Biketoberfest or BoringFest 2007?
Well, it’s come and gone…..that time when riders from all over the country (and outside) converge in Daytona for an event that over the past 15 years has come to represent the beginning of winter…Biketoberfest! To be frank, i’m not sure if i’m disappointed or relieved the 4 days are over. Seems that after having spent four straight days at various locations around Daytona just hoping for some excitement (beyond an over abundance of beer, topless dancers, strippers and ogling cool bikes), we were all bored to tears! Before we go any further, let it be known we’re a fan of Janet Kersey, (the founder and spokesperson for the event), and would never say anything against her or the history of this event. However, we’re concerned that the signs we’re seeing (or lack thereof) at this event (lack of attendees, unbooked hotel rooms, empty vendor space, “no show” vendors, lack luster events, so-so night time parties) is taking it’s toll on Biketoberfest.
Are people tired of being overcharged by the hotels for rooms? Are they going out of Daytona for accomodations and activities? Tired of pretentious builders or rude vendors? Are the vendors tired of paying inflated prices for small spaces in order to show their products? What about the traffic issues? Over zelous police? We don’t know. The highpoint of Guiltys’ weekend was catching up with friends like Athena at Vagabond, the guys at Redneck Engineering, Darren-Did-It Pinstripping, James at Deviant Designs, Chet and Joff at Wham Bam, Dark Daz Choppers and others!
The Daytona Speedway had plenty of open infield and roadside space available, with alot of “no shows”. All after hyping the event to us and others to participate… we were expecting alot more from this past weekend. Destination Daytona was a let-down. So was Main Street as was the Speedway. Unfortunately, at no time did we experience the excitement, entertainment, truely odd ball participants, crowds and traffic that seemed to represent this event in prior years. Even the ever popular and anticipated Rats Hole show seemed to have less than prior years participation, as well as truly unique bikes represented. One good note is that the event had no “bike related” accidents. Also we can say there is an increase in dog and pet participation at this event. Well, at least we have a few months now to get over our let-down and prepare for Bikeweek in 2008!
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