Photo: David Tucker/USA Today Network
Local officials say the extravaganza pumps about $75 million into the local economy. The 83rd gathering will run from March 1 to March 10.
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ATS Around the State
Revving Up
Each spring, hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts roar into Daytona Beach for a 10-day street party known as Bike Week.
The second oldest motorcycle gathering in the nation dates back to 1937, when a motorcycle race known as the Daytona 200 was first held along a 3.2-mile course of beach and road.
While the race was moved to the Daytona International Speedway in 1961, the heart of the regional festival is Daytona’s Main Street entertainment district, which draws leather-clad riders and bike devotees, vendors, onlookers and others. There’s plenty more for motorcycle fans to do — such as concerts, stunt shows, swap meets and fashion shows — throughout Volusia County. Among the unique events is the “Burning Bike” ritual at the Fastlane Campground in Deland, where attendees are invited to scribble a personal message to deceased loved ones on a 75-foot wooden bike sculpture before it’s set on fire.
Local officials say the extravaganza pumps about $75 million into the local economy. The 83rd gathering will run from March 1 to March 10.
