Daytona Bike Week 2016

In celebration of its 75^th year, you can bet Daytona Bike Week is going to pull out all of the stops. Starting the first week in March and lasting 10 incredible days, vendors, fans, and of course bikers will flock to the sandy beaches of Florida to be blown away by the latest and greatest motorcycles and motorcycle gear. Although your schedule during the week is likely to be packed, the following are a few events you won't want to miss.

Daytona Swapmeet

Now in its 38^th year in existence, the Daytona Swapmeet is one of the most popular events during Bike Week. Expect to see it all at the Swapmeet: bikes, stunts, southern rock bands, outrageous swimsuits, and plenty of leather. The Swapmeet is held at the Daytona Flea Market and is open daily for the 10-day event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Daytona International Speedway

The Speedway has a full lineup set for this year's Bike Week. Events start on March 5 with highlights including the Daytona 200^thrunning on March 12, Honda's Daytona Supercross held on March 5, and FLY Racing ATV Supercross on March 8. Most visitors stop in at some point just to walk the Midway to check out what the sponsors are selling and what attractions are being held on that day.

The Loop

One of the most popular things to do during Bike Week is to ride The Loop. The Loop is 22 miles long and offers up some of the best views in the area for bikers. While taking the ride, you'll pass area attractions like the Halifax River, Tomnka State Park, and Bulow Creek State Park. There are also plenty of bars, restaurants, and biker shops along the way to keep your interest.

Main Street Vendors

Cruise down Main Street during Bike Week and you'll find no shortage of things to see or do. Dirty Harry's is usually a highlight of the week since the bar boasts an outdoor staging area where all sorts of craziness is expected to take place: wet t-shirt contests, drunken karaoke, and lively DJs. Bank and Blues Club is nearby Dirty Harry's and has live music and contests daily. Main Street has much more to offer then girls and beer, like the custom choppers at Bobby G. Customs.

The official dates for Daytona Bike Week are March 4 to March 13, but you may want to head down early to avoid the crush of bikes that will be traveling in for the launch. Book your hotel early or make accommodations at any of the nearby campgrounds to make sure you have a place to crash after a busy day of events. Bike Week has been the party spot for motorcycle enthusiasts since the inaugural run of the Daytona 200 way back in 1937 and the tradition will continue on likely for another 75 years.