Photos and copy by Crazyhorse

I was sitting at a light on my hot rod Sporty trying to mind my own business. Being a drag-pipe rumbling criminal, I was nervous. It's hard as hell to keep that thing quiet. But that's what Daytona residents want. They want it quiet. And if they're not careful, that's just what they're going to get. There were no cops on that corner, but I did notice some empty storefronts. If the shortsighted motorcycle-hating do-gooders have their way, they'll be a lot more stores for rent next year. Not to mention empty fleabag motel rooms.

One Daytona resident complained that the town wasn't like this back in the 60's. " It was a place where people brought their families." Families won't come back in droves after the town rids the streets of these dreaded bikers. In case this woman and others like her haven't heard, there's a place just west of Daytona called Orlando where families from across the country go to newfangled entertainment parks like Disneyworld and Universal Park. The only time kids want to endure to crumbling motel rooms or overpriced hotel suites is during spring break after they've hit 16 and grown out of the family vacation thing. I'm no genus city council person with a degree in bullshit, OOPS, I mean business, but just what do they expect to fill the slot with after the bikers leave? Fashion shows? Revivals?

I remember what Daytona was like just 20 short years ago. It was dead. It was party central for those who wanted to party but had no money. You could not walk down the beach without a kid trying to hustle you. Motel rooms on the beach were $20 a night. Even 10 years ago, the Daytona economy was no where near as healthy as it is now.

Does anyone remember what happened to Ft Lauderdale after they threw the spring breakers out? The beach died. Then the town spent millions trying to bring them back. But it was too late. The spring break scene had moved to Daytona.

The most chilling scene I witnessed was the guy who got pulled over on Main St for BEACH BARS! Saw two guys with apehangers! Zap, a cop pulled them right over. Dude on a Bourget, handlebar violation, "Ya see sir, the seat on this bike is very low, don't matter if your bar aren't high, we measure from the seat to the bars and you are an inch too high." Is this a bad dream? No, it's the new and improved Daytona.

That was the bad. The butt ugly part was the fact the town is now hassling residents who harbor those who come to bike events. The Code Enforcement Squad is busy counting bikes and tents in people's yards. If you live in Daytona or Holly Hill and you have visitors for bike events, you can expect to have your property and those who visit you searched with a fine tooth comb. I'm not kidding. They parked right across the street counting bikes and people as they arrived in the yard. Lucky, I snuck in after 3am, when all the hard working Code Enforcement folks were sleeping soundly.

Overall, it was a comfortable entertaining Biketoberfest for me. Hurricane Angie almost made the run but had to stay home, pay bills, and save up for her next Florida assault. The weather was unexpectedly blistering hot during the day, with sweatshirt riding temps at night. I landed at the Ranch Thursday night and went immediately to the Corbin Party. The Horse crew had eaten all the prime rib and stuffed lobster tails, then left before I got there. Apparently, no one had heard about starving journalists and editors like Dave Nichols of Easyriders, Howard Kelly of Hot Bike, and John Sullivan of Hot Rod Bikes, but we continued to mingle. The band played some of the best Pink Floyd covers I've ever heard. My buddy, Tom the German of Demon's Cycle, showed up with two sexy ladies and dragged me away to find several of his other lady friends at Lollypops. The strip bar was packed. Chicks in g-strings everywhere.

Daytona Cutie

It was only natural that I should find one of Bikernet's finest in that place. Jose was holding down the fort with a few celebrity friends. He and Satan left a bevy of disappointed naked beauties, to come over and keep me company. We talked bikes and journalism until 3am, when they threw everyone out. I rode in the moonlight back to my campsite at The Ranch and set up my tent. Tom had invited me to stay with him and his crowd of cuties, but Daytona is the only time I get to camp out. I needed the moonlight, the fresh air, and most importantly, to sleep late. Besides, it's great to wake up at a house full of old friends and be served a kick ass breakfast.

Friday, the town was at full capacity. The roads were packed and wicked cool bikes were everywhere. I spotted more women on evil hardtails. In March there will be one more. Beach St. was overcapacity with nearly every major builder and manufacturer there.

Nick of Choppers Inc

Choppers Inc was there with their latest creation. TV fame hasn't changed those laid back guys one bit. But the OOC guys were hawking up a storm out by the street. "Step right in, see the famous Discovery bike!!" They had a bunch of bikes glittering in the sun. Their new black bike wasn't too bad. But the PT Barnum bit is too much.

Diamond Chassis had a few radical bikes but their purple softail has got one wild tank. Royal Ryder was there with their new monotail, single sided swingarm. My friend Connie is one of the owners, and wanted to go hunt down cute guys with me.