Growing up with Bike Week at Daytona for the past few decades meant for me- very long drives to the beach when the waves were good and avoiding the thousands of motorcycles on Interstate 4 as I headed to New Smyrna. I grew up hearing about Biketoberfest in the fall and Bike Week in the spring, so all of this talk in the past few months about the Leesburg Bikefest was just that to me, talk. I have heard all of the commercials on the radio and television and let them slip right past my sense of caring, until this year. This year the subliminal messaging caught my attention and for some strange reason I was drawn in to the hype. Perhaps it’s the fact that I have been scouring the internet as of late for a new Indian Scout Bobber, I really crave a new ride at the moment and the timing seemed to be dead on. No matter what the reason, I decided to attend the big show this year. The Leesburg Bikefest is now in its 22nd year and let me tell ya, after visiting today, there is no doubt that it will run with any of the big bike events worldwide.

The overall setup for the event is based in sleepy downtown Leesburg, Florida, about 40 miles north of Orlando. To be honest, the event works perfectly in this venue and the atmosphere is electric. They feature 3 full days and nights of bike shows, Hot Body Contests, Stunt shows and more music than you can hold on your iphone. The event is legit!

My main reason to go was to see the bikes, and let me tell you, I was not disappointed. There were at least a dozen of EVERY model there, including rat rods and more custom builds than I have ever witnessed in person. True bike fans would be foolish to miss this show!

The highlight for me however was the American Motor Drome Company "Wall of Death" stunt show. I had seen this previously on the internet, but in person it totally blew my mind. It really can not be explained, but I will do my best. There is a large handmade wooden donut that is approximately 25 feet tall, and the vintage motorcycles are at the bottom of this bowl to start. The riders eventually work their way to the top of the circular structure and grab dollar bills from the fans who are above them on a platform looking down. It really doesn’t make sense does it? I know, Im sorry for the bad description….you just have to view the photos below to try to see how it works. Either way its very ballsy!!!

All in all, the Leesburg Bikefest is an awesome experience for those who like loud music, pretty girls, tattoos, loud engines and of course beautiful pieces of chrome and painted pieces of art. I would recommend you attend this free three day spectacle while it is still in town and the weather is perfect, and perhaps bring some ear protection for the kids. You will surely have a blast!

Photos: Alex Menendez

Instagram: @FotoAlexM