Laconia hosts the oldest of America’s big motorcycle rallies. Like most others, it started with AMA sanctioned races and like most other rallies, the focus moved off the track many years ago. Laconia had quite the reputation when I started going there in the mid-1980s but it had quieted down before I ever got there. It quickly became one of my favorite runs. I just love the feel of that part of the country. It doesn’t seem as spoiled with chains and box stores as we see elsewhere. It is a riding rally with 100’s of miles of beautiful roads that wind through the forests, around the lakes and over mountains. You can still find little country stores in small towns that have old wood floors, a mixture of groceries and hardware, possibly a post office and a friendly face behind the counter.
The rally was growing in the 1980’s but it wasn’t until the 90’s that the numbers exploded. I attribute much of the rally’s growth to their executive director, Charlie St. Clair. He plies the country all year on his dresser or on the rails (don’t even suggest flying to him) promoting the event at rallies and bike shows. He is quite the spokesman not only for the Laconia Rally but also for biking in general. I love talking with him whenever I get the chance. Tell him he’s doing a great job if you run into him.
For more information, visit their web site at:
www.laconiamcweek.com