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With a nasty snowstorm sweeping across the Midwest and East Coast, many of us are already wistfully counting down the days until spring. But for riders, the relief from bone-chilling winter weather is just one reason to get excited for the months ahead. Another major reason? Daytona Bike Week 2019.
Since 1937, hundreds of thousands of riders have flocked to Daytona’s sandy shores each spring for a week packed with socializing, perusing new bikes and equipment, eating good food and, of course, tons of riding. Last year’s event drew a jaw-dropping 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts, and bike week organizers expect this year to be the biggest one yet.
Daytona Bike Week 2019 is scheduled for March 8 to 17. That means it’s time to finalize your plans for the most exciting motorcycle event of the year. Here’s a quick guide to help you rev up for Daytona Bike Week 2019.
The 78th Annual Daytona Bike Week
Dates: March 8 to 17, 2019
Location: As with previous years, Main Street in Daytona Beach is the epicenter of the action, which goes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. But there’s much more where that came from, as events are scheduled throughout Volusia, Flagler and other neighboring counties. The major races, including the Daytona 200, are held at Daytona International Speedway (1801 W International Speedway Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114).
Accommodations: Back in November, organizers reported a record number of advance registrations at area hotels. Many were already sold out come the holidays, which means it’s time to move fast if you haven’t already booked your hotel for the event.
This official list of available bike week hotels is only updated monthly, but it’s still a solid guide to the area hotels that event organizers recommend. If motocamping is more your style, check out this list of nearby campsites (and our article on how to elevate your next motocamping adventure).
Food: You’ll find plenty of food trucks and other food vendors at the main event. But if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, explore the thriving food scene that Daytona Beach has to offer. Here’s a list of six biker favorites to whet your appetite.
Events: Daytona Bike Week is filled with more action than we could possibly list here. But as a starting point, check out these events at the speedway and along Main Street.
Daytona International Speedway Events
- Daytona Supercross (March 9)
- Ricky Carmichael Amateur Supercross (March 10-11)
- Daytona TT Motorcycle Race (March 14)
- Daytona 200 (March 16)
Other Daytona Bike Week Events
- Chopper Time: Old School Chopper Show (March 14)
- Indian Motorcycle Free Demo Rides (Daily, March 8 to March 16)
- Slingshot Demo Rides (Daily, March 8 to March 16)
Visit the Daytona Bike Week main events page and Daytona International Speedway events page to find more activities going on during Daytona Bike Week 2019.
Cost: Most events, activities and vendors are free. But if you want to attend the Daytona 200 or the other major races at the Daytona International Speedway, you’ll need to purchase a ticket. (Purchase your ticket for the Daytona 200 here.)
Bike Week Welcome Center: Have questions once you’re on the ground? Visit the event’s official welcome center, located at Riverfront Park on Beach Street south of the News-Journal Center performing arts complex in downtown Daytona Beach.
Rides: And last but definitely not least, take the opportunity to explore the many rides in and around Daytona. Aside from the iconic ride along Daytona Beach, you can try The Loop, a 22-mile scenic ride that will immerse you in Florida’s natural beauty and its beautiful weather.
You can also ride to St. Augustine (55 miles north), Orlando (60 miles northeast), Jacksonville (88 miles north), Tampa (150 miles southwest) and beyond. With Daytona Beach as a starting point, the options are endless.
Can’t wait to attend Daytona Bike Week but live too far away to ride your motorcycle there? Let Motorcycle Shippers get your bike safely to and from the main event.