Photo captured by Ava Traill
The inaugural Bike Week took place in 1937 in Daytona Beach, Florida, and it was a far cry from the vibrant celebration seen today. At that time, the Daytona 200 motorcycle race was hosted on a 3.2-mile stretch of beach and roadway. Ed Kretz from California triumphed on his Indian motorcycle, with around 15,000 spectators in attendance. Currently, this renowned event draws nearly half a million attendees each year to honor their passion for motorcycle culture.
Photo by Official Bike Week.
A1A, the picturesque coastal road of Florida, creates a continuous atmosphere of Bike Week, making it feel like an everlasting celebration. The 2025 Daytona Beach Bike Week spanned an extensive 10 days, beginning on Friday, February 28, and concluding on March 9.
Riders of all generations and backgrounds unite to cruise along the scenic A1A during Bike Week. The distinctive sounds of motorcycles echo along Florida’s eastern coastline.
Photo shot by Ava Traill.
Lisa Lowe first participated in Bike Week in 1996. After relocating from San Diego, California, to Florida in 1999, she has embraced the event as a resident of Daytona Beach for 26 years.
“There was always live music filling the air, and visitors arriving from around the globe,” she recalled.
She reminisced about one particular year during Bike Week when she unexpectedly encountered an old high school friend from San Diego.
Bike Week is renowned for its bustling Main Street, which transforms the small beach town with biker contests, parades, live performances, and street fairs.
Photo captured by Ava Traill.
“I adore how the small-town vibe of Daytona morphs into this spectacular event overnight,” Lowe expressed.
She shared unforgettable memories from past Bike Weeks, including the time she spotted Michael Jordan cruising on his light blue custom Harley.
Bike culture is deeply rooted in Daytona, with families from Volusia recounting their own Bike Week experiences. Cecelia Lewandowski, a Daytona State student, shares this connection: “My mom used to work as a beer tub girl, and my dad was a bartender for Bike Week, so we’re big Bike Week fans,” she stated.
This year, Bike Week attracted around 500,000 attendees, marking a remarkable surge that hasn’t been experienced in years. It was projected that Bike Week would contribute close to 100 million dollars to the Volusia County economy.
Celebrating its 84th year, this event has played a significant role in shaping the unique atmosphere of the Daytona Beach community.