My trip to Daytona

[leesrt]

I left this morning at about 7am to begin my trip to Daytona via route 100. My first stop was at the Valdosta Starbucks to get some breakfast and joe. While there I saw an F1200 parked outside and upon closer inspection found the MOA recap. I went inside, found its rider, and upon his seeing my MOA patch on my jacket a conversation ensued. Charles and I had a great talk and he gave me some great advice on some gear I'm looking for in Daytona.
I departed and am currently sitting in a quaint diner in Live Oak. The Kountry Korner Restaurant.

[leesrt]

Made it to Daytona at about 12 and haven't stopped since. I'll post pics when I return tomorrow.

[Voni]

Thanks for sharing with those of us who can't be there.

Voni
sMiling and off to Carnivale in Presidio, TX

[leesrt]

On the way back now, rode about 30 mile up A1A, ocean is beautiful.

[leesrt]

I made it back finally but with a little pain. This morning I had breakfast at Ihop and as I reached across the table for some salt I felt a shot go through my back. I haven't been able to straighten my back since and now it's starting to lock up on me. It happens every now and then but oddly enough it doesn't hurt when I ride.

Anyhow, I took some good photos so here we go.

First I'll share some of the shots that show the gazillions of bikes that were out there. This is my first bike week and my head litterally hurt from trying to see all the amazing bikes that were out there. The custom jobs were amazing and at times so were the people.

[leesrt]

I didn't go to the party hot spots so didn't get many grand shots. While I was in the parking lot of JP's a vendor came up to me and asked if I wanted to park my bike on their red carpet so they could clean it with their waterless bike cleaner and then polish it with another one of their products. When they finished I could leave my bike there on display till I left.
My right brain said Saaweeet! but then my left brain took control of my mouth and said "thanks but I'm leaving in a few minutes". Damn left brain.

I watched him walk around and cherry pick some of the nicer bikes so I felt kinda proud. I got him to snap a pic anyway.



Inside JP's

[leesrt]

I went to the IMS and quite frankly it was a let down. There wasn't much there but I got some shots of the custom bikes.

[leesrt]

Went to Daytona BMW/Duc and took some shots there.






Why do Ducks always walk in a line?


All kidding asside, this one is beautiful




And another beaut


The Bud Clydesdales were on scene

[leesrt]

A few more randomn shots.






At Olive Garden


This one is at Ihop right before my back went out


And two final shots off A1A on the way home

[kgadley01]

I'm glad you had a good time at your first Daytona. My first year was 1976. I returned in 1984 and have only missed three since. Now that I'm retired we go in the fall also. I have a ziplock bag full of Bikeweek pins. They are now too many and too heavy to put on a vest.

[RAPTOR02]

Thanks for the pics!

[nplenzick]

Nice photo's and nice bike! Bike Week appears to be in serious trouble. By all accounts and from the Chamber of Commerce attendance was down 40% from last year and last year was nothing to rave about. I was a vendor there and although I did OK most were complaining about the lack of people showing up and some vendors saying they won't be back. By far the biggest complaint from my customer's was the ridiculous high rates for lodging which forced many who attended to cut back on the time they could spend there. I suspect after this year and the many vacancies that were everywhere that the owners of these Establishments will "wake up" and I expect to see more reasonable rates next year................or at least I hope too!

[leesrt]

Nice photo's and nice bike! Bike Week appears to be in serious trouble. By all accounts and from the Chamber of Commerce attendance was down 40% from last year and last year was nothing to rave about. I was a vendor there and although I did OK most were complaining about the lack of people showing up and some vendors saying they won't be back. By far the biggest complaint from my customer's was the ridiculous high rates for lodging which forced many who attended to cut back on the time they could spend there. I suspect after this year and the many vacancies that were everywhere that the owners of these Establishments will "wake up" and I expect to see more reasonable rates next year................or at least I hope too!

I looked at the rates about a month out and there were many many sub $100 rooms. I waited and booked 2 weeks out and the same hotel wanted $220. Also, I've never been to any auto show that had no autos. The only bikes at the International Motorcycle Show were some custom jobs outside.

[kgadley01]

I thought attendance was down. When I could park my Sidecar Rig on Main street on Saturday morning at 9:30, you know attendance is down.

[Visian]

I thought attendance was down. When I could park my Sidecar Rig on Main street on Saturday morning at 9:30, you know attendance is down.

attendance was way down. Places outside of the Main Street area, like Bruce What'shisname's Destination Daytona and St. Augustine were all ghost towns at 8pm.

all the racing was pretty good, though. after setting up camp at the top secret location, i headed into town on saturday morning for the supercross.




woooHOO! Press *and* photo pass.... the high cotton....


ring-side seats.


you can get even closer at the GNCC... just walk out into the woods.




it would not be bikeweek without the traditional pork chop at the Full Moon Saloon!


a Grosjean number was experienced.... i am all 8 up with excitement.


if they ever come out with an HP2e version of this puppy, it will be very hard to resist.


only $3900. Honda has hit a homer with this one.


ran into RTW Doug from ADVrider. he's planning on being the first harley rider to reach Magadan along the Road of Bones. i gave him some tips on putting a steering damper on that beast so that it doesn't wash out in the sand so bad.


the Ironhorse crew from Tucson readies Chris Peris' bike.


Chris Peris on-track. he ran Pegram's pace on way less than half the budget.


Larry Pegram's mom kept watch in the pits.




Eric Pinson, sponsored by Atlanta's Blue Moon Cycles was quite visible.


Jeremy Toye of San Diego BMW rode smooth. Unfortunately, Jeremy's sponsor Gary Orr, owner of SD BMW was injured in a practice crash and was unable to race.


don't know if it's me, but Flat Track just isn't as cool without Harleys.


the new Motus sport tourer.


what is it about Bultacos that just speaks to me?


had a great time, hope to see you next year.

ian