The 85th annual Laconia Bike Week came one week late this year, but was still chocked with what we’ve come to expect of bike week; bikes, rain, heat, rain and more rain.
We could only spare time for day trip this year (my stinky new job is eating into all my fun “me” time) and it was just a tease. If we plan on spending the whole week (or even just a few days) up in NH we usually take a nice leisurely, back-roads ride up to the Lakes Region. However for day trips we just hit the highway and blast up 93N for 100 miles until we reach the Tilt’n Diner.
Once making it to the diner most people shed their leathers and helmets and prepare themselves for the 13 mile trek to the Weirs Beach. It’s a nice scenic ride that can take up to 3 hours on the busy weekends.
Our first stop was the Belknap Mill. This old mill has a gallery that houses motorcycle exhibits during the rally each year. This year the exhibit was of some sort of acrylic-type paintings with a water color feel by local artist John David O’Shaughnessy. It was like line drawing meets forced impressionist. The show paled in comparison to my friend Art Biker, who had a show a few years back. But I might be slightly biased.
From downtown we headed to the beach, finding parking spots near the very end. We did the typical stroll, down the entire beach up to the drive-in area to peruse all of the vendors. After buying some swag, we were on our way back to our bikes when the skies opened up and we were nailed by the first downpour. Seemed like the perfect time to duck into a local watering hole and wait it out.
As we were hanging out I noticed that there weren’t that many customized motorcycles that knocked my socks off this year, but there was an abundance of photographers. In addition to my favorite motorcycle photographer (again, I might be slightly biased) we saw Michale Lichter and probably 10 other photo crews running around desperately shooting whatever they could find.
When the skies cleared we took the opportunity to jump on the bikes and rode the loop up the the Antler, back down past the Fun Spot and finding our way to the highway. While we were gassing up we got caught in a tremendous downpour and, along with hundreds of our closest friends, decided to hang out and wait for it to pass. Forethought told me to bring my rain gear, but I wanted to travel light (because my rain gear weighs so much?) so I left it at home on the table (perfect place for it, huh?). An hour later it finally stopped and was a bright sunny day again.
June 26th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
I have always desired to visit this bike week, but something always seem to come up. Perhaps I will plan to attend next year, as I have yet to have the opportunity to ride in your area.
June 28th, 2008 at 10:19 am
The numbers showed about a 25% decline in attendance this year. I think the economy is hurning all the events. Especially the trailer queens. Hauling a big ass trailer loaded with heavy bikes, behind a fuel sucking SUV is costly these days! Day trippers on bikes were the majority….as it should be
June 28th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Crusty, I’ve read that the numbers were down, too. I think cost of gas definitely has something to do with it (although I feel like most people should be RIDING their bikes, not trailering them!). Not too many people have the disposable income to play with these days.
July 7th, 2008 at 5:50 am
I am aalso planning for the next year cuz i want to see the hip hop things and enjoy the ride whether i have to borrow a bike from some body else i wish i could have mine.