Daytona Beach Bike Week facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Daytona Beach Bike Week |
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Activity on Main Street, Bike Week 2008
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| Location(s) | Daytona Beach and DeLeon Springs, Florida, USA |
| Founded | 1937 |
| Attendance | 500,000 |
| Patron(s) | Daytona Beach Chamber of Commerce |
| Website | http://www.officialbikeweek.com/: http://www.officialbikeweek.com/ |
Daytona Beach Bike Week is a huge yearly event for motorcycle fans in Daytona Beach, Florida. It's also known as Daytona Bike Week. This exciting rally lasts for 10 days. It brings together about 500,000 people from all over.
During Bike Week, you can enjoy many fun activities. These include thrilling motorcycle races, live concerts, lively parties, and street festivals. The event usually happens in the first full week of March. It's one of the most popular motorcycle rallies in the United States. It's often compared to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
History of Bike Week
The Daytona Beach Bike Week started way back on January 24, 1937. It began with a motorcycle race called the Daytona 200. This first race was held on a track that was part beach and part pavement. It was about 3.2 miles (5.1 km) long. A rider named Ed Kretz from California won the first race. He rode an Indian motorcycle and averaged about 73.34 miles per hour (118.03 km/h).
The yearly race took a break for a few years. It stopped from 1942 to 1947 because of World War II. It also paused in 2020 due to a worldwide health situation. Even during these breaks, many people still gathered for an unofficial "Bike Week."
In 1947, the official race started again and became even more popular. A famous person named "Big Bill" France helped promote the event. He was also a co-founder of NASCAR, a big racing organization. His family's company still helps run the Daytona 200 race and all the Bike Week races. These races now take place at the Daytona International Speedway. This includes the Daytona Supercross, which is known for its amazing fireworks and light shows.
Over the years, some race locations have changed. In 2010, the Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium changed. This meant that some motorcycle races moved to the Speedway. Later, in 2021, some flat track races moved again. They now happen in DeLeon Springs at the Volusia Speedway Park.
Law Enforcement
Police officers and sheriff's deputies help keep everyone safe during Bike Week. The Daytona Beach Police Department and the Volusia County Sheriff's Office work together.
Biketoberfest
In 1991, another motorcycle event was created in Daytona Beach. It's called Biketoberfest. This event happens in October. It's usually scheduled right after Columbus Day. Some people even arrive on Columbus Day weekend and stay for the whole week.
A fun part of Biketoberfest is a scenic 12-mile ride. This route is known as the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail. The Daytona International Speedway also hosts motorcycle races during Biketoberfest.
