Laconia Motorcycle Week
Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week, “America’s Original Riding Rally,” is enjoying great weather and strong crowds as it heads into its second weekend.
From Governor John Lynch’s kick off to the week, to the many events already completed, and those to come; organizers, sponsors and attendees all seem pleased with the 2012 anniversary of the Rally.
Staff at Rally Headquarters have met and spoken with folks from all around the country and Canada stopping in to put their pin in the map. One couple came to Laconia for the first time, riding from California and taking a scenic 9 day tour of the country en route to Motorcycle Week.
Charlie St. Clair (Rally Executive Director) says: “Weather is always the variable we watch closely because of its critical impact, so it’s great that it has turned out to be a strong and sun-filled start to the Rally. We always hope for clear skies and expect a lot of people who will come to ride and have a good time.”
Last Saturday’s Peter Makris Memorial Run saw 260 riders come out for the fundraiser and ride around Lake Winnipesaukee. This year’s run raised over $32,000 from event rider registrations, raffles and auctions, which feed directly into the community, bringing the total raised by the ride to more than $100,000 over six years.
The Run has fully funded the Laconia Fire Department Water Rescue team and three dive boats for the past five years, and last year added the Easter Seals NH “Veterans Count” program to its beneficiary list. Next year’s run kicks off the Rally’s 90th year on Saturday, June 8-16th
The Shawn Farnsworth Memorial Hill Climb experienced great success at the AMA Sanctioned Pro Hill Climb at its new location in Canaan, NH. A few thousand spectators were on hand to witness the pros navigate the 76-degree incline for a chance at the $13,000 purse.
With a clear and sunny forecast for the rest of the Rally, crowds are expected to continuously increase as those regional enthusiasts plan last minute trips to the rally.
Jennifer Anderson (Director of Laconia Motorcycle Week) says: “I am getting calls hourly from visitors that have moved around their schedules in order to take part in the rally and celebrate the great weather. Because NH is surrounded by other similar-sized states, our regional travelers can come as far as New York in a relatively short span of time and we welcome them one and all!”
Rally promoters remind visitors and residents alike to take part in the local shuttle service throughout the Weirs as well as other alternative method of getting in and out of the hot-spots such as, the train leaving from the Lakeport and Meredith heading into the Weirs and the Doris E. and Sophie C. of the M/S Mount Washington, which are running their water taxis to get people where they want and need to be.
Organizers and sponsors are all pleased as the Rally rounds out its eighth decade and looks forward to celebrating its 90th anniversary next June. The Rally that began humbly in 1916, alongside the roots of the sport of motorcycling, continues to make a significant impact on the town of Laconia, the state of New Hampshire, and all of New England.
For a complete schedule of the week’s events, visit laconiamcweek.com/Schedule/. For complete lodging and camping options, visit laconiamcweek.com/Lodging-and-Camping/. While you’re visiting the Official Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week website, be sure to sign-up for the free e-newsletter to learn about new information and special deals!
