DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Since 1937, bikers have descended on Daytona Beach for Bike Week.
This year is no different as thousands are expected to fill the city over the next 10 days.
Opening weekend could be a little soggy with some rain in the forecast, but the party will go on for the 85th year in a row.
“We’re so excited about it and what a great year to do it, when it’s our nation’s 250th anniversary, not to mention our own area’s 150th anniversary,” said Janet Kersey, executive vice president and COO of the Daytona Regional Chamber. “There’s bike shows, there’s rides, there’s veterans’ events, there’s concerts, you name it.”
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Riders, like Clinton “Old School” Clark, love the camaraderie.
“Just the people that you meet, the love and the respect that you have for people and you don’t see that all the time, this world need more love,” he said.
Local businesses enjoy the major economic boost is to the downtown area.
“I’ve worked a lot of events all over the country and, financially, bikers are the best and they are the kindest human beings,” local bartender Olivia Gray said.
While there is a chance of wet weather, Kersey said it likely will not last long.
“We know when it rains here, it doesn’t last long. It’s okay to stop your bike and go inside of a business and have some fun and meet some friends that hang out at your hotel,” she said.
The Bike Week welcome center is at the Daytona Regional Chamber office, at 126 E Orange Ave., and the chamber has published a Bike Week travel guide. For more information, click here.
[MORE: Keeping everyone safe during Bike Week]