Iron Horse Saloon...THE Place to Be During Daytona Bike Week!

If you've been to Daytona, you have been to the Iron Horse Saloon, right? Located on Route 1 in Ormond with all the other temporary bars, it's where all the action is.

So much to see and do. We saw Bad Company and also David Allan Coe, who I thought was great.  We talked to many people who said 'he sucks, he's an ass'.  The first person who said it, I thought...wow, relax dude, he's just a singer...but when more than a handful of people (bartenders and locals) say he blows, chances are he does.  Something about cancelling all the time, scared of rain...I don't know...but his music was good and he was there when he was supposed to be the night we were there. So....


They also have celebrity appearances...this year was Opie from Sons of Anarchy who I SO wanted to go see but my friends who waited four hours for me to see Tigs and Bobby in Boston said 'No way.'  Buncha bitches. lol

I'm pretty sure there are plenty of places to eat inside...well I'm really not, but there must be.  We were there to get our drink on and there was plenty of that. Lots of souvenirs though and if you buy their mug you get an hour of free beer everyday from 4pm - 5pm.

They do wheely-spinny thingies in here...a/k/a the 'burn-out' pit. Didn't get to see one. Sad face. 

I should probably know why the seat is on the tank, and why there are springs sticking out...but I don't. Looks painful. I don't get it.

Here you could throw an axe and imagine a special someone's face on the board. Healing. 

When I went to Spring Break in Daytona...many moons ago...the sponsor was Bud Light and Trojans. Now it's aspirins and antacids. My, how times have changed.

Packed lot

 

Night time was even more fun...cah-razy people here

View from balcony is a fave...get to watch the bikes comin' and goin'

Two of the beautiful patrons ;)

Wall of death...

Rest of the evening was a bit of a blur so no pics but it sure was a good ole time. In fact, so much fun, we were almost kicked out of our relatives house for mis-behaving. Now that's a good night...

Quiet Sanctuary...and FREE Beer...during Daytona Bike Week?

What?? Peace and quiet, and free beer in Daytona, you say?? Oh yes, and we found it.  Well...Ormond actually, but same place, isn't it?

Ormond Crab House is located on US 1 but easy to miss...we actually drove right past and made a quick u-turn to check it out.

I think most riders concentrate on the Statey parked in the median and don't even see it. Here's a hint...the cop car is empty. We fell for it every time!



Being from New England, really wasn't sure how Florida seafood would compare but figured we'd enjoy a beer and sit by the water...can't go wrong with that.

Ordered beer from the owner, stand pictured below....asked how much...he said. Nothin'! Never charge for beer...we just ask for a donation to keep the place running.  Well, alright...we found our new spot.  I think we donated more than the solo cup of beer was worth but the gesture was very kind and he was a great guy...happy to help keep the place afloat.

They were offering oyster shooters for $1. Never had 'em before....and probably never will again. Trying to expand my life and experience new things...never needed to try these. I can confidently say oysters will not be a part of my new life. My friend loved them though...and I think they may have worked their magic on her cuz she had a nice little night for herself.  :)

I did like the steamers though...think I might have liked them even more than New England Steamers. Also had some delicious crab dip and bought extra to take back to house. Yummy.

Beautiful spot on the Intracoastal Waterway....with great people and delicious food. Highly recommend!

Main Street at Night - Daytona BikeWeek

So off to Daytona and I forget my camera...my laptop...my chargers.  All were sitting up in my office packed nice and neatly, waiting for me.  Realized this too far from home. Had to borrow my mom's not so great Walmart camera. And I have lost my photographer, which blows...so keep in mind. Pics kinda suck. I need my photographer back, don't you agree? I do.

First night, we were off to Main Street, and Iron Gate was our first stop.

Country girl, shake it for me, girl, shake it for me....(that's Luke Bryan singing)

  

A friendly reminder from your lovely bartenders

 The girls at Froggy's do whatever you want for tips, or so it seemed.

Main Street was hopping for a Tuesday night

 

Drank me lotsa 'dis...ugh

From the sidelines...

 Soda lines really weren't long :)

More sidelines...lost my driver too so this is what I do for now...watch from the sides

Graffiti everywhere...thought this was funny, tho I have no idea what it means

 

Bikers are a sensitive crowd...he brought his Eeyore.  No bother.

Animal! MahnaMahna....

 Lotsa food for hungry bikers...

Crowddddded

She created quite a stir...

I will leave you with this photo...sorry for the quality. Dude on your back seat cruising down Main Street...yes or no??

Hanging in Daytona...

Weather is gorgeous. Having a blast, meeting lots of great people. Tons of pics to share when I get back.

Shoot me a message if you're here...would love to meet you.

Who's at Daytona this week?

Did you make it down to FLA? Probably not, if
you're reading this. Neither did I. Boo. But I have enough pics and visits to put together one fantastic pretend-like-we-are-there trip. So, grab a beer and let's hit the hot spots.

First up, let's head to Main Street, it's where all the action is. Sidewalks are crowded with spectators anxious to see the custom bikes and choppers rolling by. It is probably one of the loudest, craziest parades in the country. It's leather, pipes, bikinis and sunscreen all rolled in to one big party. The reason I go? The people. But I realize many like the bikes...

 There's choppers

And trikes

And even some 4-wheelers. (This guy looked so much cooler driving down the street than I did in my uncle's mini-van. Not on purpose of course, took a wrong turn...ended up on the main drag. Drive of shame, honestly.)

Lots going on out on the street and sidewalks but some of the best parties are inside the bars. Let's do some bar-hopping, shall we? First up, Froggy's. It's where the ladies are. Have to head out back for the real action.

All sorts of shenanigans goin' on back there...dancers, poles, platforms. You get the idea.

Further down, Main Street meets Mardi Gras at Wise Guys. Perhaps earn some beads from the spectators above? NO, not me! Not that type of girl, but there are plenty that are (not that there is anything wrong with that) so front row on the balcony is a popular place to be.

Also on Main Street is the Boot Hill Saloon. A fave among bikers, it's known for its ice cold beers, beautiful bartenders, peanut shells on the floor and motorcycle memorabilia. 

Grab a beer, listen to some tunes and feel free to leave your bra or underwear...whatever your pleasure.

Need a part or a tshirt while on Main Street? There is a Daytona Harley Davidson - Main Street is right in the center of it all. 

So, we've seen the highlights on Main Street, but there is a lot more going on in Daytona/Ormond area. Let's hop back on the bike, surfing the internet and drinking is okay, and head on over to A1A for some more action.

Broken Spoke Daytona is the leader of the pack..err, bars...on A1A. Vendors, burnout pits, hot bartenders and the 'Wall of Death' stunt rider are only a partial list of the excitement you will find at the Broken Spoke.

There's things in trees...watch for falling objects

Plenty of bars...a guy must have made this sign, I thought it said 'Litter Bar'. Had no idea what that was. Thought it was a recycle bin.

Directly across the street is the Iron Horse Saloon. Bartender was a bitch the last time I was there so that's all I have to say about that. Go at your own risk...or don't be a sensitive chick like me. You'll do fine.

 Out back there is a burn-out pit (or a wheely-spinny thing as I once called it...I've come a long way) and live bands, even an old school bus turned in to a bar.

Further down the road is Kick Start Saloon - a bright orange building, stands alone amongst all madness on A1A.

Cheap beer, pool tables, and bartenders that flash as you walk in the door...southern hospitality at its finest. Pretty colored t-shirts too. 

Destination Daytona - I don't know, I found it a tad boring. This WAS during bike week. Few bands, coupla stragglers. I hear its a fun place to be...went twice and everything was closed down around 9pm.

Bars, vendors, music, shopping, lots to do at Destination Daytona...just time it better than we did.

I don't know about you, but my party tends to poop out a bit and I love me some quiet time. Riding the Loop is just what the doc ordered. Palm-trees, nature, wind, only noise you can hear is the rumbling of the bikes...peaceful

Professional photographers are in several spots to snap you riding the Loop, and there are also plenty of great photo ops for us amateurs.

Looking to put in some more miles? Cruise north on A1A...along the ocean to Flagler Beach for a few good  biker friendly bars . High Tides Snack Jack is a fave. Good view, even better views. As beachy as a bar can get.

Sitting up on the deck above the Golden Lion, watching the bikers drive by and the waves roll in is my idea of party. Woo-hoo!  I just say that cuz my husband hates when women 'Woo-hoo'. But we all do, its in our genes. Can I get a Woo-hoo?  Anyone?

And its not a trip to Daytona for me unless I stop at the infamous Daytona Flea Market. Drink beer, eat fried dough, buy some bike parts, some fake pocketbooks...it's all there in all of its cheesy-wonder. I have been buying crap there for years. Love it.

It's open weekends all year but during Bike Week, there is a swap meet, live music, bike shows and a crazy cast of characters

And I will leave you with a quote from the current media darling, Charlie Sheen....'Duh!' Profound, I know. Certainly can't leave Daytona without checking out the speedway. All kinds of activities going on during bike week.

Oh wait, don't go! There's more...the boardwalk! Video arcades, go-carts, bungee-jumping and driving on the beach...SO much to do in Daytona...need more than one week to fit it all in. Thankfully, there is Biketoberfest....hon, you listening?

So the sun sets on another great week - well, not yet...but a few more days. Hope those who went had a great time and make it home safely. And for those who were not able to go but joined me on this cyber-trip, hope you enjoyed. It was fun!