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Hooray for Leesburg

For those of you who frequent this spot in the magazine, you know that I've been hangin' with Harleys since the mid-1950s. You also know that I'm a fan of most vehicles, as long as they have only two wheels. Having owned probably 100 motorcycles over the past 40 years, I have also spent my fair share of time attending motorcycle events. From the giant annual affair in Daytona, to the more intimate settings like Lakeland's Roscoe’s Chili Challenge, I rarely miss an opportunity to be where the bikers are.

I don't know if I'm getting old and cranky or if I'm getting a little harder to please, but in recent years my visits to mega events like Daytona are getting shorter and farther apart. It seems to me that since Harley-Davidson's tremendous resurrection of the 1980s, everyone involved in the promotion of motorcycle events has become increasingly greedy. It seems that because H-D charges top dollar for everything they sell, bikers have lost their sense of value and will overpay for everything. Recently, a vendor selling products in the parking lot of a Harley store told me that people will pay more at the Harley shop. They have gotten used to being ripped off. With the influx of more affluent riders, the promoters, restaurants and hotels have raised admission fees, increased menu prices, and have sent hotel room rates through the roof. In my opinion, they have employed the old adage, "Whatever the market will bear," and then raised the price above that.

This past March, I refused to pay the crazy room rates in Daytona. Instead, I did two separate day trips from my home in Lakeland. In my own way I rebelled by not adding to the demand. I even ate lunch in Deland in order to lessen restaurant traffic in Daytona. I'm not going cold turkey on Daytona, but I certainly have curbed my Daytona habit. I also learned that life will not end if I don't attend the Main Street party. I have had enough of paying over-the-top prices to hang out with other motorcyclists who are also mortgaging their future for a taste of biker fellowship. Even when I'm flush, I don't want to feel like a sucker. I didn't pay $150 for Paul McCartney tickets either. Do I really need to add more millions to Sir Paul's already bulging bank account? I passed on a Beatles concert in 1964 because it was too expensive, and (sorry, Paul) I had to do it again.

Having said all that, I must admit that I enjoy the biker community more today than ever. The diversity that the Harley explosion has brought to the sport, in my opinion, has been good for motorcycling. I seldom go for a putt without some senior citizen complimenting the beauty of my bike or some 4-year-old waving and smiling from the back of a mini-van. I must admit that I enjoy all the attention. It seems as though the general public has suddenly discovered the excitement of motorcycling that I have been experiencing for so many years. Along with this new generation of riders, a long list of new events have emerged. Some of these events are good, but many have fallen into the greed cycle that I believe is plaguing motorcycling events everywhere.

I have recently discovered some light at the end of the tunnel. Leesburg. That's right, Leesburg. Quaint, sleepy, serene. Yeah, right. More like rockin', jammin', rumblin' -- the new exciting bike event for the 2000’s. After only six years, Leesburg Partnership Executive Vice President (and Promoter Extraordinaire) Joe Shipes has built a terrific event that has become my No. 1 most enjoyable place to be and, I think, a must-attend for Central Florida residents. Now, you ask, what does a straw hat, docker-wearing, golf cart-riding, penny loafer, radio-totin', yuppy dude from a quiet Central Florida town know about biker events? Plenty. If you don't believe me, how about continuous music on two stages for three days, with big names like Molly Hatchett, Pat Savage, and Justin Heat. Add to that a high-tech laser light and pyrotechnic beauty contest hosted by Macho Man Randy Savage himself and a world-class Big Daddy Rat bike show, and you have all the ingredients for a really great time. And if that's not enough, the total price for this entertainment bonanza is zero dollars and zero cents. That's right. No over-priced concert ticket, Paul.

The City of Leesburg provided beer tents all along the festival area with sensible police officers maintaining peace without impeding the festive atmosphere. Not only are the attendees enjoying this annual April event, even the vendors get a little enjoyment out of it. With affordable vending booths, fair prices, motorcycles-only on Main Street, and merchants who actually appreciate the bikers' business, Leesburg is a welcome stop after the usual dose of Bikeweek rip-offs.

Was everything perfect, with no room for growth or improvement? Well, no. Not yet anyway. I think Leesburg needs more eating establishments to accommodate the 40,000 bikers that invade annually. I spent more time than I like waiting for food at the three establishments we visited in the downtown area. I also believe the biker field games are a little stuffy and should be moved to a field somewhere and managed with a more informal attitude. I don't think field games should be done on pavement or on a brand new $20,000 Road King. I believe that the absurdity of burley bikers slow-racing in a cow pasture taking spills on beater bikes is what makes biker games really fun. Overall, the prices were fair and the attitudes good. Even with bikers sometimes acting a little rowdy, the locals were accommodating and always pleasant. After four decades of attending motorcycle events, I have finally found the special getaway motorcycle weekend I have been looking for at the Leesburg Bikefest. If you haven't had the pleasure, give our good friend Joe Shipes a call at the Leesburg Partnership. He'll take good care of you. Before you know it April will be here again.

Hey Joe, where can I find one of those straw hats? You know, the shorts don't look too bad either.

Ride Safe,
Dano