Should we expect smaller crowds in Daytona in 2009?

[Narducci]

my buddy is a vendor at daytona bike week and goes down there every year for both events. he said that crowds were definately down this past year. curious what you people think will happen next year? With the economic challenges and gas so expensive, would you all expect a all time smaller crowd?

[Telestra]

Most of the major events and not just bike week events have been down in attendance for 2008. I make the trip to several events every year and so far 2008 has been the lowest turnout I've seen in the last few years and that's even counting the few Daytona bike week events that got rained out a few years ago.

[msdab]

The reports on the local news are saying this year's event will be one of the biggest in recent years. The report said the Myrtle Beach event was being skipped by the motorcycle community because of strict ordinances the city was putting on the event.

So far this year I'm already seeing more bikes on the road earlier than usual. Hopefully the weather will hold out and it won't rain like it did a few years ago.

[BikerBill]

WEATHER IS GOING TO BE REALLY NICE FOR BIKEWEEK,,,,ITS COLD AS &*%^&$%% NOW,,, 58 TODAY ...85 YESTERDAY ........GOT TO CHANGE ...............

[Godspeed]

On many occasions I’ve sworn I’ll never go to Daytona again. The town is generally ratty, and I don’t have the lifestyle I used to that made a week long party attractive. But, between the races and the bike displays, it’s still worth a visit. And, it’s a good excuse to get on the bike and ride.

[VideoDrone]

I was short on expenses to get down there this year. I'm saving my money for Sturgis.

[Andrew]

I'm about 93 miles north of Daytona in Jacksonville. Weather was pure nasty this morning but it's cleaned up nicely, albeit a bit nippy. Expected highs in the low 50's for tomorrow. The rain put a bit of a damper on today's events.

[CoastGuard1]

I think the first weekend was the biggest crowds this year. After that the traffic really dropped off.