Laconia Motorcycle Week

June 14 – 22, 2008
Lake Winnipesauke Region
Rally Headquarters, Route 3, Weirs Beach, NH
Prices vary based on event (check website)
Headquarters: 9 a.m.– 9 p.m. daily (All fireworks displays 10 p.m.)
603-366-2000
http://www.laconiamcweek.com

 

Throw on a skullcap, pull down your shades, and head up north to get dirty with the bad boys! The tattooed boys (and girls) of summer are hitting New Hampshire in droves this week for Laconia Motorcycle Week, New England’s largest gathering of ‘hog’ ridin’ motorcycle buffs. But if you think this event is only for ZZ Top look-a-likes on Harleys, you’re wrong!

[sidebar]This week-long biker bonanza takes place in the Lake Winnipesauke region of New Hampshire, the perfect place to get a little wind in your hair, or to enjoy a cool weekend on the lake. Stop by the motorcycle week headquarters at the Weirs Beach Waterslide to get schooled on all the cool happenings around the region.

Get the week off to a thrilling start at Gunstock Mountain, one of New Hampshire’s wicked ski mountains. The skiing and snowboarding hotspot will host Flip Fest 2008, the festival’s annual motocross event that’s sure to get you ‘ooohing’ and ‘awwwing.’ For some equally awe-inspiring entertainment, head to one of the many other races going on throughout the week. The New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Canaan USA Speedway will play host to all of the racing action.

And for some of the most spectacular views on the East coast, take a ride to the sky in bike week’s largest ride. The route, which winds along the Mt. Washington auto road, takes bikers to the top of New England, the Mt. Washington summit. And if you’re looking for a more low-key ride, try one of the scheduled Gypsy Tours, or a guided ride through the White Mountains and the scenic Kancamagus Highway.

Just going along for the ride? There’ll be plenty to do if you’re only there for moral support. Motorcycle Week has booked a group of headliners that could rival most summer music festivals. Lynard Skynrd, ZZ Top, the Charlie Daniels Band, Shooter Jennings, and Phil Lesh and Friends will all rock the Granite State in Bike Bash 2008. There will also be two eye-popping fireworks shows and a host of fun contests and tournaments going on at area bars and restaurants throughout the week.