There is a mecca for almost every particular group of interest; filmmakers flock to the Sundance film festival, Catholics to Rome to get a glimpse of the Pope at the Vatican, and bikers band together in Sturgis and Daytona Beach a few times a year.
Local motorcycle rallies can be found all over the U.S. on any given weekend during the spring, summer, and fall. Daytona Beach with Bike Week and Biketoberfest along with Sturgis it's Motorcycle Rally are the biggest and most anticipated motorcycle rallies in the U.S.A. Although the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, located in west South Dakota, is more well known than the other two rallies, which both take place in the east coast of Florida, Daytona Beach Bike Week and Biketoberfest each draw over 150,000 people from all over the country and even overseas.
These three events are spread out throughout the year. Daytona Beach, Florida kicks off the new year by hosting Daytona Beach Bike Week during the first full week of March. Five months later, Sturgis, South Dakota welcomes their famous motorcycle rally in the beginning of August. Last, but not least, Daytona Beach attracts bikers once again by hosting Biketoberfest in the middle of October.
Because Biketoberfest is homage to the worldwide Oktoberfest celebration in Germany, its participating restaurants and pubs serve bratwursts, sauerkraut, and Jagermeister. Some of the events include shows with new, vintage, and custom bikes, on-track racing at the Daytona International Speedway, and free demo rides on the newest bikes from top manufacturers. On top of that, the attendees are also welcome to spend the day at Daytona's world-famous Beach, where they can check out the Boardwalk Classic Bike Show, watch a bikini contest, or make a trip up to the lighthouse nearby.
Before the 2011 Biketoberfest took place between October 13th and October 16th, tourist officials estimated that the rally would bring in more than 125,000 bikers spending $214 million. Actual statistics have yet to be reported. However, many have described Biketoberfest 2011 as a huge success. Rock n’ Roll bands played at the Cola-Cola Pavilion, an exotic pet rescue owner charged the attendees $5 to have a picture taken with his 10-foot python, tattoo artists inked thousands of bikers, and so much more – all in one weekend.
Harley riders are already counting the days until Biketoberfest 2012, which is from October 18 – 21, 2012. This will be a special event. The Bikertoberfest 2012 is the 20th anniversary. The number of attendees will grow, so here’s to hoping Biketoberfest survives long enough to see its 50th anniversary! For more information, visit http://www.biketoberfest.org/.
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