Biketoberfest in New Smyrna Beach a bust

Opening night barren at Pub 44

NSBNews.net videos by Henry Frederick / Mike Catchings of Lake Mary was the lone biker in the empty lot at Pub 44 as Thursday's opening night of Biketoberfest 2011 came to a sad conclusion. The local Cheapthrills Band plays a Chris Isaak 80s classic "Wicked Game" to a handful of bikers earlier in the evening at the bar.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Biketoberfest was quieter than a lawn mower on the first night of the four-day weekend at what is soon to be an extinct Pub 44. Just after midnight there were three Harleys in the parking lot and one bicycle. Last year's Biketoberfest recession is this year's depression at least through the first 24 hours at what for the last couple decades or so has been the ground zero for bikers, babes and booze.

Mike Catchings of Lake Mary was very stoic about his vast surroundings with a lady friend, saying they'd make the best of it, even if opening night was any indication of what's ahead over the next three days.  

He readily acknowledged what he saw on the first day is a continuation of last year's steep decline at both the four-day October rally and the larger 10-day Bike Week in February.

Even Pub 44, a 31-year biker staple at 1889 State Road 44, is going away after Biketoberfest to formally make way for JJ Fin's, a more upscale restaurant hoping to cash in on a broader clientele with sushi and other delicacies replacing burgers and fries offered to the dwindling year-round biker crowds.

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Jim Hathaway