Daytona 2010

The name has become a brand - from Rolex to Triumph, the word "Daytona" signifies a model that is fast, stylish, and sexy. The reputation is well deserved. It began with motorcycle racing on the beach 73 years ago and has evolved with time into the biggest biker event of the year, drawing (perhaps) 500,000 people for a spring fling and the kickoff of the 2010 AMA Pro Road Racing season.

Bike Week, which starts officially on February 26, lasts ten days and apexes with the Daytona 200 on Friday, March 5, followed by Supercross on Saturday. The convergence of so many motorcyclists has been a problem in the past, but now the City Fathers and the Chamber of Commerce throw out the welcome mat for open wallets, even if they come with loud pipes.

Let's say you're a motorcyle racing / competition enthusiast. What's going to keep you on the edge of your seat for ten long days? Here's the short answer: XDL Sportbike Freestyle Championship (Feb. 26, 27, 28); AHRMA Vintage Motorcycle Racing (Mar. 1, 2); Flat Track at the Speedway's brand new oval (3, 4); AMA Supersport and AMA Sportbike (4, 5); Daytona Sportbike aka. the Daytona 200 (5); and AMA Supercross (6).

Separate tickets for each of these will run you about $250 total. Beware of the package ticket offers - find out what they exclude and compare what is included with the cost of separate tickets for each event. You may be surprised.

But if it's everything else at Bike Week that really attracts you, there's also plenty to do. In alphabetical order: best buns, bikinis and burnout contests; bikini bike wash; bike shows; concerts (loads of these); road tours and runs; swap meets; tattoo contests; and, of course, the ever popular and traditional wet t-shirt contests. The best source of dates and venues is 2010 Daytona Bike Week Events.

As for lodging - it's all over the map, geographically and price-wise. Camping at Volusia Speedway, 25 miles from Daytona costs $25 a night while, if you like chain-motel modest comfort, figure on $225 and up for an evening's repose during the height of the 2010 Daytona Bike Week. But it's only money and the experience is unique on this planet.