Bike Week

[ITD]

I was just on rt 25 in Center Harbor, I would say it is dead, not much traffic. I do expect it to pick up tomorrow, but it is much less than I expected. I also saw a June 9 to 16 DWI checkpoint sign on 104, so don't drink and drive people.

[Slickcraft]

From Meredith I would consider going down Parade Rd (106) to Elm St. to Lakeport bypassing the Weirs.

[Hillcountry]

Wow... what a lame excuse for a “hill climb”
Not like I remember them...

[steve-on-mark]

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

Wow... what a lame excuse for a “hill climb”
Not like I remember them...

The " real hill climb" is tomorrow...always on Wednesday!

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[Biggd]

This has probably been the best weather for bike week in a long time.

[garysanfran]

And overall, as the biker population ages, their activities become more tame.

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by garysanfran

And overall, as the biker population ages, their activities become more tame.

Yup...just like the event itself! Glad I was here in the old days!

[Rusty]

The LDS has a good article about the hill climb:
https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...53d91f506.html

[garysanfran]

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

Yup...just like the event itself! Glad I was here in the old days!

in the 60'. The bikers were "heathens" needing to be controlled by the National Guard. A car or two got turned upside down. Cops got to practice baton swings.

Then, as the bikers got older, they got money. The event became a viable part of the New Hampshire economic plan. The crowd I interacted with on Tuesday was very friendly, courteous and they bought a lot of pizza and hot dogs. A very large "burly" biker accidentally bumped into me and he couldn't have been more apologetic.

I heard the Pres. of Harley Davidson, on a radio show, commenting/lamenting on the fact that younger people are not getting into biking so much and their client base is fading, and thusly, so is Laconia Motorcycle Week's attendance.

[jbolty]

Originally Posted by garysanfran

in the 60'. The bikers were "heathens" needing to be controlled by the National Guard. A car or two got turned upside down. Cops got to practice baton swings.

Then, as the bikers got older, they got money. The event became a viable part of the New Hampshire economic plan. The crowd I interacted with on Tuesday was very friendly, courteous and they bought a lot of pizza and hot dogs. A very large "burly" biker accidentally bumped into me and he couldn't have been more apologetic.

I heard the Pres. of Harley Davidson, on a radio show, commenting/lamenting on the fact that younger people are not getting into biking so much and their client base is fading, and thusly, so is Laconia Motorcycle Week's attendance.

Motorized entertainment including racing, off roading and general car culture is fading and has been. Motorcycles cost as much as a car now and the days of fixing up some old junker are about over. Kids don't know or care about working on engines and even if they did the electronics make it way harder.


Add to that the fact they everyone has their nose glued to their phone so meeting and talking to real people face to face is a lost art as well. Standing around and discussing some guys fully restored Indian or Yamaha with a Harley engine and kawasaki rear wheel is just not a thing any more.

Too bad but times change

[Hillcountry]

Lol @ “heathens”
Maybe some of the HA but definitely not the majority...just working class guys letting off steam for a few days...

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by jbolty

Motorized entertainment including racing, off roading and general car culture is fading and has been. Motorcycles cost as much as a car now and the days of fixing up some old junker are about over. Kids don't know or care about working on engines and even if they did the electronics make it way harder.


Add to that the fact they everyone has their nose glued to their phone so meeting and talking to real people face to face is a lost art as well. Standing around and discussing some guys fully restored Indian or Yamaha with a Harley engine and kawasaki rear wheel is just not a thing any more.

Too bad but times change

The younger people are doing many things virtually that we did/ do in person. No thanks!!

[Merrymeeting]

The biggest tell for me that it is aging and will die out is the fact that AARP is one of the biggest sponsors this year!

[dogma]

The weather has been terrific so most bikers are out on rides and not hanging at the Weirs

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

The biggest tell for me that it is aging and will die out is the fact that AARP is one of the biggest sponsors this year!

The catheter tent was quite the shocker.

[LIforrelaxin]

Times change they always do. As the cost of hobbies goes up, people are forced to make choices. 30-40 years ago having a motorcycle and a boat was not unthinkable even in the Northeast were the season is short. But now, with the cost many people, like me make a choice... For me it was boating with out a doubt. I also have invested in a camper and love doing that with my family as well...

Investing in more toys when I already have 3 (Boat, Jet Ski, and Camper) that can be used only in the summer just doesn't make sense. I just don't have that much time. Not to mention my wife doesn't like Motorcycles, so it would be a toy for only me to enjoy....

Bottom line I love Bike Week always have, I have met many good people when I have had the opportunity to make my way to the Weirs....In years past I have been invited back to camp grounds and hotels to party... I have also taken people I have met out for boat rides... But people aren't as social anymore. Yes they are polite etc. but it is not as social as they used to be.

Top the decline of the social part of the event, with new laws and an ever increasing Police Presence, the event will continue to dwindle. The problem is as the event dwindles, the "Heathens" will become more and more noticeable and draw more attention to the Bad aspects of the event. Thus we have a vicious cycle.......

[garysanfran]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Times change they always do. As the cost of hobbies goes up, people are forced to make choices. 30-40 years ago having a motorcycle and a boat was not unthinkable even in the Northeast were the season is short. But now, with the cost many people, like me make a choice... For me it was boating with out a doubt. I also have invested in a camper and love doing that with my family as well...

Investing in more toys when I already have 3 (Boat, Jet Ski, and Camper) that can be used only in the summer just doesn't make sense. I just don't have that much time. Not to mention my wife doesn't like Motorcycles, so it would be a toy for only me to enjoy....

Bottom line I love Bike Week always have, I have met many good people when I have had the opportunity to make my way to the Weirs....In years past I have been invited back to camp grounds and hotels to party... I have also taken people I have met out for boat rides... But people aren't as social anymore. Yes they are polite etc. but it is not as social as they used to be.

Top the decline of the social part of the event, with new laws and an ever increasing Police Presence, the event will continue to dwindle. The problem is as the event dwindles, the "Heathens" will become more and more noticeable and draw more attention to the Bad aspects of the event. Thus we have a vicious cycle.......

This was the cop watching over the Tower Hill climb event. I thought if there was an "incident" during the climb, it would be an event watching him run up the hill

[garysanfran]

Thought I'd share another...Not sure why they are posting 90 degrees off.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by garysanfran

This was the cop watching over the Tower Hill climb event. I thought if there was an "incident" during the climb, it would be an event watching him run up the hill

I think the vest makes him look heavy. I'll bet he could outrun most of us.

[baygo]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I think the vest makes him look heavy. I'll bet he could outrun most of us.

You are probably right about that. If he's a Staty, he's considered an "elite" in his field.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by baygo

You are probably right about that. If he's a Staty, he's considered an "elite" in his field.

He is a Sheriff. Most of the New Hampshire State Troopers I have seen are in very good shape.

This year there is a significant decrease in the number of police officers at the event. Several years ago it seemed that every 10th vehicle that went by was a police cruiser or motorcycle. That did not help attendance. There were also numerous officers on foot in past years but the number is considerably less this year.

Bike Week is in decline and people tire of attending only to see the same T-shirts and leather gear every year. If something new is not done to stop the decline in attendance Bike Week will soon be a distant memory. It seemed the recent attempt to bring in concerts with big name performers may have had a positive effect but that disaster ended up losing $75,000.

To some the decline may be a welcome change but to the Weirs area business who depend on that income to support them it may be another nail in the coffin.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by baygo

You are probably right about that. If he's a Staty, he's considered an "elite" in his field.

He might even be an "Italian".

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Dave R

The catheter tent was quite the shocker.

Ya.. right next to the viagra kiosk!

[garysanfran]

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

Ya.. right next to the viagra kiosk!

I visited both, I can't remember in what order...

[Nauset]

Originally Posted by jbolty

Motorized entertainment including racing, off roading and general car culture is fading and has been. Motorcycles cost as much as a car now and the days of fixing up some old junker are about over. Kids don't know or care about working on engines and even if they did the electronics make it way harder.


Add to that the fact they everyone has their nose glued to their phone so meeting and talking to real people face to face is a lost art as well. Standing around and discussing some guys fully restored Indian or Yamaha with a Harley engine and kawasaki rear wheel is just not a thing any more.

Too bad but times change

The boating industry is facing the same challenges. Younger people are not as interested in buying boats either.

[noreast]

Originally Posted by Nauset

The boating industry is facing the same challenges. Younger people are not as interested in buying boats either.

I don't know about that, Boating has never been a young mans game. The older you get, and the more money you acquire, the more interested you become. Except maybe those that grew up boating.

[jbolty]

Originally Posted by noreast

I don't know about that, Boating has never been a young mans game. The older you get, and the more money you acquire, the more interested you become. Except maybe those that grew up boating.

Originally Posted by Nauset

The boating industry is facing the same challenges. Younger people are not as interested in buying boats either.

I suppose there is an element of not being interested in what you can't afford also. Kids with giant student loans and worthless degrees are not buying much of anything except starbucks.

growing up as a local pretty much no one in my circle had a boat other than something with oars.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by jbolty

I suppose there is an element of not being interested in what you can't afford also. Kids with giant student loans and worthless degrees are not buying much of anything except starbucks.

growing up as a local pretty much no one in my circle had a boat other than something with oars.

It's not just kids with "useless" degrees. For the past few decades, buying power of a huge segment of America has decreased. My parents could never afford now what they did 30 years ago on machinist's and grocery store clerk's salaries.

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[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

It's not just kids with "useless" degrees. For the past few decades, buying power of a huge segment of America has decreased. My parents could never afford now what they did 30 years ago on machinist's and grocery store clerk's salaries.

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So true...my father talked me out of buying a house for $40k in the 80’s saying “you’re crazy paying that price...wait til prices come down”
Next chance I had, I had to buy at $210k... ya thanks dad!

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

So true...my father talked me out of buying a house for $40k in the 80’s saying “you’re crazy paying that price...wait til prices come down”
Next chance I had, I had to buy at $210k... ya thanks dad!

That's it, blame it on your parents, Ha,ha.

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[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Biggd

That's it, blame it on your parents, Ha,ha.

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Remember when kids use to “listen” to parents’ advice? Didn’t work out so well in this case! Lol

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

It's not just kids with "useless" degrees. For the past few decades, buying power of a huge segment of America has decreased. My parents could never afford now what they did 30 years ago on machinist's and grocery store clerk's salaries.

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The buying power of many has decreased because so many have no concept of living within the means they have and budgeting their money accordingly. Debt loads are high and payments for everything now the norm. It's sad... unnecessary... but a reality of today's way of thinking. Live by a monthly plan die by it as well.

It doesn't take luck or a huge income, just a little self discipline. No it's not always easy but it is doable.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

The buying power of many has decreased because so many have no concept of living within the means they have and budgeting their money accordingly. Debt loads are high and payments for everything now the norm. It's sad... unnecessary... but a reality of today's way of thinking. Live by a monthly plan die by it as well.

It doesn't take luck or a huge income, just a little self discipline. No it's not always easy but it is doable.

Many kids today have huge incomes but also have huge debt. My kids make a lot of money but they are always struggling to pay all their bills. They spend a lot of money on credit.
They don't live lavishly so I don't think it's a case of living beyond their means.
It costs a lot of money to raise children today. Both parents have to work and that means putting kids in child care, which is incredibly expensive today along with housing and food. They say inflation is low but I don't believe it!

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Many kids today have huge incomes but also have huge debt. My kids make a lot of money but they are always struggling to pay all their bills. They spend a lot of money on credit.
They don't live lavishly so I don't think it's a case of living beyond their means.
It costs a lot of money to raise children today. Both parents have to work and that means putting kids in child care, which is incredibly expensive today along with housing and food. They say inflation is low but I don't believe it!

That's it, inflation is low, compared to what?

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Many kids today have huge incomes but also have huge debt. My kids make a lot of money but they are always struggling to pay all their bills. They spend a lot of money on credit.
They don't live lavishly so I don't think it's a case of living beyond their means.
It costs a lot of money to raise children today. Both parents have to work and that means putting kids in child care, which is incredibly expensive today along with housing and food. They say inflation is low but I don't believe it!

Kids are struggling to pay their bills because they are taught that making payments is a reality that everyone just does and credit is just another form of income to be tapped into as needed. In fact one of the most brilliant marketing campaigns ever is the credit card rewards programs. Yes we will reward your stupidity! I wish I could run a scam like that, I'd gladly reward anyone 1% cash back when I can then whack you at a 22% compounding interest rate.

Both parents don't HAVE to work, I know the wife and I have managed on a single income since we were in our 20's. No it's not easy but it can be done even on a very modest income. It's no secret, get and stay debt free but that is a lifestyle choice many these days can't seem to grasp.

[ITD]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Many kids today have huge incomes but also have huge debt. My kids make a lot of money but they are always struggling to pay all their bills. They spend a lot of money on credit.
They don't live lavishly so I don't think it's a case of living beyond their means.
It costs a lot of money to raise children today. Both parents have to work and that means putting kids in child care, which is incredibly expensive today along with housing and food. They say inflation is low but I don't believe it!

There is a book, I just told my daughter to get it and read it, called "The Millionaire Next Door" by Stanley and Danko. It's good for adult kids and their parents. Great stuff in there.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

The buying power of many has decreased because so many have no concept of living within the means they have and budgeting their money accordingly. Debt loads are high and payments for everything now the norm. It's sad... unnecessary... but a reality of today's way of thinking. Live by a monthly plan die by it as well.

It doesn't take luck or a huge income, just a little self discipline. No it's not always easy but it is doable.

Buying power ≠ discipline.

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[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by thinkxingu

Buying power ≠ discipline.

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Actually if you look at that graph much of what is there hasn't changed much.

Let's just take the big three:

Cost of a house, in 1975 that mortgage would have cost you 9.45% APR so as a percentage of income it the P&I payment in '75 was more expensive when comparted to both today's dollars and current interest rates hovering at less than half of that.

OK I'll concede the cost of a new car is twice that of 1975 BUT BUT BUT… I will point out a couple key differences. Anything that was made in 1975 was a piece of crap you'd be lucky to get 5 years and 75K out of before the stuff fell apart, rusted all to hell or just plain broke to the point of having to replace it as engineering back then was awful. Now a days one can easily buy a 15K used car and arguably it would far surpass the longevity and reliability of say your average 1975 Ford Pinto or Chevy Vega. Buying new these days is just plain dumb, not when you can buy off lease cars for a fraction of what they cost new. It gets even better when they hit 100K which is where I love to buy them then drive them another 100 or 200K.

College these days is expensive but I'll tell you what my daughter just graduated this spring from Manchester Community College with an Associates degree, where her credits are 100% transferrable into the state school system to finish out a 4 year program, and most will be accepted anywhere else. Cost you ask? 14K for both years combined. So it begs the question why would you send your kids to a place where they are racking up 30, 40, 50K + per year especially over the first couple of years? DUH?

It is about choices and it can be done.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Actually if you look at that graph much of what is there hasn't changed much.

Let's just take the big three:

Cost of a house, in 1975 that mortgage would have cost you 9.45% APR so as a percentage of income it the P&I payment in '75 was more expensive when comparted to both today's dollars and current interest rates hovering at less than half of that.

OK I'll concede the cost of a new car is twice that of 1975 BUT BUT BUT… I will point out a couple key differences. Anything that was made in 1975 was a piece of crap you'd be lucky to get 5 years and 75K out of before the stuff fell apart, rusted all to hell or just plain broke to the point of having to replace it as engineering back then was awful. Now a days one can easily buy a 15K used car and arguably it would far surpass the longevity and reliability of say your average 1975 Ford Pinto or Chevy Vega. Buying new these days is just plain dumb, not when you can buy off lease cars for a fraction of what they cost new. It gets even better when they hit 100K which is where I love to buy them then drive them another 100 or 200K.

College these days is expensive but I'll tell you what my daughter just graduated this spring from Manchester Community College with an Associates degree, where her credits are 100% transferrable into the state school system to finish out a 4 year program, and most will be accepted anywhere else. Cost you ask? 14K for both years combined. So it begs the question why would you send your kids to a place where they are racking up 30, 40, 50K + per year especially over the first couple of years? DUH?

It is about choices and it can be done.

I am sorry, I disagree with your assessment of college and even if you do start at a community college eventually you will need to transfer, yes the credits are transferable but you still have a minimum of 2 more years and in addition many professions require a master's degree now. As far as the car goes, you are not calculating repair costs on a used car.

All in all in the end since 1975, the big ticket item costs have increased further than the inflation rate and salaries have not kept up thus the younger generation is taking a double hit.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Actually if you look at that graph much of what is there hasn't changed much.

Let's just take the big three:

Cost of a house, in 1975 that mortgage would have cost you 9.45% APR so as a percentage of income it the P&I payment in '75 was more expensive when comparted to both today's dollars and current interest rates hovering at less than half of that.

OK I'll concede the cost of a new car is twice that of 1975 BUT BUT BUT… I will point out a couple key differences. Anything that was made in 1975 was a piece of crap you'd be lucky to get 5 years and 75K out of before the stuff fell apart, rusted all to hell or just plain broke to the point of having to replace it as engineering back then was awful. Now a days one can easily buy a 15K used car and arguably it would far surpass the longevity and reliability of say your average 1975 Ford Pinto or Chevy Vega. Buying new these days is just plain dumb, not when you can buy off lease cars for a fraction of what they cost new. It gets even better when they hit 100K which is where I love to buy them then drive them another 100 or 200K.

College these days is expensive but I'll tell you what my daughter just graduated this spring from Manchester Community College with an Associates degree, where her credits are 100% transferrable into the state school system to finish out a 4 year program, and most will be accepted anywhere else. Cost you ask? 14K for both years combined. So it begs the question why would you send your kids to a place where they are racking up 30, 40, 50K + per year especially over the first couple of years? DUH?

It is about choices and it can be done.

Yes, it can be done if you have no ambition to do more than needs to be done to just get by. Most people want more than just to get by so in that case both parents must work. Unless one parent is making a lot of money.
My son inlaw told me a few weeks ago that a family of 5 needs to make at least $300,000 a year to live in Metro Boston today. He works 2 jobs and my daughter works full time with three kids. They want more than just to get by. So with out actually asking them how much they make I'm assuming they make at least that if not more. Could they make it on one salary, maybe but I doubt it.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Actually if you look at that graph much of what is there hasn't changed much.

It isn't a "graph", it is a table with rows and columns.

However I would prefer looking at a graph that shows the cost of living difference.