BIKEFEST

Information about all the largest BIKEFESTS

The New Hampshire International Speedway, formerly known as the Loudon Race Track, is the site of the longest running annual motorcycle race. The Loudon classic was first run in 1923. The year 2005 will see the 82nd Loudon Classic.

Many of the bikers who attended the races made a trip north to Laconia and Weirs Beach. Weirs Beach had become a vacation spot on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in the 19th century. This turned into an annual rally.

Imagine it for just a second. It’s 1923. What does your motorcycle look like? Where is the closest dealer? What happens if you break down? What is the area like...I imagine really beautiful! Are you now in awe of motorcycle pioneers?

Estimated Attendance at the 2004 rally was 400,000. That is a lot of bikers to suddenly converge on the little town of Weirs Beach.

Biker-Friendly Accomodations

Many bikers stay at area campgounds, while others get a room somewhere. I know where there are just a few really cheap hotel rooms, in the best possible location, but some secrets are best kept. You can look around and find your own best-kept secret places. There are still a few.

One of the largest campgrounds in the area is over on Gunstock Mountain. It seems that every year, their attitudes about bikers and motorcycles change, so do an attitude check with whatever campground to see if they are going to be biker-friendly.

As people who manage biker-friendly Laconia Rally Accomodations contact BIKERS magazine to confirm their biker-friendliness, we will post the information, so check the link.

We will also list them here if possible. Manager of Laconia Rally Accomodations, even if you do not want to pay for advertising, please list your establishment in the Biker Accomodations directory. If you have any problems with biker attire or loud pipes, please be up front about it. This applies to restaurants and pubs as well as motels, hotels, and campgrounds.

Laconia Area Highlights:

Local Musicians - New Hampshire local people love and support their musicians, found in many smaller local bars. The talent is often better than the national talent, so check out antwhere that looks like a biker-friendly watering hole. Rally headquarters may be a bit too industrial. I highly recommend seeing the fabulous New Hampshire countryside.

Best Roads for Motorcycling: Take a trip over to Meredith, NH. There’s a pretty cool headshop there. If you head to the northern shores of Lake Winnepesaukee, beware of little animals and deer in the road. For a great day trip, head up to Franconia Notch and the White Mountains. On your way to or from the Laconia Rally, if you like mountain roads, check out the Mohawk Trail, Rte 2 in Massachusetts, and the Berkshires!

Hampton Beach is a happening scene. Laconia is laid back and a great place to get stoned. Hampton is where to go for excitement. Hampton restaurants are usually not biker-friendly.If you get a restaurant that tries to seat you in the back , away from the tourists, tell them you’ll go elsewhere.

Bring your bathing suit and soak up some sun. Weirs Beach (fresh water mountain lake) and Hampton Beach (ocean sands for miles) are highly recommended.

Enjoy the Laconia Rally!