All this talk about improving the Weirs..is there an alternative?

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by JasonG

From what I understand, bike week back in the 70's and 80's was a LOT less family friendly. Please correct me if I am wrong.
But, I have also been told this was part of the "HayDay" and did far better then than it did now.

Could it be that by making it more family friendly, it is getting slower? Arguably the main stream view of motorcyclist these days ( gangs then vs everyone now) is making biking in general more of a family friendly activity. If a young adult rode a bike "back in the day", he could be labeled a rebel and that lifestyle matched that bike week was like. Today, bikes are for everyone.

Again, if I am wrong about the history, please correct me. But this would appear to be a possible connection to the decline?

Let me begin by Saying my statements have nothing to do with the topic of this post...just some comments on how "bike week" was enjoyed by myself and thousands of other bikers.
Back "in the day" we didn't even call it "bike week" it was simply "Laconia"
Laconia to me was hundreds of bike clubs and independents camping out along Rt 106 and spending the week having fun and generally observing the parade of bikers and other "hell raisers" constantly, moving back and fourth on 106.
The Wiers was a destination for a ride from 106 and you rode back to your roadside encampment for more fun. Police were mostly non-existent out there and mostly "anything went" from nudity to bonfires to grenade simulators to booby flashing. All good fun for anyone who spent the week along 106.
My experiences took place during the 70's and I can't account for what took place after that time because life was changing for me what with raising a family, etc.
After they banned roadside camping Laconia motorcycle week became, over time, the tame event that is is today. Personally, I'm glad I was able to experience the old "Laconia" and the memories of that era will be with me and others forever.
I apologize for this post not offering any constructive comments that are on topic but I felt compelled to shed some light on how it was "back in the day" to those who didn't have the opportunity to experience it as we did.

[Woodsy]

I see it completely differently.....

Laconia does not rely on Bike Week.... Downtown Laconia is doing pretty good. They have the Pumpkin Fest, the Colonial Theater is being restored and there are lots of shops, cafes & businesses that are doing very well. The only people who rely on Bike Week for an influx of $$ are resorts & businesses in the Weirs.

Some of the businesses in the Weirs take pride in their buildings, and take very good care of how their property looks. Other businesses not so much. The reality is, there needs to be a plan, sense of direction. The motels that are left will die off.... people NEED a reason to visit. The old kid friendly stuff is not working. A more adult oriented approach is needed. The Weirs has some awesome real estate... it just needs a vision and transformation...

1. Start with Bike Week... embrace it! Loosen the rules a little. Make it so the bikers want to come back and stay awhile! That demographic has grown older and has $$ to spend.

2. Get rid of the silly parking meters.... nobody wants to pay to park!

3. Reconfigure the boat docks to accommodate more boats... perhaps a P/T dockmaster so that 1 large cruiser cannot block off the whole dock.

4. Transform the arcades into something more adult.... cafes? shops? something that make people want to stay awhile.

5. Change the noise ordinance to allow live music until 12:00 - 12:30 on weekends.

6. Allow alcohol to be consumed outside in plastic containers...

7. Weekend boardwalk vendors (like the Hotdog guy in Wolfeboro)

Just a few ideas...

Woodsy

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

I see it completely differently.....

Laconia does not rely on Bike Week.... Downtown Laconia is doing pretty good. They have the Pumpkin Fest, the Colonial Theater is being restored and there are lots of shops, cafes & businesses that are doing very well. The only people who rely on Bike Week for an influx of $$ are resorts & businesses in the Weirs.

Some of the businesses in the Weirs take pride in their buildings, and take very good care of how their property looks. Other businesses not so much. The reality is, there needs to be a plan, sense of direction. The motels that are left will die off.... people NEED a reason to visit. The old kid friendly stuff is not working. A more adult oriented approach is needed. The Weirs has some awesome real estate... it just needs a vision and transformation...

1. Start with Bike Week... embrace it! Loosen the rules a little. Make it so the bikers want to come back and stay awhile! That demographic has grown older and has $$ to spend.

2. Get rid of the silly parking meters.... nobody wants to pay to park!

3. Reconfigure the boat docks to accommodate more boats... perhaps a P/T dockmaster so that 1 large cruiser cannot block off the whole dock.

4. Transform the arcades into something more adult.... cafes? shops? something that make people want to stay awhile.

5. Change the noise ordinance to allow live music until 12:00 - 12:30 on weekends

7. Weekend boardwalk vendors (like the Hotdog guy in Wolfeboro)

Woodsy

This, and add MORE seating! The great thing about Meredith is being able to pull over, for free, and sit at the docks for a bit before moving along. Add the sculpture walk and restaurants--of which Weirs has neither--and you've got a great center.

Sent from my XT1528 using Tapatalk

[Kamper]

An observation on Bike Week

For a variety of reasons (congestion, civil disturbances, tight accommodations and likely many more) people who come for Bike Week are more willing to base themselves further and further from the main venue. It is not uncommon for businesses and communities in a wide radius to have signs and banners welcoming visitors attending the event.

This started with other Lakes Region towns but I expect that, for practical purposes, it will evolve into a state-wide event. Other locales will eventually host their own events during this period. The Weirs will likely remain the 'Capitol' and most attendees will complete the pilgrimage but will spend various amounts of time (and money) elsewhere.



.

[Woodsy]

Approximately 10-12 years ago, the state decided it was best to "spread out" Bike Week and make it an event for the whole state. To that end, they have encouraged other towns throughout NH, like N. Conway etc. to have "Bike Week" events. They have kept the SP presence in the Weirs for Bike Week at almost untolerable levels and they have been draconian in rules enforcement. This encourages Bikers to go elsewhere and not come to the Weirs.

Woodsy

[Billy Bob]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

Approximately 10-12 years ago, the state decided it was best to "spread out" Bike Week and make it an event for the whole state. To that end, they have encouraged other towns throughout NH, like N. Conway etc. to have "Bike Week" events. They have kept the SP presence in the Weirs for Bike Week at almost untolerable levels and they have been draconian in rules enforcement. This encourages Bikers to go elsewhere and not come to the Weirs.

Woodsy

sounds like a plan , the start to the end , great

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

If they keep adding good music bands and attractions Bike Week will come back to the Weirs. With the acts and events already scheduled at Laconiafest you'll see a lot more hanging around the Weirs than in years past. As someone who is tired of the same old bike week, I'm excited to see this year's crowds.

[Mr. V]

What do the bikers to to frolic and party?

Are they wet T-shirt contests for them to oogle?

Drinking or eating (trencherman) competitions?

Still race up Gunstock?

If it were allowed, having the casino at the old dog track relocate temporarily to the Weirs would be a hit.

[Outdoorsman]

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

If they keep adding good music bands and attractions Bike Week will come back to the Weirs. With the acts and events already scheduled at Laconiafest you'll see a lot more hanging around the Weirs than in years past. As someone who is tired of the same old bike week, I'm excited to see this year's crowds.

This is certainly not the first year that Bike Week has had big name bands entertaining the crowds so I doubt that this will be a game changer for bringing things back. IMO, the biggest issue with trying to have big name entertainment at the old drive in is PARKING. There is none. These events should be held at locations away from Weirs BLVD (Pavillion/NHMS) if you want to have repeat customers.

Even as I type this, I checked the Laconiafest web site and they have a specific page for parking..... "TBA", can't wait to pay $20/PP for a train ride in/out of the Weirs plus another $20 for parking a vehicle in another part of Laconia (Not the parking garage for sure)