The crowd on Main Street was four-deep to watch the 7th Annual V8 Motorcycle Parade on Wednesday during the 70th Daytona Bike Week.Photos - by Bruce Abowitt.
A record 127 of the V8 bikes and trikes participated in the parade and a scenic ride that finished with a free Rat's Hole V8 Motorcycle Show at Daytona Lagoon, across from the Ocean Center at 601 N. Earl Street in Daytona Beach.
All V8 owners are welcome to participate in the parade, scenic ride and bike show that is sponsored by Boss Hoss. The annual event is organized by Bill Taylor and other area V8 owners, who are united by their love of the big machines and a desire to raise money for the Shriner's Hospitals for Children.The V8 owners rolled out for the parade at 1pm from the Custom Works, Boss Hoss dealership at 806 N. Beach Street.
"We had perfect weather and perfect escort help from both the Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach police departments for a scenic loop ride that was just outstanding," said Bill Taylor, who is president of the Midatlantic Chapter of the Boss Hoss Riders Association.Last year, 105 V8 bikes and trikes from all over the country participated in the parade and ride-in V8 Motorcycle Show. "We met some V8 owners this year that live in California," said Taylor. "Each year, a few more new people join the parade and it just continues to get bigger every year."
Ted and Pam Smith led the parade and ride on their Rat's Hole V8 Custom Trike. They also played host to the V8 Motorcycle Show at 2pm at Daytona Lagoon. The show was open to the public and free to attend. Custom Works provided food and entertainment.
"Everyone loved the band, One Hit Wonder out of St. Augustine and the party continued until after 5pm," said Taylor. The V8 riders expect to donate more than $1,500 to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children. Donations will also be collected at the 39th Annual Rat's Hole Chopper Show on Saturday. Look for the purple buckets! Here's a link to more photos.
More than 90 bikes have pre-registered for the Saturday, March 12th Rat's Hole Show. "We expect to see a couple dozen more bikes register on Saturday morning," said Ted Smith. This year's show features a "World Bike Showdown" with bike builders from Australia, Canada, USA and the EAU on stage with their newest bike builds. Everyone who attends the show will receive a ballot to cast their vote for a favorite bike in the special competition. A new Rat's Hole custom trophy will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners in 22 classes.
