History

What started as a vision by then City Mayor, Dan Tipton, and former City Manager Scott Miller, has turned into one of the West Coast of Florida’s premiere motorcycle events.

In 2005, after attending a motorcycle event in Central Florida, these two men came home with a vision of hosting a great motorcycle event in their own town.  New Port Richey, situated on the banks of the Pithlachascotee River, was the perfect town to host such an event.  With Sims Park as a venue for concerts and food, and a downtown area filled with shops and restaurants within a two block walking distance from the park that could be closed off to motorcycle traffic only, the town lent itself perfectly for such an event. 

The West Pasco Chamber of Commerce was contacted to be the event organizer, and graciously agreed.  A committee was formed, and thus the 1^st Annual Cotee River Bike Fest was held in October 2005.

The Cotee River Bike Fest is held during the cooling month of October each year, a week before Biketoberfest in Daytona so that motorcyclists coming to Florida have the opportunity to enjoy the West Coast before attending that event.

Since its inception, the Cotee River Bike Fest has grown to a three day event with an average of over 30,000 motorcycles attending the event throughout the weekend.  Each year, the event is filled with non-stop activities, including: a Sheriff Escorted Ride, Bike Shows, a Sunday Service, and more.  Entertainment has always been a highlight with two stages hosting bands through the duration of the event.  The Boulevard Stage is located downtown on the streets, and features the best local and regional bands around.  The Sims Park Amphitheatre hosts regional and headline band, of which, past performances at the Cotee River Bike Fest have included Iron Butterfly, Blue Oyster Cult, and Marshall Tucker Band.  

Whether you own a motorcycle or not, the Cotee River Bike Fest has something for everyone to enjoy.  We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Cotee River Bike Fest.