DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Volusia County organizers of the 32nd annual Biketoberfest said they want visitors to be mindful of Hurricane Milton cleanup efforts as the rally returns to Daytona Beach.
Biketoberfest returns to Daytona Beach on Oct. 17 to Oct. 20, bringing motorcycle enthusiasts to Volusia County.
Despite cleanup efforts, there’s live music, vendors, bike shows, and motorcycle racing at the Daytona International Speedway.
Over the next four days — bikers will come together and have a good time — as hurricane recovery efforts continue to take place.
People are slowly starting to show up — and it’s an all-hands-on deck effort to make sure things go smoothly.
“We encourage visitors to be thoughtful of our neighbors during the event and avoid driving through areas that have been impacted,” said Lori Campbell Baker, executive director of the Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Please be mindful of areas that may contain storm debris and/or inoperable traffic lights, and ride with extra care during your stay. This week’s weather forecast for the rally is sunny and beautiful and visitors are encouraged to contact their hotel directly regarding reservations.”
People are rolling into Daytona Beach — and when there should be excitement — some are worried.
“It’s stressful," Burger Boyz owner Gary Bailey said. "With the hurricane coming through last week, we just got power restored literally 24 hours ago to some of our sites.”
His business has been providing food and drink services for special events for about 25 years. He said he’s never seen anything like this.
“It’s going to be a tough opening this year," Bailey said. "We can’t get ice. We can’t get food. We can’t get propane. So we’re adapting and overcoming. Our normal suppliers are taking care of people right now.”
One person who’s happy to be here, without a worry in the world, is Malbin Larsen.
“I like to build things that no one has ever built before,” Larsen said.
His latest creation sure looks like a motorcycle, but it’s actually a bike.
Everyone has their eye on Larsen’s creation.
“I’m very proud of what I created," he said. "Everyone loves it. It’s a win-win.”
For someone who’s always had a passion for bikes, he wants to create 10 of them. He already has four.
His faith guides him.
“God is using this for me to be in a place where God needs to be to witness the people," Larsen said. "At the same time, I get to create something incredible.”
Baker said people attending Biketoberfest should plan their time and be safe.
Some areas may contain storm debris, he said, and people should be on the lookout for inoperable traffic lights.