The days are starting to get longer and temperatures are becoming warmer. What this means is that the seasons will initiate change, and that brings a whole number of things with it. One of them is motorcycle season. For a few die-hards it never ended. For the rest of us it's time to get a head start on some much needed bike maintenance and start planning for this year’s upcoming events! There are five that stand out as they cover the riding season and span our beautiful country. So if you're anything like me, you've already got the itch that only the open road and two wheels can scratch, so lets get to scratching.

1. Daytona Bike Week - Daytona Beach, Florida March 4-13
Its' roots can be traced back to the 1930's beginning as the Daytona 200 race. Steady growth helped carry it through a hiatus during the Second World War, and it has since grown in popularity and scope to compete against Sturgis for the biggest bike rally in the country, serving over half a million people. It's early in the year, so the heat and humidity is at an acceptable level for those of us without scales for skin. Today’s version of the rally caters to virtually every rider from the hardcore to the casual. On and off road race events are held at Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona Supercross is a must see for dirt bike fans. If you want the full Daytona experience, then riding "the loop" is mandatory. It's a 12 mile ride through some of the most scenic roads Daytona has to offer, and takes riders to several hot spots and hangouts.

2. MotoGP Circuit of the Americas - Austin, Texas  April 8-10
If hogs and choppers just don't get you revved up, then certainly the Motorcycle Grand Prix of America will. Proposed in 2010 and completed in 2012, this first class track was purpose built for the world’s premier racing events such as Formula 1 and MotoGP, as well as others. This 3.427 mile long track quickly established itself as a challenge to drivers and riders alike, making for great battles through the long straights and tight twisties. This circuit was co-designed by motorcycle racing legend Kevin Schwantz and has hosted current legend Valentino "The Doctor" Rossi, Kentucky native Nicky Hayden, Marc Marquez, Dani Pedrosa, and Jorge Lorenzo. Take a ride down to "The Lone Star State" -thee- home of barbecue and “getcha pull”!

3. Rockerbox Festival Road America - Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin  June 10-12
Come one come all! If getting on the iron horse and heading to the horizon is your thing, then head on up to Rockerbox to broaden that line! Hosted by the iconic Road America, the Rockerbox fest is an eclectic mix of all that is on two (and sometimes three) wheels. Bring your classic Indian bobber, your Triton cafe racer, or your Ducati Panigale, this event caters to you and your crazy friend with the Vespa. This year they're hosting the AHRMA Vintage racing series for all of the vintage “petrol heads” out there. Ride in bike shows and custom bike competitions are the center of the show, so polish up the chrome before you get there, it could be the difference between first and first loser! Oh, and on your way in or out of town, don't forget to make your homage to the Harley Davidson museum on the south side of Milwaukee.

4. Pikes Peak Hill Climb - Pikes Peak, Colorado  June 26
Known as the "race to the clouds" and started in the early 1900's, Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is absolutely legendary, absolutely dangerous, and absolutely exciting! The brutal 12.42 mile,156 turn course climbs 4,720 feet to top out at an astounding 14,110 feet altitude! Few courses in the world are this demanding on man and machine, and Pikes Peak has claimed enough souls to prove it. Navigating such a long course uphill the entire time changes the whole dynamic of handling the machine. Climbing so high so fast wreaks havoc with engine tuning to stay on the bleeding edge of peak power as the air thins out to barely breathable. Oh, and did I mention the souls? Yeah, this course has no run offs, no safety nets, no cushy padded cell walls to keep the rider from living life on the edge...literally. One mistake in the wrong place can, and will, spell disaster for any who are man enough to attempt this course. Race or spectate at your own risk!

5. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - Sturgis, South Dakota  July 30- August 15
If you own a motorcycle, you've heard of Sturgis. If you don't own a motorcycle, you've probably heard of Sturgis. From a town of 6,600 people, a festival of over 700,000 bursts forth for a few short weeks of chest rattling, ground shaking power on two wheels. I challenge you to find another city in the world with more chrome in less space than Sturgis. More than half of the attendees are estimated to have trailered their bikes to the event, riding the last few miles on the bike. It's the safest way to travel by far, and the most comfortable. The troopers of the bunch make the journey -no- pilgrimage on their own steeds, toughing out the long roads from the far corners of this great land. The payoff? Some of the most scenic territory in the world passes by and conjures thoughts, feelings, and images of the history of this great nation and its settlers who forged the trail to the far and remote reaches of America. Some of the best local scenery can be found on the black hills run between Deadwood and Custer State Park.

6. Bonus: Biketoberfest -  Daytona Beach, Florida   October 13-16
Head back down for round two of Daytona! Biketoberfest hosts some of the craziest customs, parties, and all around fun. Listed as one of Top 20 Events by the southeast tourism society, the fall counterpart of Daytona Bike Week won’t disappoint. It’s a bit lower in attendance numbers, but still a great way to cut loose and have a great time. If October is getting a little too cold, but you still don’t want to give up the bike, head down to Daytona for one last hurrah to bookend the riding season