It was not a sanctioned club ride, but a few of us headed down to Daytona for Biketoberfest this year. We rode down to Macon on Wednesday night to get a headstart for the next day. Thursday morning we headed out bright and early for Daytona. Although there was a threat of rain, we managed to stay dry. We left in a morning fog that took a couple hours to clear, but overall the weather for the day was good. We arrived at the hotel, just south of Saint Augustine late afternoon and spent the remainder of the day there. By the time we arrived it was hot and humid. Preston and Carmie rode up to spend the weekend with us and met us at the hotel just in time for a nice dinner.

Friday morning we got up early and headed for Daytona. A nice ride down A1A allowed us to stay off the interstate and get some great views of the ocean. Today was hot. Record temp were being recorded and the humidity made it worse. Even with the sea breeze it was sticky. Arriving in Daytona we headed for a ride down Main Street. From there we crossed over to the mainland and visited the new STAR dealership there. I didn't get any pictures, but this place was unreal. Two stories, a snack bar, multiple showrooms and a parts department bigger that entire dealerships here. After a short visit we headed for lunch. A long lunch in an air conditioned restaurant got everyone powered back up and we headed for the speedway and the vendors there. Several hours were spent at the various vendors, including the huge Yamaha/Star display. The sun finally took its toll and we headed back to the hotel for dinner and the evening. John and Mary, who live in Jacksonville and are member of the Star Chapter there, met us for dinner.

Saturday was another early morning. The weather was again hot, although possibly a few degrees cooler. Leaving the hotel for Daytona Beach and a little riding. On this day we rode "the loop". It is a very scenic route with beautiful trees over the road with spanish moss hanging down. We stopped at one of the park and paid a visit to a 2000 year old tree. Midday called for a light lunch at a local deli owned by a couple (who ride Stars). We made a visit to the Harley Dealer just north of Daytona. This has to be the largest HD dealer in the world. The complex includes, shops, restaurants, condos, and so much more. And its not even finished yet. There were a ton of vendors here too. The balance of the daylight hours were spent on Main Street shopping and people watching. I think we saw a little of everything. What a blast. From main street we headed to dinner at Down the Hatch. A nice restaurant down bow the lighthouse sitting on the inlet. The view was fantastic and the food was delicious. Now it was dark....but we weren't done yet. The day wouldn't be complete without a visit to the saloons...Boot Hill and Iron Horse. Well....I thought I saw it all on Main Street....I was wrong. The places were packed. There were people everywhere. Everyone was having a good time and everything was in control. It was really something to just be there. About 1 AM we gave it up and headed back to the hotel....an hour away!!

Sunday was the ride home. We got up early....really early...especially considering we didn't get in until 2AM. Leaving by 8AM was a chore. The ride home was uneventful. We had to put on the rainsuits for a very light drizzle about midway and the weather got a lot cooler as we got closer to home. Everyone arrived safe.

Everyone is already talking about next year....so if you were unable to make it this year, put it on your calendar now for next year. You really don't want to miss this event.

Chapter 111 Participants:

Doug & Teresa Turco
Gary & Maria Kohl
Allen and Shirley Sales
Preston Howard

Special Guests

Preston Fletcher and Carmie
John and Mary