So you’ve never been to a bike night before? Well, we’re not here to pass judgement. Whether you’ve been riding for a just a couple of months or almost a decade now, it’s high time you attended a bike night. It’s a great way to meet other riders and come together as part of a much larger community. Because it doesn’t matter what brand, make, or model you have, at the end of the day we’re all riders and that’s what counts.
But if you’re curious about what to expect and don’t want to go into your first bike night totally blind, keep reading. We’re going to run down everything you can expect from your first bike night (and also suggest one you should consider attending this year)!
- Expect to see a lot of bikes that are more expensive, and arguably more beautiful than your own
I know, I know… how could there be a bike on this Earth that’s better than the one you own? Well, unfortunately, there is. There are probably lots of them. And you will likely see just about all of them at a Bike Night, especially larger Bike Nights that can host up to 3,000 riders.
Instead of letting this fact make you envious or jealous, go with the knowledge in mind that there are simply people out there who have more money or more time to dedicate to their bike so that you can fully appreciate the works of art they’ve created through blood, sweat, love, and tears. Because if you haven’t already, a Bike Night is where you’re really going to learn to appreciate the beauty and artistry of that motorcycle, and not just its functionality.
- Expect to see people there who don’t own a bike and may have never even ridden one before
That’s right. Hordes of people who have never and will never own or ride a bike love coming to Bike Night. Why? Because it’s fun. The biker community is unique. Sure, we’ll talk bikes until our faces turn blue, but we’re not a very exclusionary bunch. Anyone who loves bikes is welcome – even if they just like the way they look or the way they sound.
In other words, you don’t have to know the specs of every single make and model out there to feel welcome at Bike Night. If you ride, you’re welcome. If you don’t but you love bikes, you’re welcome.
- Expect to see cops
Yup, expect to see cops at every single Bike Night. The bigger the Bike Night, the larger police presence there will be. Typically, they aren’t trying to give out tickets left and right, they just want to keep the peace and make sure things don’t get too out of hand. But if you’re blatantly breaking a law right in front of them, you’re not going to get a pass.
So don’t expect to be able to chug a 6-pack and then get on your bike without any problems. If you choose to make poor decisions, you’re going to have to suffer the consequences. And if you’re drinking and riding, getting off with just a ticket is the best case scenario.
- Expect to see young riders showing off by riding dangerously
Burn Outs. You name it. Younger riders with less experience and larger egos are going to be trying to show off. Just like they do every chance they get. Do us all a favor and don’t encourage them by being one of the crowd. The less injuries there are at Bike Night, the better.
- Expect to have a good time
Whether the Bike Night you’re attending is a massive, thousand-plus-people affair or a small, local gathering you can expect to have a great time. How could you not? You’re surrounded by people who love the same things you love, great music, good food, and cold beer. Trust that the first time you attend a Bike Night will not be your last.
If you’re looking forward to attending a Bike Night (either for the first time, or just for the first time since the pandemic hit), then mark your calendar for October 9, 2021 for the Cape Coral Bike Night. This is one of the larger Bike Nights in the area – about 18,000-20,000 people show up every year. There will be vendors, live music, food, beer, contests, competitions, and more bikes than you’ve ever seen in one place!
*Check out our video from Cape Coral’s 2016 Bike Night.
