Daytona Bike Week 2018

[Jedz123]

So I'm going down this year to check out the scene for a day or two then meeting up with some MC buddies down there to travel around Southern Florida and hit Key West.
Unsure if anyone is around that week but if you want to meet up for a lunch or maybe rack a couple miles let me know. I'll be based out of Port Orange from 3-8 to 3-11, Fort Lauderdale area 3-12 to 3-14 then back at Port orange till 3-16 in which I'll load the truck up and head back to Vermont.
Mainly going to check the scene out for I've never been and to say that I have. I also want to ride out to Key West on my motorcycle... Bucket list thing.
Maybe I'll see some GSR folks while I'm down there...
Best,
-Jedz

 

[NavyDad]

The ride to Key West is very nice, Key West itself, not so much. If you plan on doing it in a day it is going to be a long day. Not a bad thing, just letting you know it will probably take some time. The Everglades are well worth a visit also.

 

[Jedz123]

The ride to Key West is very nice, Key West itself, not so much. If you plan on doing it in a day it is going to be a long day. Not a bad thing, just letting you know it will probably take some time. The Everglades are well worth a visit also.

Here's the trip planned for out Key West ride.

We will get started around 7AM and be back in Coral Springs for a beer or two around super time.

I just want to do it to say I've done it... I think it will be a cool experience!

 

[Redman]

For you keys trip; keep in mind that almost all that south of the mainland is 35-45mph.
We had a day trip from key largo to key west. Got a late start in morning and made some stops on way down. When got there had to head back quickly to make it in time to return the rental bike.

 

[Jedz123]

I'll have my own bike but thanks for the heads up!
My guides(buddies) are locals and do the run quite often. We are planning a whole day to ride out and back

 

[NavyDad]

My cousin lives in Homestead. We left his place at 9:00 AM and got back just before 9:00 PM. As stated speed limit is 35 to 45, BUT that doesn't include sightseers doing 25 and not many chances to pass them as the road is two lane and can be pretty busy. If you are going to spend much time checking things out, which you should, getting back by suppertime may not be in the cards. Go and enjoy the scenery and the weather, just don't make any early reservations for supper I have made the ride twice and there won't be a third, but I would like to see the Everglades again.

 

[Guest]

Bike Week is mostly a Harley fest, but if you're bringing the XR you'll almost fit in. Try to make some reservations for new model bike test rides at the speedway. It's also a great opportunity for the local badges to fill their ticket quotas so no shenanigans around Daytona. The riding in the Miami area will suck if you are anywhere around there during rush hour. I haven't been to the keys since the 80s, but I would still suggest to try and make that part of your trip during the week and not on a weekend.

I'm guessing you already have hotel reservations? If not you may be up the creek finding a room. Bike Week has been building back up and may be hard to get a place. Port Orange is where I used to do a lot of fishing in the inter-coastal. Visit Our Deck Down Under while you're there and eat lunch or dinner by the water and get a shirt while you're there. There is also a fishing pier right there at the restaurant where I've caught quite a few fish over the years. Maybe we can hook up for lunch or dinner on a Sunday or Monday my days off.

Warning, there are a lot of bike thieves that also show up for the event. I would recommend getting a lock with an alarm.

 

[Jedz123]

Thanks for the 2 cents Rick!
I will be staying with family in a gated housing development while I'm in the Daytona area. I do have a brake lock but maybe I'll grab one of those rotor alarm locks as well. I will be traveling to southern Florida near the Ft Laurderdale area to ride with my buddies from Amen-moto https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI3jYfSe3a0T1ipZFmQdl5w. We plan to ride to the Keys all day on a Tuesday. Reservations are in.
I'm not looking to fit in. I don't fit in anywhere anyway. I honestly will only check the "Bike week" out for a day and then I'm planning big rides all over the states with allot of my non Harley riding buddies. It will be a good excuse to jump start my 2018 season!
I would love to meet up! Sunday would likely be the best for I will be riding south to Corral Springs Monday AM.
Thanks!

 

[chuck hahn]

Bike week never drew my interest. 100% of the reason is the childish acting so called "adults" that are associated with the Harley brand. Those and the gutless bunch of puzzzies that somehow magically grow a pair and suddenly are superior to anyone else on a bike of another brand after they buy a HEARDLY.. F*(^&ck Harley Davidson.

 

[storm 64]

Couple of years ago I was on my way to Baltimore. I get to the Pennsylvania Turnpike toll booth, the guy said to me "Aren't you going the wrong way, Sturgis is the other way" I told him, "I'm trying to get as far away from Sturgis as possible!
Daytona Bike Week, at least there is warm weather and good racing going on.

 

[swanny]

Bike week never drew my interest. 100% of the reason is the childish acting so called "adults" that are associated with the Harley brand. Those and the gutless bunch of puzzzies that somehow magically grow a pair and suddenly are superior to anyone else on a bike of another brand after they buy a HEARDLY.. F*(^&ck Harley Davidson.

Grouping every Harley rider into one derogatory category is damn ridiculous, foolish, and outright stupidity. And some of you wonder why the same is done to you. I sincerely hope you grow up.

 

[swanny]

Couple of years ago I was on my way to Baltimore. I get to the Pennsylvania Turnpike toll booth, the guy said to me "Aren't you going the wrong way, Sturgis is the other way" I told him, "I'm trying to get as far away from Sturgis as possible!
Daytona Bike Week, at least there is warm weather and good racing going on. 

Sturgis has warm weather, much, much, much better riding, free concerts, and a lot more. It's a lot of fun and a place I get to visit friends and relatives. Have you ever been there?

 

[chuck hahn]

See here...I DID grow up...That's why I refuse to hang or be associated with the crowds that haven't..or doubtfully ever will..grow up.

 

[storm 64]

Sturgis has warm weather, much, much, much better riding, free concerts, and a lot more. It's a lot of fun and a place I get to visit friends and relatives. Have you ever been there?

NOPE, None of my friends or family would ever dream about going to Sturgis... You see we aren't the Harley type of people, there would be nothing at Sturgis that would interest me. If I want to people watch, I'll go to Wal-Mart. I only have so much vacation time and vacation dollars. I'd rather ride to a destination that me and my motorcycle has never been to. I'm not knocking the Sturgis rally, just not my cup of tea...
Like I said at least Daytona Bike Week has some quality racing.☺

 

[swanny]

NOPE, None of my friends or family would ever dream about going to Sturgis... You see we aren't the Harley type of people, there would be nothing at Sturgis that would interest me. If I want to people watch, I'll go to Wal-Mart. I only have so much vacation time and vacation dollars. I'd rather ride to a destination that me and my motorcycle has never been to. I'm not knocking the Sturgis rally, just not my cup of tea...
Like I said at least Daytona Bike Week has some quality racing.☺

Harley type of people - lol. Some of the best roads in the country, better than most in Colorado and I live there. I encourage you to stay away with such a judgmental attitude.

 

[Jedz123]

You guys mind taking it to the Vortex?, As a newer rider(than most senior GSR members) i only seek new experiences in riding these (new to me) parts of the country. As an active senior GSR member for 9 years now, I am only looking to connect with other GSR members while I get out of the snow locked hell hole Vermont is in early March to jump start my season in pursuit of a 30K mile season...

I'm taking this trip mainly to ride with friends (most of which don't ride Harleys) and say that I've gone. Only interested in meeting other GSR members if they are around. Hence the generation of this thread. Not to open debate about Harleys, which I own because I like the bike... Not the "lifestyle". Those of who know me (or want to know me) know I'm not brand loyal and put big miles down every year... Clearly everyone knows where my loyalties lie... I've been on this forum for nearly a decade now.

My goal this year is to meet as many GSR folks as possible across the country... This thread is testament to that objective.

Thanks

 

[storm 64]

Sorry Jedz, I tried to keep a Daytona Bike Week theme... I wasn't Harley bashing, just trying to compare the two rallies. I'm sure you will have a great time in Florida.

 

[Jedz123]

Sorry Jedz, I tried to keep a Daytona Bike Week theme... I wasn't Harley bashing, just trying to compare the two rallies. I'm sure you will have a great time in Florida. 

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but this thread was purely made to make some connections with any GSR members that reside in the area and would like to rack a couple miles or grab some grub and I'm cool with positive talks about comparing the rallies.

Not Cool with flat out bigotry and argumentative discussion...

 

[swanny]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions but this thread was purely made to make some connections with any GSR members that reside in the area and would like to rack a couple miles or grab some grub and I'm cool with positive talks about comparing the rallies.

Not Cool with flat out bigotry and argumentative discussion...

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. However, I do take exception to riders categorizing other riders into large monolithic groups. That goes for Harley riders bashing UJM riders also. There is no one set of characteristics for any of us. I see guys and gals riding Harleys that wear business suits during the week, just as those riding UJM's. We should all enjoy the sport we love without prejudice. We get that enough from the rest of the world.

As for positive comparisons of the rallies, I've never been to Daytona so I can not relay any data. I have been to Sturgis several times as it's only 500 miles from me and I ride there.

Sturgis has some of the best roads in the country. The Black Hills are big if you live in the Midwest, but I live in Colorado and they are the perfect size for nice twisty sections, beautiful canyons, streams, lakes, and grade changes. Most of the roads are not suitable for quick riding, and with the number of motorcycles on them at one time is not advisable.

There are plenty of roadside taverns where you can stop to have a bite to eat and a brew if you so chose. Sit outside and enjoy the beauty and outstanding weather that time of year.

The locals are friendly and the riders are there for the same reason as you - have a good time. I've never had a problem with anyone.

The only issue that I've ever heard about was when my brother attended the 75th. I didn't go, but I heard it was too crowded - about double the normal rally size.

 

[Jedz123]

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. However, I do take exception to riders categorizing other riders into large monolithic groups. That goes for Harley riders bashing UJM riders also. There is no one set of characteristics for any of us. I see guys and gals riding Harleys that wear business suits during the week, just as those riding UJM's. We should all enjoy the sport we love without prejudice. We get that enough from the rest of the world.

Totally concur, let's keep the bigotry and disagreements in the basement (Vortex). Looking for Zen in these threads. Agree we need to stand united in our dying motorsport.

FYI Swanny, Welcome to GSR!!!