Bike Week on Panama City Beach, Day 4

Saturday was the last day of Bike Week, for me at least. There were still venues open and bikers abound yesterday, but since it was Sunday and I was completely worn out, I stayed home with the fam.

Saturday was crazy busy, although it seemed like there were more bikers on the road than at the venues. Riding around, it seemed like there were bikers everywhere. Talking to a friend yesterday, he said that it seemed like everywhere he looked, there weren’t just a few bikers, but several packs of bikers – streetside, hanging out, at gas stations, etc.

Talking to several local businesses, many thought this year was actually up from last year’s fall rally. If anyone has any quantifiable evidence to exactly how many people were here, please share! In the future, we’ll have to figure out how to make a count – I know that it hasn’t been figured out yet.

I spoke to the camp site across from La Vela, and they said they were busier than last year, but were unsure if it had something to do with more people wanting to camp because it was cheaper. Talking to vendors, I was told that sales were way up. Apollo Choppers sold 7 bikes! Ms. Newby’s had motorcycles parked all the way down Thomas Drive almost to where Red Rose is and Ruthy T’s used to be.

Check below for pics, and comment on the fun you had over the weekend!!

Bike Week on Panama City Beach, Day 2

I didn’t have the pleasure of spending much time out and about this afternoon, but I was out tonight. As always, Ms. Newby’s was slammed. I had the great pleasure of meeting John McVeigh, who said business was good. There were people (and bikes) everywhere.

The weather was cool, and even almost cold riding a motorcycle, but the days have been absolutely gorgeous and clear.

It’s hard to say yet if the numbers are down from last year, but many are predicting they will be. With the current state of the economy and fuel prices, it is expected that many bikers stayed home.

I stopped by La Vela to find I just missed Kelly and The Healers. I’ll catch them tomorrow. Everything was slowing down by 9 pm, except the bars, of course. Edgewater was dead, but I did have the opportunity to see the Dan Lawson Band and the young Patrick jam it out.

Salty’s was busy with some pretty sweet bikes out front, one had a Jack Daniels bottle built into the take, cool.

Tomorrow should be a blast, I’ll have more time to visit the venues and check everything out.

Bike Week is Here

Hoards of bikers arrived yesterday with many more to arrive today. Most venues were not open last night, but Ms. Newby’s, as always, was slammed. With all the venues to open today, Panama City Beach is expected to be slammed with bikers from around the southeast US and beyond.

I will be posting updates and pictures as the week rolls on, stay tuned for updates.