Leesburg Bikefest
Apr 29th, 2011 through May 1st, 2010
Leesburg Bikefest was first held in 1997, the vision of Joe Shipes, vice president of the Leesburg Partnership. Seeking to show off the newly renovated downdown Leesburg, and to attract a different crowd than a lot of local activities, Leesburg Bikefest opened its downtown streets... to motorcycles only, no cars allowed during the event. Approximately 5000 bikes were attracted to this first year of Leesburg Bikefest.
Leesburg Bikefest has grown rapidly from that start, with 2005 attendence estimated at 125,000, an impressive showing, even compared to the other two large Florida motorcycle rallies, Daytona Bike Week and Biketoberfest®. Who knows, Leesburg Bikefest may even topple Daytona Bike Week out of the top four motorcycle rallies. Why? More laid back policing, vice the nit-picking that has come to be Daytona. Merchants maintaining pre-rally pricing, instead of raising prices just for the bikers. Motel rooms and camping at a reasonable rate, again not artificially inflated. Just a biker friendly atmosphere. Daytona Beach needs to take a lesson from Leesburg in how to run a rally. And Leesburg, you just keep on doing what you are doing... they will come!
Typical Events at Leesburg Bikefest
Leesburg Bikefest packs a lot of activities into its three day rally. A full listing of events and times can be found on the official website listed below, but here is a small example of what to expect.
- Ms. Bikefest contest
- Party in the Street - Three stages providing musical entertainment and more
- Biker games
- Rat's Hole Custom Bikeshow
- Vendors - for about anything a biker would want
- Manufacturer displays
While at Leesburg Bikefest, don't miss these nearby attractions
Someday, Leesburg Bikefest may lengthen the duration from its current three days. However, even now, a lot of the attendees attend on their favorite day, and ride to some of the nearby attractions on the others. Here is a short list of some of those attractions:
- Disney World is only about 50 minutes south-east
- Kennedy Space Center is about two hours south-east
- Busch Gardens Tampa is an hour an a half west
Leesburg Bikefest Official Website (for further information)
- Leesburg Bikefest www.leesburgbikefest.com/
Motels and Camping Near Leesburg Bikefest
Motorcycle related laws to know while attending Leesburg Bikefest
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 |