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Daytona Bike Week 2003 is now history, but I am sure that it is going to be talked about for a while.
A major factor was the stinking weather and of course it’s reflection on attendance. Some will say the attendance this year was less than in past years, and they are going to blame it on everything from the weather, to the economy and even the possibility of the country going to war.
BULLSHIT! Bikers were in Florida! They just were “Not” staying In Daytona Beach. I spent a lot of time on the street, at events, in bars and on stage with girls. Plenty of people recognized and approached me. I talk to them and others and ask a lot of questions. Most of those I spoke to were tired of the high prices and felt they got ripped off at a lot of places, especially the hotels and motels. Many were staying in places outside the Daytona Beach area and day tripping in. “How Many Times Can You Do Main and Beach Streets,” was muttered more times than I can remember.
Some years ago the city and the folks running Daytona Beach wanted to move some of the businesses out to the county to relieve over-crowding. Businesses in the outskirts did well and others were started. Now they are growing and other areas like Orlando are looking to get in on the action. So far they are doing well, as they reported 100,000 bikers in Orlando. That should get Daytona’s attention. Add the other small towns, campgrounds and events, and we can figure where the bikers went.
Riders say they have no problem spending money to have a good time. They are against paying $150.00 a night for a room when they can get a room in the same name hotel a few miles away for $55.00 to $65.00. The money they save at hotels they spend on other things, DUH! There also appeared to be a lot more campers and motor homes in the campgrounds.
Though the weather may have kept some from outdoor events or off the streets of Daytona Beach there were plenty of indoor places to party.
Does it really matter where riders stay in Florida? I don’t think so. They’ll come to town to party.
Actually, in many respects it was a rather good week. Traffic was minimal and bikers could get around town without much hassle. There were fewer lines and waiting in restaurants. If this continues, it will make for more fun and a better time for those attending. I originally reported that I was not going downtown or hanging at Beach Street because of past experiences with crowds. I changed my mind and muscled my way through the sparse crowds. I’m probably getting old.
The people who promote and organize these events and those who make a living off them may need to rethink their program. They may not have a choice if Bikers start moving away.
For the riders who escaped bitter cold and heaps of snow, the rain wasn’t half bad.
Hey all in all I HAD A GOOD TIME. I Hope You Did TOO.
Got home a little bit ago and will have some more photos for you shortly. Thurs.night was pretty good but a Big rain came in Friday.Did some damageto a few of the events and people partied inside. Saturday was pretty decient and I got to do Beach Street etc. All in all I think it was a Good Bike Week.It may give some people something to think about. The Harley Dealer has purchase property out in the county and will beholding events out there so that should tell you some thing. ROGUE
FROM THE NEWS–
EDGEWATER — Perched on a bar stool outside Mom’s Restaurant, 82-year-old Gordon Magyar waves at bikers riding passed on the way to Bike Week events on U.S. 1. The gesture often encourages visitors to turn around and grab a bite to eat, said Magyar, a Shriner who watches bikes in the restaurant parking lot each year for donations. Bike Week may be the most lucrative week of the year for many well-known motorcycle establishments, such as Gilly’s Pub 44, Cabbage Patch and No Name Saloon. But small businesses in Southeast Volusia have created their own unique ways to draw in the bikers — and their bucks. The owners of Mom’s Home Cooking display a “Welcome Bikers” sign and put a skullcap on the woman shaped-sign out front. During the 10-day event, waitresses leave the khakis at home and sport tank tops and jeans instead.? We look forward to it as much as the bikers,” co-owner Patty Cook said. “The bikers bring in a huge income to this place and many others.? Still, some businesses start new events to compete with the traditional ones. Bikers’ Paradise creators hope to welcome 35,000 people to New Smyrna Speedway during the second year of stunt shows, bands and vendors. To drum up attendance, promoters sent women to bars throughout Florida in February. Several thousand people came out for the inaugural event, but rain kept many away, said Joyce Vignola, whose sister, Janet Caporale, started the event. So this year, the Bikers’ Paradise angels — played by Caporale’s daughter and a local model — toured the state handing out free passes. Coordinators also booked a popular biker band, Blue Oyster Cult, which often brings a following of fans, Vignola said. The band played Thursday night. ?We wanted it to be like an old-fashioned bikers’ party,” she said. As the leather-clad crowds motor through Southeast Volusia, many small businesses use biker friendly signs to rope in customers.
All-Suite Hotel owner Fran Mills displays “We’re glad you’re here” to bring in tired bikers traveling U.S. 1. But, Mills finds that she doesn’t need a lot of advertising to fill up rooms each year.
“The same people come down each year and book the rooms a year in advance,” she said
Peanuts Restaurant and Sports Bar on Flagler Avenue brings in customers by billing itself as one of the few motorcycle joints on New Smyrna’s beachside, owner Shelly Pestine said.
“We’re the closest thing,” Pestine said.
It also helps that the kitchen stays open until 1:30 a.m. and the rates don’t go up during Bike Week, he said. At least 500 patrons come to Peanuts on a night during Bike Week, which is twice the usual amount, he said. Many are locals who leave Daytona Beach to avoid the bike festivities.
“It’s by far our biggest week of the year,” he said.
Cops from all over the country go to Bike Week and other events at theexpense of their state. They say it is to look for stolen motorcycles from their state. Well according to reports they are not being to successful at it. Maybe the money would be better spent trying to stop the thefts in thefirst place. Or maybe it was to wet for them to go out and they were in the barspartying with every one else.
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