Long-time Victory rider Russell Snell had one of the longer commutes to Daytona Bike Week – about 4,300 miles, one-way.

Russell hails from Sedro-Woolley, Washington, which is about 83 miles from the Canadian border. Now retired, he comes from a family of loggers, and he and his father and brothers made the long trip to the rally several times over the past 40 years. The forests they worked were buried in snow in February and March, so they were free to ride to Daytona.

“This was the 12th time I rode [from Washington to Daytona],” he said of his Bike Week 2013 trip. “I started in 1972 on a 750 Honda. That first trip was with my dad and brother. This time I rode with my younger brother Roger and our friend Terry Taylor.”

The three rode south along the West Coast, then turned east and took I-10 most of the way across the country. Upon arriving in Florida, they headed directly to Key West – about as far from Sedro-Woolley as you can get within the continental United States – before riding north to Daytona.

They spent four days in Daytona, then headed home. Russell rode his 2013 Victory Vision, which is his fourth Victory. (He also currently owns a 2008 Jackpot.) His Victory dealer is Skagit Valley Polaris in Mount Vernon, Washington.

The Victory Vision had 1,600 miles on it when he left for Daytona, and “it ran flawlessly,” he reported. “It’s a good road bike and it handles really well. It’s pretty much stock, and I got good fuel mileage.”

He said he averaged 70 mph during 72 hours of road time, and he reported reaching a top speed that, well, let’s say it exceeded the speed limit everywhere except on Daytona International Speedway.

At times, he said, you had to tap into the Victory’s outstanding Freedom V-Twin power: “In Texas, if you aren’t going 80, the school buses will pass you,” he laughed.

Russell, now 75, wasn’t sure if he would be making the trip to Daytona again. But a Victory Buzz reporter who interviewed him at Victory Custom Row told Russell they should vow to meet there again during Daytona Bike Week 2014. We’ll see you there, Russell.

• Learn more about 2013 Victory touring models like the Victory Vision. •


Victory rider Russell Snell (far right) rode from Washington State to Daytona Bike Week with his brother Roger (center) and their friend Terry Taylor (left).


Roger Snell showed off a “Snell’s Angels” tattoo on his chest that celebrated his family’s long-time passion for riding.


Washington State Victory rider Russell Snell.