New Hampshire
Laconia Motorcycle Week: A century-old tradition of chrome, leather, and freedom – Concord Monitor
New Hampshire’s summer tradition, filled with chrome, leather, tattoos and motorcycles, is in full swing in the Lakes Region.
Known as the Nation’s oldest motorcycle rally, bike week’s epicenter is at Weirs Beach in Laconia, but events draw crowds as far south as the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon and a free food stop on Route 9 between Keene and Antrim.
Once known for its rowdiness, motorcycle week has become big business for the state, attracting thousands of riders who come here and spend money. It even got a kickoff from Gov. Kelly Ayotte this year.
“Laconia Motorcycle Week is a New Hampshire tradition for motorcycle enthusiasts, and I’m proud to welcome riders from across the country and the world for this iconic event,” Ayotte said.
Now in its 103rd year, bike week began in 1916 and became official in 1917. For those doing the math, the tradition missed a few years on account of world events, like the Great Depression and World War II, according to its history page.
While Thursday’s forecast holds rain, conditions have been good the rest of the week.
“The riders who visit us each year are respectful, generous and passionate about the open road,” said Cynthia Makris, owner of The NASWA Resort and president of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association.
More information about this year’s Bike Week events can be found at https://laconiamcweek.com.