Hurricane Ian pummeled Florida last week, causing billions of dollars’ worth of damage and over 100 fatalities, but Daytona Beach’s Biketoberfest will still take place during its scheduled dates, October 13-16. In response to the storm, organizers have added a charitable component to the rally in which 100% of donations will directly aid the community. Read more in the press release below.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Businesses that traditionally host guests are looking forward to the 30th annual Biketoberfest motorcycle rally scheduled for Oct. 13-16. Clean-up following the recent storm is well underway with many campgrounds, accommodations, restaurants, and event facilities preparing to host aspects of the four-day event schedule. With power and internet restoration underway and water levels receding in many key venues, many local businesses are already up and running, with more coming online daily.
Changing Day by Day: “Our community has been greatly impacted by the storm, some areas more than others,” said Lori Campbell Baker, executive director for the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Area (CVB). “We are encouraged by the daily progress made by our local citizens and municipalities in the recovery. The destination has been working around the clock.”
The city of Daytona Beach’s Biketoberfest Master Plan is fully activated, and most events scheduled for Biketoberfest will take place as scheduled.
While the status of individual properties is changing rapidly as power and internet are restored and clean-up continues, venues such as world-famous Main Street, Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach, and Daytona International Speedway will be moving forward with planned events. Biketoberfest visitors are asked to respectfully avoid areas that might not be fully recovered and to ride with extra care during their stay.
Where to Stay: Visitors with lodging reservations are encouraged to contact their property directly to confirm their reservation status. Many of the properties that are currently unable to host guests are proactively reaching out to fellow industry partners in order to accommodate event visitors. Visitors who haven’t yet secured a reservation are asked to visit Biketoberfest.org and DaytonaBeach.com for lodging information and event updates.
Positive Economic Impacts: “Many local businesses and employees rely on the economic impact that is generated from Biketoberfest and other tourism-related activities,” explainef Campbell Baker. “According to data from Mid-Florida Marketing & Research, visitors to Volusia County spent $5.5 billion in our local (non-accommodations) businesses last year alone. Our tourism industry generated more than 52,000 jobs and pumped $700 million worth of payroll into our residents’ households.”
Patrick Sullivan, general manager of Rose Villa Southern Table & Bar in Ormond Beach, said that despite the challenges from the recent storm, “we are prepared and ready to host visitors during Biketoberfest.”
“All special events, including this year’s Biketoberfest, are critical to the success of local businesses,” Sullivan said. “The visitors from events like Biketoberfest allow businesses such as our restaurant to be open year-round for the residents.”
Charitable Component: In addition, Charlene Greer and the team from Jeep Beach Inc., another popular local event, are already hard at work supporting the community post-storm. “We’re donating food, clothing and other assistance to local residents, and we’ll be organizing more activities to tap into our ever-generous Biketoberfest visitors,” Greer said. “A full 100% of donations received will go directly to help our community, and we’re even paying any credit card processing fees, to ensure that donations are even more impactful.” For more information or to donate, visit JeepBeach.com. “Members of the bike community are kindred spirits to the Jeep community, and we look forward to welcoming them back.”
