but you may want to research them more just prior to going to an event, just in case they have changed.

Helmet Usage	Not required over 21 with a minimum of $10,000 in medical insurance
Eye Protection	Required by law
Daylight headlights	Required by law-modulating headlight permitted
Passenger Seat	Required if carrying a passenger
Passenger footrests	Required if carrying a passenger
Mirrors	Required
Turn Signals	Not Required
Mufflers	No person shall modify the exhaust system in such a manner that the noise emitted is above that emitted by the vehicle as originally manufactured. No person shall operate a vehicle with an exhaust system so modified
Max Noise Level	Yes
Handlebar Height	Maximum of 15" above seat
Riding two abreast	Yes