Laconia Motorcycle Week
It's fitting that the oldest of the motorcycle rallies takes place in New England. Idyllic, charming Laconia and Weirs Beach on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire play host to this event in the heart of Colonial America.
The first motorcycle run to Laconia took place in 1916. The next year, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) sponsored the first so-called Gypsy Tour to the area. Ever since, motorcycle enthusiasts have descended on this tiny town each year to rip it up and enjoy the most picturesque of the big three rallies.
Due to its proximity to the highest mountain range east of the Mississippi, Laconia boasts several unique events. The Gunstock Hill Climb is quite a spectacle. Competitors must attempt to reach the top of Gunstock's 70-meter ski-jump landing hill. As they charge up the hill, their bikes spit mud and riders take spectacular spills on the precipitous slope. Bikers who aren't interested in the challenge of the hill climb can take a trip to the roof of the East Coast, i.e., 6,288-foot Mt. Washington, New England's highest mountain. Thousands of bikers take in the breathtaking views of Mt. Washington during the Ride to the Sky run.
Laconia is also home to high-octane races like the Loudon Classic, a Formula USA event held at the New Hampshire International Speedway. But riders head to Laconia not just to take in the hundreds of events, races and vendors, but mostly to enjoy the display of the bikes themselves and the company of the folks who ride them.
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