Giraffe can be seen between Conner's chin and hands.
Monday was the day I'd been waiting 8 years for, Dayton Beach in all its glory during the annual Dayton Beach Bike Week. After a slow morning start and a meandering back roads trip from Disney Lodges to Daytona, we arrived eventually around midday. Here I finally crossed the famous bridge I'd watched so often in the videos of others as they made their way to the beach.
The day was hot and we took to the sea breeze of Joe's Crab Shack for some late afternoon lunch at the end of the pier. Here we enjoyed the views, people watched, and of course devoured our meal at Joe's. With our hunger satisfied we walked off our lunch with a stroll and some shopping up and down Main St. As typical you can see all types of motorcycles from traditional to outlandish. The Jesus people are out along with the panhandlers working the crowd. What I found impressive was the orderliness of the crowd. And while we saw a police presence it was not "in your face." Everyone was respectful of everyone else.
Late in the afternoon we made our way to the Daytona International Speedway. The speedway is about 5 miles from the beach and is where all the big vendor tents are set up. Andy needed a new front tire, so we found the Dunlop tent. Not only did they have a tire, they could replace it on the spot. This is what I love about motorcycle events like this. You don't have to get your bike to a shop, find a ride home, or make any appointment. You're in and out. Well almost.
With Andy's bike up on the lift, a guy on a custom Fat Boy rolled in with a plight. One of the bolts "here we go with bolts again" had wiggled it's way out of the rear pulley drive. (At least that's what I think it's called.) This is where the belt loops over and drives the back wheel. He's lucky to have heard a strange noise or things could have gone very badly for him. The bolt had not sheered off, but was badly bent. The other bolts needed attention as well, so the mechanics were diverted from the tire as everyone was focused on this guy's custom Harley. This bike was a beauty even I had to admit with its fifteen grand worth of custom work. Even the state license plate matched. How cool is that!
We arrived back at the Animal Kingdom where the little "lion cubs" were already snoozing. However we enjoyed a pleasant evening with Stephanie and Phil recounting each our day's adventures.
Come back and check for video traversing the bridge to the beach. I'm catching up at the moment and haven't uploaded this yet.
Come back and check for video traversing the bridge to the beach. I'm catching up at the moment and haven't uploaded this yet.
1 comment:
Fun! Family and bikes. And good food too. Sounds like a great day.
Post a Comment