Harley-Davidson and the organizers of Bike Week welcome riders with warm sunshine and cool motorcycles as a new riding season kicks off in Florida during the 76th annual Daytona Bike Week. Once again Harley-Davidson is the official motorcycle of Daytona Bike Week, and the Motor Company is ready to host all riders starting Saturday March 11 through the 18th with special events, parties, and free demo rides on all 2017 Harley-Davidson models.
Of particular interest to Women Riders Now readers is the annual MDA Women’s Ride, now in its 10th year, taking place Thursday, March 16. Registration starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Harley-Davidson venue at the Daytona International Speedway.
The annual MDA Womens Ride brings out approximately 50 to 100 riders each year, depending on the weather, and is a great opportunity for women to meet other female riders. Solo riders are encouraged to attend. This shot was taken from the ride in 2014.
This MDA Womens ride, led by Karen Davidson and a team of Harley-Davidson female employees, takes riders through the back roads of Daytona Beach to Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson and Bruce Rossmeyer’s New Smyrna Harley-Davidson. All brands of motorcycle are welcome. This is a fundraiser for MDA and is now in its 10th year.
While Harley-Davidson motorcycles dominate, all brands are encouraged to attend. There is a registration fee as this event is a fundraiser. Karen Davidson, great granddaughter of one of the founders of Harley-Davidson, at left, poses with WRN contributor Deborah Speicher, who has covered the ride for us in previous years. Karen is always available to chat with participants and take photos.
For more information or to sign up, visit MDA Daytona Women’s Ride.
Here’s a guide to all you need to know about Harley-Davidson events at Bike Week:
Harley Headquarters at the Speedway
Official Harley-Davidson Bike Week activities are consolidated at one action-packed venue located just off International Speedway Blvd. on the grounds of Daytona International Speedway. Open March 11-18, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily with free motorcycle parking, this expansive Harley-Davidson location will offer:
• Motorcycle Demos: See and ride more than 100 new 2017 Harley-Davidson models including the just-released Road King Special and other Touring models powered by the potent new Milwaukee-Eight engine. The demo fleet also includes the nimble Harley-Davidson Roadster model, fabulous 2017 CVO models, and bikes fully customized with Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories.
• New Milwaukee-Eight Display Truck: Experience the all-new Milwaukee-Eight engine through technical displays and feel the rumble of this exciting new V-Twin on the Harley-Davidson JUMPSTART Rider Experience. Check out the customized Harley-Davidson Rebel Freightliner truck and a display of new items from Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts amp; Accessories.
The JUMPSTART is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle mounted to a frame that allows a rider to sit on it with the engine turned on and shift through the gears without the bike moving. Great opportunity to experience what it feels like to ride a motorcycle.
•See It/Try It/Buy It: Demo new Harley-Davidson helmets and riding gear when you demo-ride a bike. A selection of new Genuine MotorClothes will be available for purchase on site, including Willie G. and H.O.G. commemorative merchandise. Also, visit with Harley-Davidson fit consultants at the H-D1Fit Shop for any customization needs.
• H.O.G. Rally Point at the Speedway: Join Sam, Thor, Bruce and other Harley-Davidson staff members at the H.O.G. Rally Point. Relax in the demo lounge area, pick up a cool pin (exclusive for Harley Owners Group members), and check out a new Harley-Davidson Museum display featuring The Race of Gentlemen.
While many events happen at the Speedway, there are just as many going on at Main Street, the hub of Bike Week fun and people watching.
Harley-Davidson Events During Bike Week
• H.O.G. Rally Rendezvous
Sunday, March 12 and Thursday, March 16, from 6–9 p.m.
Location: Full Moon Saloon on Main Street
Celebrate the 76th anniversary of Daytona Bike Week with fellow H.O.G. members. Open to members and one guest with valid H.O.G. membership card. Each attendee will receive two drink coupons and one food coupon. Capacity is limited.
• Harley-Davidson Main Street Party
Monday, March 13, 7 p.m. to close
Location: Dirty Harry’s on Main Street
Kick-off Bike Week with the Harley-Davidson crew and the amazing arena-rock tribute band Hairball.
• American Flat Track Daytona TT
Thursday, March 16, 2 p.m.
Location: Daytona International Speedway
Ride to the races and cheer on the Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Racing Team as it opens the 2017 American Flat Track season behind riders Kenny Coolbeth Jr., Jake Johnson, and Brandon Robinson, each racing the powerful new Harley-Davidson XG750R competition motorcycle. The race will take place inside Daytona Speedway on an all-new 0.4-mile TT course featuring a jump. Go to American Flat Track for more information.
• Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals
Friday-Sunday, March 16-19
Location: Gainesville Raceway, 11211 N County Road 225, Gainesville, FL 32609
Ride up to Gainesville and feel the rumble of Harley-Davidson V-Twin thunder when the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle/Vance amp; Hines drag racing team opens the Pro Stock Motorcycle season for the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series. World Champion riders Andrew Hines and Eddie Krawiec will begin chasing another title and world-record times at this fast track. Go to NHRA for more information.
Motorcycles at the beach is what makes Daytona Bike Week so special.
For the duration of Bike Week, Harley-Davidson is partnering with three iconic Daytona Beach Main Street establishments as the official motorcycle sponsor at The Bank and Blues Club, Dirty Harry’s and the Full Moon Saloon.
Visit H-D.com/daytona for more information, and be sure to follow Harley-Davidson on Facebook to join in the action and to check out activities virtually.
