Daytona Beach Local Customs

Ticket scalping must be a local custom at DIR. There are LOTS of men (not saying there aren't any women but I never saw any) on the side of the street / sidewalk buying and selling tickets. All of the men that spoke to us were polite and all we had to do was say no and they left us alone. As always, the rule is be polite to strangers if you want them to be polite to you.

I guess these guys can serve a good purpose. The track will not take tickets back so if you really want to sell them with little trouble, this may be an option. Likewise, if you really need a ticket, you may be able to get tickets from the 'street vendors'. I have never asked so I have no idea what tickets for the different events may cost or what you can sell them for on the street.

. . . but I don't see why people do. I mean, it just seems like a good way to *** up a perfectly good beach. Can't you park and, I dunno, walk to the beach?
Americans are allergic to walking - or excercise in any way, shape, or form, but this is rediculous. My ex-boyfriend MADE me drive on the beach one day, and my car got stuck. (Uh, it's wet sand . . . I could have predicted that.) It was an unpleasant event all together.

(you'll want to click on this photo to get the full effect).

Now here's a prime example of someone whose Chaps are really coming in handy.

It's simple economy: this guy is obviously killing two birds with one stone - getting a suntan while riding - and doing both with confidence, knowing his legs are protected by his leather Chaps.

Biker Pride.

Here we see a few gals showing how to wear those "Chaps" I was talking about.

For those of you who doubt the utility of Chaps, allow me to explain their function:

Pretend that these women are wearing blue jeans (or any type of real clothing) under their leather chaps. The function of chaps is to protect one's legs from the pounding wind and elements, while riding.

The reason the seat part is cut out, is because one's bottom is mostly protected (even getting a little hot - from the bike of course) while riding, so leather across the rump is superfluous.

It's mostly necessary to protect the legs while riding, and it does a good job of doing that. You'd be surprised at how chilled your appendages can get when evening comes along and it's just you against the Wind.

Please, leave your inhibitions at home.

This may be the one time a year in Florida where you can parade yourself in next to nothing, and not get arrested or have a bible thrown at you.

The shredded "Spider Web" outfit sure is a good look, isn't it?

Much of the Daytona Beach economy is based upon tourism. So please be as kind to our hospitality staff as they are to you. Keep in mind that most of our restaurant servers, bar tenders, and other service workers, make far below minimum wage. They are dependent on tips to make up the difference. A general rule of tipping is to tip at least 15% for average service, and up to 25% for exceptional service. With the exception of bars where $1/drink is the norm, and up to $5/drink (tip) for exceptional service. Extremes do happen, but they are seldom, so please be generous.

Daytona Beach, is in the South. So please keep in mind that locals have the Southern attitude. They tend to me more easy going and take life less seriously that northern states. A slow drawl is not uncommon, and locals often don't understand people who speak to quickly. Be careful not to be rude, good morning, and hello are expected. Please and thank you are also commonly used here, if you choose not to, you may not be treated as well as you may want to be. The only down side in my opinion is that we do have some people who need some serious help in their driving skills (perhaps age, may be a factor). So drive defensivly.

What can I say?

Some women prefer to go shirtless.

Predictably, most men aren't complaining.