Laconia Bike Week 2009

I have a confession to make.  I've been in Vermont for five summers now and haven't made it over to the Laconia Motorcycle Week rally.  However, this year I'm going to put forth a valiant effort, concerted even, to make it for at least a day during the week and hopefully an overnight stay or two and celebrate their 86th anniversay. For more on the history of the event check out this link!

When people think of Laconia they often compare and contrast it with Americade.  Music and partying vs. family fun and the Harley vs. Goldwinger crowd. Me, I just love bikes period!  As a guitarist I also love live music so I'm looking forward to all the options Laconia presents. I do know that it's a motorcycle rally..OOH-AAH.. and I do know that it's a beautiful ride from Burlington to Weirs Beach, NH. That's a bona fide good start in my estimation.

This year the dates of the event are June 13th through the 21st so you have an entire week to make the show.  The beauty of it being so close to Burlington is that one can check the weather and plan accordingly to be there when the sun is shining brightly.  You can also stay overnight or make the trek home and go again. Wiers Beach is 133 miles from Burlington or approximately a three hour ride.

Their website lists so many activities you’ll need Apple’s new iPhone with its expanded memory just to keep track of everything you want to do. There's the US Vintage Motorcycle Grand Prix at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, dirt track racing at Jolly Rogers, biker build offs, national music acts like Brad Paisley, Dirks Bentley, Blake Shelton, Jimmy Wayne, Foghat and Candlebox.  BTW my band warmed up for Foghat in '95 so I have a sentimental reason for seeing them again. Heritage Harley and Triumph demos (Not present at Americade), hill climb races, fireworks by Progressive Insurance (I wonder if the Progressive lady will light the first fuse), bikini contests, music all day at the marketplace, and all sorts of food and fun at recently renovated Weirs Beach with better public access.  Tattoo contests, a Native American pow wow, and of course guided tours through the spectacular White Mountains.  If pool is your game then bring your custom two piece Balabushka and show us what ya' got sparky! Finally, don't forget your bathing suit which most of you know differs from your birthday suit.

Put Big Agnes Parkview on the back of your bike and head on over to Laconia to camp for the night.  Back to back bike rally's in New England...there's something for everyone.  If you happen to own a two-wheeler, this is the place for you to kick back on the deep sandy beach and enjoy the camaraderie while rocking out to some great tunes. Both kinds, country and western;-)