Six things to do at Daytona Bike Week

Every year, just about the time cabin fever has a tight grip on our northern souls, a small glimmer of light shines through the winter darkness to remind us that riding season is close. The light shines from the south and that light is Daytona Bike Week.

If you're stuck in the doldrums of winter, load up your gear and head south for some sunshine and two-wheeled therapy. But we don't want to send you to the Sunshine State unequipped to handle the scene. Here are six must-do activities while taking in Bike Week.

crowds of people and motorcycles in front of the J&P store — The J&P Cycles store in Daytona is a hub of activity during Bike Week and also has anything you need — or just want — for your ride while you're in town. J&P Cycles photo.

Visit the J&P Cycles Destination Daytona store (or Mega Rig)

Of course we are a bit biased, but if you are a motorcyclist you definitely want to stop by and see us. Our massive Destination Daytona store is located right off Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 1 and it's packed to the gills with every part and piece of gear your heart desires. The lot is full of vendors like Klockwerks, Metzeler, Dunlop, Arlen Ness, Hogworkz, and many more. The factory folks, along with J&P techs, are on hand to answer any questions you may have and mechanics are on site to install almost anything we sell. In case you can't make it to the store, we have you covered with a second location at the legendary Daytona International Speedway. Our "Mega Rig" semi truck is open for business at the world famous race track and much like the store has manufacturer reps on site, such as Vance & Hines and Progressive Suspension, with installations available, as well.

King of the Baggers race at Daytona International Speedway — From high-flying Supercross bikes to flat-trackers sliding through the turns to the screaming Supersport bikes in the Daytona 200, Bike Week is full of racing. And the diversity keeps growing, with support classes such as the Mission King of the Baggers series, above, taking to the high banks at the Speedway. Photo by Brian J. Nelson.

Go to a race — or a few

Daytona Bike Week goes back most of a century and was built around racing from the start. There are three huge race events going on during Bike Week that are sure to get your attention no matter what your racing tastes. The trifecta starts with the AMA Monster Energy Supercross race at the Daytona International Speedway. Later in the week, the American Flat Track series opens its season with two short-track races. The highlight is the classic Daytona 200 road race at the Speedway, as well as the increasing variety of support classes, including the Mission King Of The Baggers championship and the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship. If you go to Daytona, it's only fitting to take in a race or two.

two touring motorcycles going through a curve under palm trees — Flat Florida is not known for entertaining roads, or even many curves at all. But you can take a fun, pleasant, and scenic ride just a few miles from Main Street. Photo by Bill Andrews.

Go ride the loop

Daytona can kind of get a bad rap for uninteresting riding, but you can still enjoy a cruise. "The Loop" is located just outside Ormond Beach and features a scenic 34 miles of wandering terrain that changes from a tunnel of overhanging live oak tress to classic swampy landscape and, of course, ocean views. With no stop lights or shopping malls in sight, it's a great ride. Pro Tip: if you like to fish, bring a pole.

Go to a chopper show

The chopper scene is alive and well in Daytona, as represented by Patrick Gavin's most recent J&P Cycles Bike Build! In addition to checking out Patrick's Indian Larry inspired "Cherry Bomb" build, you can also check out the action at the Broken Spoke and Willie's Tropical Tattoo Old Time Chopper Show, to name a couple. The vibe is laid back and the chopper builds are inspirational. The bikes are all high-level builds that are ridden into the show and the builders are folks you have probably never heard of. In case you hadn't heard, choppers still rule!

crowds of motorcycles on Main Street in Daytona Beach — Joining the scene on Main Street is the one thing everyone does at Bike Week at some point. Photo by Bill Andrews.

Party on Main Street

I probably don't have to tell you this, because if you're going to Bike Week you like to party. But make sure you set aside at least one night to head down to Main Street and enjoy the rolling show and maybe catch some live music or enjoy the other shenanigans that break out every year at Bike Week. The bike scene is as eclectic as any in the country and the people-watching is epic.

a row of motorcycles parked by a snack shack on the beach — When you've had enough of the Main Street crowds, escape to the beach, whether you want to ride your bike on the famous Daytona Beach sand or get a snack at one of the oceanside hangouts. Photo by Bill Andrews.

Chill on the beach

After a few days of racing, riding, shopping, and partying, a rest is well deserved. Hit the local beaches for some R&R. The Florida beach scene is super chill and never seems to be crowded. You can ride your bike right down onto the beach but make sure you bring a kickstand pad of some sort or your beloved ride will end up taking a nap in the sand.

You'll find a couple hundred thousand of your friends at Bike Week and they're all having a different experience. With so much going on, Bike Week can be whatever you decide to make of it.