As a rider each day having to head over to Destination Daytona it was nice not having to sit idle in traffic for hours. Each day I was able to exit I-95 on to US 1 and get right in, unlike the traffic jam like last year.
So what is going on? Is the excitement of attending a rally dieing off? Has the outrageous gas prices caused the die-hard riders to stay home. Has the current economy caused rider to sell their ride?
Times are hard and it seems to be affecting everyone. The customs shops could not afford to pull their trailers down to show off the merchandise and bikes. I was speaking to a close vendor friend that explained that sales where down over 70% form last years rally. He went on to explain that it started last Biketoberfest and that he was done setting g up at the rallies until he sees a shifty in rally attendance and money being spent.
That was the other complaint vendors offered is that the most of the attendees just were not spending money.
So what is the answer? What can we do to save this dieing market? What would we do if when we did travel to a rally that there where no vendors, half of our favorite bars where boarded up?
So if your are feeling the financial crunch and hole in your pocket, offer your support and visit some of your favorite vendor websites. Even if it is to just drop them a note and offer your support. How about trying to figure out what you can sacrifice so you have the money to attend a rally and support them where they need it.
In closing, I hope to see you sometime this year at a rally event and remember to ride safe but to “RIDE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT”
Images taken while traveling the Famous Daytona Loop!
