There aren't many states better suited to motorcycling than Florida. Long, sultry summers, mild winters and a string of Keys stretching into the Caribbean all beckon bikers year 'round. Florida also hosts some of the nation's top motorcycling shows and rallies. Hop on your bike and head to one of these favorite Florida motorcycling events:


1. Bike Week, Daytona Beach (March): The granddaddy of all motorcycling events, Bike Week draws more than 600,000 enthusiasts each March in the nation's largest celebration of the motorcycle. Classic and modern motorcycle shows, free Harley and Buell demo rides, organized road tours, the AMA Motorcycle race and live music are highlights each year. But the real fun? Gathering with more than half a million of the country's biggest bike enthusiasts.


2. Screamin' Eagles Bike Week Nationals, Gainesville (March): The sounds of Harleys fill the air in Gainesville when the All Harley Drag Racing Association (AHDRA) brings the Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts Bike Week Nationals to the Gainesville Raceway. The race features 15 classes of competition, ranging from Nitro Harleys and modified gas bikes to pro stocks, V-Rods and street machines.


3. Miami Motorcycle Salon, Miami (April): South Florida's largest motorcycle event, the Miami Motorcycle Salon (http://themotorcycletour.com), invites nationally recognized custom bike builders to showcase their creations while top manufacturers display next-generation bikes, aftermarket parts and apparel. Other popular events include a bike show and contest, stunt bike riding and live entertainment.


4. Leesburg Bike Fest, Leesburg (April): Biker build-offs, rider skills shows, motorcycle games, drill team demonstrations and a blessing of the bikes are just a few of the events slated for the Leesburg Bike Fest (www.leesburgbikefest.com) northwest of Orlando. Live bands perform on three stages throughout town, and the festival concludes with the announcement of the winner of the bike build-off, elected by popular vote.


5. Ybor City Bike Fest, Tampa (May): The old town of Ybor City, today a part of Tampa, was founded by Cubans and once known as the "Cigar Capital of the World." Each spring, 19th-century downtown Ybor City plays host to the thoroughly 21st-century Bike Fest (www.tampabaymotorcyclerally.com). Events include an American custom bike show, a sport bike show, biker contests and games, poker runs and live music.


6. Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally, Panama City (May and September): More than 40,000 motorcycle enthusiasts head to the semiannual Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally (www.thunderbeachproductions.com) twice a year, drawn by bike shows and contests, motorcycle parades and vendors, and live outdoor entertainment. Custom bike builders also take the opportunity to show off their latest masterpieces. But the city's pristine, white beachfront is a prime attraction, the perfect place to relax after a ride.


7. Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach (October): Biketoberfest (www.biketoberfest.org) is Daytona Beach's autumn counterpart to Bike Week. The crowds aren't as overwhelming as the city's spring event, but Biketoberfest is every bit as much fun. Activities include a motorcycle expo, biker contests and demonstrations, a chopper how-to workshop, races, live musical entertainment and lots of eating and drinking.


8. Plant City Bike Fest, Plant City (First Sat. of every month): No matter when visitors travel to Plant City (25 miles east of Tampa), chances are good it's almost Bike Fest (plantcitybikefest.com) time. Each month the city hosts the event, welcoming between 9,000 and 12,000 motorcycle enthusiasts with a bike show, motorcycle expo and over 70 food vendors.