'America's original riding rally' celebrates 90 years

LACONIA — A faint rumble on New Hampshire roads and highways is growing steadily.

Laconia Motorcycle Week is upon us, a gathering of hundreds of thousands of bikers and enthusiasts for eight days along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and roads throughout the Granite State.

While the 90th anniversary officially begins Saturday with the Peter Makris Memorial Ride around Lake Winnipesaukee, organizers got an early start with a kickoff event Thursday as vendors set up tents and stands where food, souvenirs and all things motorcycles will be doing business until next weekend.

"We're really excited to see what's happened to the rally," said Anne Deli, owner of Laconia Harley-Davidson. "It's growing stronger every year. There is so much cooperation with the state and the local communities now with the rally."

Deli was one of several speakers at the kickoff event. She took to the podium above a row of perfectly aligned Harleys in a temporary structure next to Weirs Beach Lobster Pound, one of several local establishments that looks forward to the annual business boom as bikers eat and drink during the temporary takeover of the streets of Laconia.

"This 90-year tradition is always a special time for our state," Gov. Maggie Hassan said.

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20130606/NEWHAMPSHIRE02/130609460

fshnski wrote:LACONIA — Laconia Motorcycle Week is upon us, a gathering of hundreds of thousands of bikers and enthusiasts for eight days along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and roads throughout the Granite State.

Too bad it's cold and raining.

News Hawk wrote:

fshnski wrote:LACONIA — Laconia Motorcycle Week is upon us, a gathering of hundreds of thousands of bikers and enthusiasts for eight days along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and roads throughout the Granite State.

Too bad it's cold and raining.

You mean it's not supposed to be like that?