Daytona Beach has hosted some of the best bike shows in the nation for over 60 years...

The annual gathering of bikers in Sturgis, South Dakota may get all the media coverage, but some of the best bike festivals in the United States occur in Daytona Beach, Florida, where bikes and bikers have been gathering since Jan. 24, 1937. It was on that day that the inaugural run of the Daytona 200 was held and Ed Kretz won the first race aboard his Indian, completing the beach/road course at a blistering average speed of 73.34 mph.

In 1961, the now famous race moved away from the beach and to Daytona International Speedway, but the spirit of the beach/road race continues with two annual events, Bike Week and Biketoberfest.

Daytona Bike Week

Bike Week is the granddaddy of all bike gatherings. Held over a 10-day period in late February/Early March, it virtually consumes the city as bikes line the streets and attendees fill the hotels, restaurants and bars for miles around. There are literally hundreds of activities to enjoy, from the street vendors and contests to the live bands performing onstage throughout the town. Even if you don't have a bike, it's well worth attending. The bikes are beautiful to behold and if you're a people watcher, you'll never grow tired of the sights and sounds that are Bike Week.

If you do have a bike, one of the highlights of Bike Week is taking a ride on The Loop. Beginning at the foot of Granada Bridge on John Anderson Drive, The Loop takes riders through tree draped country roads, onto the Intracoastal Waterway and into the natural beauty of Old Florida. Bring a camera, some munchies and beverages and leave enough time to not only do the 22 mile ride, but stop along the way to enjoy the splendid scenery.

Biketoberfest

Biketoberfest is the younger sibling but it has quickly grown in size and stature. Held in mid October (Oct. 14-17 in 2010), Biketoberfest draws thousands of bikes to town for a long weekend of fun and sun. In 2009, an estimated 125,000 people enjoyed Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach.

Like Bike Week, there are plenty of things to keep you busy, whether you own a bike, want to own one or just enjoy the guttural rumble of a passing Harley. In addition to displays of classic and custom bikes of all sizes, shapes and types, there is some on-track action at the famed Daytona International Speedway.

Vendors sell everything from accessories and clothing to aftermarket parts. If you forgot your leathers, don't worry. You can buy them right here and blend right in. Most of the local establishments have entertainment that lasts long into the evening and the music is top notch, drawing many national acts.

You'll never go hungry at Biketoberfest, that's for sure. There's a wide choice of street vendors to choose from, which is a good thing because the restaurants can get pretty busy and the wait times may be a bit longer than you want. There are also plenty of beverages to enjoy along the way.

If you keep an eye out, you may notice more than one celebrity in the crowd. Biketoberfest has become a big draw, bringing riders from all over the country and Canada to Daytona Beach.

More information about either festival is available from the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. The bureau's phone number is (866) 296-8970 or you can visit the official site events at www.daytonabikeweek.com and www.biketoberfest.org.