Laconia Motorcycle Week (also called Laconia Bike Week)
Jun 13th, 2009 through Jun 21st, 2009
Laconia Motorcycle Week is arguably the oldest motorcycle rally in the United States. Searching on the web, I find different start dates, so I guess the best thing to do is do the math. With the 2005 rally being labelled by the official website as the 82nd, it appears that Laconia Bike week started in 1924. Since then, it has grown to be the third largest of the 'Big Four' motorcycle rallies, drawing a crowd of between 300,000 and 400,000 people.
Typical Events at Laconia Motorcycle Week
Laconia Motorcycle Week includes numerous events every year. Some of the best custom motorcycle builders, vendors, and manufacturers attend. A partial list of events is provided here, but I highly recommend going to the official website, listed below, to get a detailed listing as well as a schedule.
- Hill Climbs
- Poker Runs
- Live music throughout the event, at numerous locations
- Stunt Riding
- Biggest Beer Belly Contest
- Demo Rides
- Vendors - for about anything a biker would want
- Manufacturer displays
While at Laconia Motorcycle Week, don't miss these nearby attractions
Many people spend their entire vacation enjoying the events and comradery offered during Laconia Motorcycle Week. But, if you want to just get away from the hustle and bustle that is Laconia during the rally, here is a short list of some of some of the attractions nearby:
- the Motorcyclist Shrine in Colebrook, NH is 2 and a half hours north
- View reenactments of frontier life at the reconstructed French and Indian War Fort 4 in Charlestown, NH, only 2 hours south west
Laconia Motorcycle Week Official Website (for further information)
- Laconia Motorcycle Week www.laconiamcweek.com/
Motels and Camping Near Laconia Motorcycle Week
Motorcycle related laws to know while attending Laconia Motorcycle Week
One of the common complaints when returning from a major motorcycle rally is about the law being rampant, and giving tickets out for every minor infraction. While we cannot stop all tickets from being given, some of those tickets are due to you, the attendee, not being aware of some of the standard laws in the state. Below are some of the most common laws for New Hampshire. Be aware, though, that many rally locations have recently passed local ordinances that may be more strict than the state law. For example, a new noise ordinance was passed in Myrtle Beach just in time for the 2005 Fall Rally. I make every effort to keep this information up to date, but you may want to research them more just prior to going to an event, just in case they have changed.
| Helmet Usage | Required by law under age 18 |
| Eye Protection | Required by law unless equipped with windscreen |
| Daylight headlights | Modulating headlight permitted |
| Passenger Seat | Required if carrying a passenger |
| Passenger footrests | Required if carrying a passenger |
| Mirrors | Required |
| Turn Signals | Required by law unless manufactured prior to January 1, 1973 |
| Mufflers | Muffler required |
| Max Noise Level | Yes |
| Handlebar Height | Handle bar grips cannot be higher than the shoulder level of the driver when in the seat or saddle |
| Riding two abreast | Yes |