5 must-see experiences for Daytona Biketoberfest 2021

That rumble you hear is the incomparable soundtrack of Biketoberfest, the annual fall invasion of motorcycles and the people who love them.

This year’s event officially opens its four-day run Thursday at Daytona Beach and throughout Volusia County. This is the first time since the pandemic took hold that Daytona Beach will host one of its renowned biker events without any city-mandated COVID restrictions.

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Entertainment options abound, from groups on the open-air stages to opportunities for solitary excursions on the seaside freeways or shopping for everything from leather jackets to high-performance suspension systems.

Along the way, take the time to live these essential Biketoberfest experiences:

Meander on the main street

Although Biketoberfest has widened its footprint over the years, Ground Zero is still Main Street, crowded shoulder to shoulder and tailpipe to tailpipe with motorcycles, onlookers, street vendors, bands and clubs. unusual figures from the Main Street Bridge to State Road A1A. A glance at license plates from across the country on the rows of gleaming Harley-Davidson’s lining the street is proof of the event’s appeal.

From the roar of exhaust systems to the smell of leather and grilled sausage, it’s a sensory workout. Visit daytonabeachmainstreet.com.

Relax on the Ormond Loop

This famous 37-mile (37 km) stretch from the Birthplace of Speed ​​Park to the Tomoka River Basin is known for its lush canopies of holm oaks and stunning views of the ocean, river, and marshes. The trek, which is part of a larger double loop over 30 miles, takes cyclists past an assortment of oceanfront beach parks along National Highway A1A, as well as North State Park. Peninsula, Highbridge Park, Bulow Creek State Park and Fairchild Oak, Tomoka Park State, Tomoka Outpost and Ormond Beach Historical Society.

It’s a nice respite from the main drag crowds. Find details about this hike and others at biketoberfest.org.

Daytona International Speedway Races

During the annual fall cycle scene, the American Sportbike Racing Association and the American Motorcyclist Association host a weekend of track races on the high shores of Daytona International Speedway. Daily tickets and multi-day passes range from $ 10 to $ 50 on DaytonaInternationalSpeedway.com.

In addition, the Speedway will also host vendors, exhibits and entertainment in front of the Speedway entrance at Midway Marketplace and Harley-Davidson Thunder Alley. Across International Speedway Boulevard, the official event welcome center will be open daily at the One Daytona retail, dining and entertainment complex.

Party at the Iron Horse Saloon

Another iconic watering hole, the sprawling Iron Horse Saloon on US Highway 1 in Ormond Beach is also a must-see attraction for those looking for an old-fashioned biker vibe.

Rock ‘n’ roll and country music take center stage on the outdoor stage, with free shows from the AC / DC tribute band Highway To Hell scheduled for 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, “God Bless the USA” frontman Lee Greenwood will perform at 3 pm. Visit ironhorsesaloon.com.

Demos at Destination Daytona

At Destination Daytona, visitors to Biketoberfest will find a list of live bands in the outdoor pavilion of the 150-acre site located on Interstate 95 and US Highway 1 in Ormond Beach.

Apart from Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson, there will also be an assortment of vendors offering every conceivable accessory related to fashion and gear. A highlight will be the presence of the Harley-Davidson demo truck offering test rides of the new Sportster S and Pan America models from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Visit brucerossmeyer.com.