Good Lord, where did the time go? One year ago, on the last Friday of Daytona Beach Bike Week, the mayor had shut down the annual rally for something called COIVD-19! Little did we know at the time how much this would change of lives temporary not to mention forever!
In addition, Biketoberfest 2020 was not recognized by the city of Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach said, we are open for business! Daytona Beach Main Street was as dry as dust and the business owners felt ever bit of that decision and pain. It seemed so surreal.
Now it’s 2021, one year later, so what has changed? Well let’s see, we are still dealing with COVID-19, businesses / employers are shutting their doors, the federal government is printing money like there’s no tomorrow but how has that impacted Daytona Beach Bike Week? Let’s take a glimpse and see…
"So what has changed?" In one word - PLENTY!
Here are just some of them...
- Crowd was less
- Vendors were reduced dramatically
- Police tolerate was to a lesser extent
- Food and beverage prices were up
- No Ms. Wing House Contest - Again!
- Slingshots have taken over Main Street
- Lodging pricing was up
- Some bars closed or do not open up. i.e. - The Bank
- For the most part no parking on Main Street
- Beach Street Vendors now history with the area development
So one of the many questions is, will it return to it's glory days after all of these shenanigans? Follow the money and we may get the answers. My money is I doubt it but hope I am wrong!
For now, that is "the end" to my journey.