82nd Bike Week set to rev up in Daytona Beach

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The smell of leather and exhaust returns to Volusia County in March as the 82nd annual Bike Week rolls into town.

This year’s shindig – which is billed as the “World’s Largest Motorcycle Event” – runs Friday, March 3, through Sunday, March 12, and is mostly centered in Daytona Beach, but events have spread throughout the county in recent years.

“We’re looking forward to helping everyone have an enjoyable Bike Week in beautiful Volusia County, and we’ll have extra deputies out there working to make it a safe event for all,” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.

PHOTO GALLERY: 2022 Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach

Popular motorcycle rides in the area include:

• Street Festival Ride To Main Street and Midtown and back.
• Lucky Ride From Daytona Beach Racing & Card Club to DeLand and back.
• The Loop through a 30-plus mile loop known for its lush canopies of live oaks, scenic river and marsh views.
• Iconic U.S. Hwy 1 Ride featuring the area’s iconic restaurants and bars to scenic A1A, The Loop and back.
• National Seashore Ride through New Smyrna Beach to Canaveral National Seashore and back.
• Ponce Inlet Ride to Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and back.
• Old City Ride to St. Augustine and back.

If you prefer racing over cruising, there are several events scheduled at Daytona International Speedway:

• Daytona Supercross: Saturday, March 4 – “This year’s DAYTONA Supercross design is one of the best. It races great for the riders – it’s safe yet challenging and it’s very similar to last year with the split lanes,” Ricky Carmichael said. “Daytona is the toughest, gnarliest race on the Supercross circuit, but it’s the most special to win. This track is going to produce great racing and I think the riders are going to put on a fantastic display for all our fans.”
• Daytona 200: Saturday, March 9-11 – This will be the 81st running of “America’s Most Historic Motorcycle Race”
• American Flat Track: Saturday, March 9-10 – Described as “A hyper-competitive, adrenaline-fueled American motorcycle sport featuring custom-built and production-based motorcycles reaching top speeds of 140mph on the straights and 90mph in the corners, all piloted by world-class athletes.”

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Bikers may be in for a surprise this year while looking for the iconic “World’s Most Famous Beach” sign that used to be located at South Atlantic Avenue and East International Speedway Boulevard.

It was damaged during Hurricane Nicole and has was removed for repairs, according to Daytona Beach officials.

The sign made for a popular backdrop for bikers that would pose under the arch with the beach in the background.

There is an official Bike Week Welcome Center located at One Daytona, across the street from the Daytona International Speedway. Officials said you’ll find helpful Daytona Regional Chamber Ambassadors “who love to share an insider’s view of great places to go, fun things to do or services you may need.”

Bikers can also grab the Official Pocket Guide & Official Bike Week Poster customized by Artist Representative, Adam Meurer from Hintz Studios with original art created by Artist, Matthew Hintz, according to the official Bike Week website.

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