Bike Week

[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.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

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.

Be him a Staty or a Sherriff, I still be he is in better shape then most people realize...

I have said it again and again, its really not the vendors and the same merchandise that are the problem. The event has spread out over the state, there are people that never even come down to the Wiers.... The problem is one of having nice facilities. Putting together a nice set of warehouse buildings in one of the fields that is use for vendors, would help tremendously so that people can get out of the sun or rain and vendors will not be trying to cram everything in under neath temporary shelters... Not to mention these buildings could have other uses attracting more events to the area. Then top that off with a nice permanent stage that could be used for performances, and you would have a top notch facility right at the Weirs... The problem is there is no incentive for the land owners do develop the property.... The term I have often used, is for a convention center to be developed... with open area, some buildings and a stage... Car shows, bike week, boat shows, etc etc could all benefit from such an undertaking... but I don't think the city of Laconia wants that, or at least they are not willing to provide incentives to make an investor want to develop the land.... If I was an investor and had a sizable piece of land that sold out for bike week, and that paid my taxes plus put a few thousand dollars every year in my pocket... I wouldn't be looking to do more either, unless the State or City made it worth my while......

Bottom line the City and State need to make it worth while for investors to develop the weirs back into an area that people want to be... and event organizers want to flock too... until that happens, the Weirs, and bike week will continue to decline.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Be him a Staty or a Sherriff, I still be he is in better shape then most people realize...

I have said it again and again, its really not the vendors and the same merchandise that are the problem. The event has spread out over the state, there are people that never even come down to the Wiers.... The problem is one of having nice facilities. Putting together a nice set of warehouse buildings in one of the fields that is use for vendors, would help tremendously so that people can get out of the sun or rain and vendors will not be trying to cram everything in under neath temporary shelters... Not to mention these buildings could have other uses attracting more events to the area. Then top that off with a nice permanent stage that could be used for performances, and you would have a top notch facility right at the Weirs... The problem is there is no incentive for the land owners do develop the property.... The term I have often used, is for a convention center to be developed... with open area, some buildings and a stage... Car shows, bike week, boat shows, etc etc could all benefit from such an undertaking... but I don't think the city of Laconia wants that, or at least they are not willing to provide incentives to make an investor want to develop the land.... If I was an investor and had a sizable piece of land that sold out for bike week, and that paid my taxes plus put a few thousand dollars every year in my pocket... I wouldn't be looking to do more either, unless the State or City made it worth my while......

Bottom line the City and State need to make it worth while for investors to develop the weirs back into an area that people want to be... and event organizers want to flock too... until that happens, the Weirs, and bike week will continue to decline.

Absolutely correct. Why build something when you are making more money for a few weeks a year on vacant land. Worry about long term maintenance and lease renewals, etc. Also I am sure many vendors for Bike Week and the Car Shows pay in cash and the income goes unreported.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Incredible Video - Bike Week Vintage Footage!

Completely unsure if this FaceBook video link will work, but it is incredible footage from the 60’s!



https://www.facebook.com/10000407674...8020516010493/

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

Incredible Video - Bike Week Vintage Footage!

Completely unsure if this FaceBook video link will work, but it is incredible footage from the 60’s!

https://www.facebook.com/10000407674...8020516010493/

That video shows that there really hasn't been much change to the Weirs since the 60's. Financially, that model just isn't going to cut it in todays society.

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by Biggd

That video shows that there really hasn't been much change to the Weirs since the 60's. Financially, that model just isn't going to cut it in todays society.

was thinking the same exact thing

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Biggd

That video shows that there really hasn't been much change to the Weirs since the 60's. Financially, that model just isn't going to cut it in todays society.

Too many risks with uncertain rewards

[jetskier]

The other issue is that the demographics of bike week are in the wrong direction. The millennial interest in motorcycles and the associated culture is much less than that of our generation. We went to the hill climb yesterday (great event) and the crowd was clearly in their 50s, 60s and 70s predominantly. So over time, this is going to be a losing proposition. In addition, there is an opportunity cost in that it does displace some of the normal seasonal revenue.

Redevelopment of the Weirs to be a more contemporary (and a bit more upscale) area would probably be economically desirable. This is what happened with Hampton Beach (although most of it had to be rebuilt due to a fire).

Jetskier

[Hillcountry]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Gal

Incredible Video - Bike Week Vintage Footage!

Completely unsure if this FaceBook video link will work, but it is incredible footage from the 60’s!

https://www.facebook.com/10000407674...8020516010493/

HEATHENS!! How terrible we were...

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Bottom line the City and State need to make it worth while for investors to develop the weirs back into an area that people want to be... and event organizers want to flock too... until that happens, the Weirs, and bike week will continue to decline.

Ironically, the end of Bike Week would probably make investment in the Weirs more attractive. Real estate money generally looks for gentrification opportunities, like Meredith or Times Square.

While there are many things about Bike Week that are really cool, hundreds of loud bikes with a lingering whiff of bikers' bad boy history fall somewhere between irritating and intimidating for many non bikers. This is the opposite direction of where cash typically flows.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Ironically, the end of Bike Week would probably make investment in the Weirs more attractive. Real estate money generally looks for gentrification opportunities, like Meredith or Times Square.

While there are many things about Bike Week that are really cool, hundreds of loud bikes with a lingering whiff of bikers' bad boy history fall somewhere between irritating and intimidating for many non bikers. This is the opposite direction of where cash typically flows.

Here is the thing, if a complex was built with some building etc. like I suggested... Things like the craft fairs etc. could all take place there, instead of tent cities down in Meredith at the parking lot of inns falls and other places. A multi-use facility doesn't have to be huge... it just has to be, and it will get used....But government needs to make it attactive for people to make the investment.

The Weirs has stayed stuck in time not because of the persona of bike week. But rather because the business have limited time to make their money. The owner don't want to make huge investments, when they don't see their profits increasing... When government gives tax incentives, Like agreeing not to raise property Taxes for X number of years, after a major investment, it makes an investor think about improving the property, and be able to improve business revenue, and having breathing room to make that happen before getting a more expensive tax bill.... It would take a convention facility a couple of years to build up events, and generate a positive cash flow after making the initial investment...

People have a stigma about bikers that is routed in a time gone by. They need to let it go... Yes there are some bad apples... but you can say that about boaters, hikers, etc....

If I had the money, I would love to by one of the larger pieces of land and develop it... It would be a risk worth taking... but only if the Town and State agreed to not riase taxes until I could get the building in place and start generate some positive income.....

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

If I had the money, I would love to by one of the larger pieces of land and develop it... It would be a risk worth taking... but only if the Town and State agreed to not riase taxes until I could get the building in place and start generate some positive income.....

Write a plan consisting of the following 7 items and send it to some investors. Who knows, maybe they will give you the capital to start your business.
Let us on the forum read it also..that is if you want to.

Executive Summary
Business Description
Market Analysis
Organization Management
Sales Strategies
Funding Requirements
Financial Projections

[jbolty]

There should be a consolidated thread with all the other threads regarding what to do with the weirs.

Despite seeing it first hand it's still a little jolting to watch that movie and see many of the same places in the same spot 50 years later.

All the plans come back to the same thing. How to make money in the 6+ months when there are few tourists or make enough in the summer to carry over.

I took some people on a Mount cruise last summer who had never been to NH before and after they bought some fudge and a key chain they were done with everything the weirs has to offer in about five minutes flat.

Too bad but I think nothing is ever going to happen unless there is a muti million $ effort to gut the whole place at once into some sort of resort destination.

I could see a benefit in some sort of event park. A bunch of open air shed type buildings would not be too expensive and could be used for all sorts of parties, swap meet, concerts, car shows, etc and in the winter maybe boat storage. But where? Needs to be big and fairly flat and really no need to be near the weirs anyway. Gunstock comes to mind or maybe the top of the hill where shangrila used to be. Or airport plaza after that all folds up.

[garysanfran]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Write a plan consisting of the following 7 items and send it to some investors. Who knows, maybe they will give you the capital to start your business.
Let us on the forum read it also..that is if you want to.

Executive Summary
Business Description
Market Analysis
Organization Management
Sales Strategies
Funding Requirements
Financial Projections

Off the thread, but what happened with the plan to develop a conference at the top of the hill just south of Cumberland Farms? The land was cleared.

In the pic, note the billy club.

[garysanfran]

With thousands of bikes, a few things stand out, if you find them.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Write a plan consisting of the following 7 items and send it to some investors. Who knows, maybe they will give you the capital to start your business.
Let us on the forum read it also..that is if you want to.

Executive Summary
Business Description
Market Analysis
Organization Management
Sales Strategies
Funding Requirements
Financial Projections

Don't think I haven't thought about it... But here is the problem... The cost of buying out current property owners is cost prohibitive.... It really needs to be one of the current property owners deciding that development makes sense...

[Dave R]

I noticed substantially more bikers using full-face helmets and safety gear than I've ever seen before, even on "cruiser-style" bikes where you'd normally see no helmet (or one of those pointless plastic yarmulkes) and no gear. That's a great trend.

[Cindido]

I can't imagine not wearing a helmet - at least I stand a chance with mine on. This past weekend I did notice a lot more riders with helmets - maybe they were from states that require them, but it was nice to see. Then again, I'm glad that NH let's those who ride decide.

[MAXUM]

Originally Posted by Cindido

I can't imagine not wearing a helmet - at least I stand a chance with mine on. This past weekend I did notice a lot more riders with helmets - maybe they were from states that require them, but it was nice to see. Then again, I'm glad that NH let's those who ride decide.

I actually wonder if insurance coverage these days requires the use of a helmet irrelevant of the state laws?

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Don't think I haven't thought about it... But here is the problem... The cost of buying out current property owners is cost prohibitive.... It really needs to be one of the current property owners deciding that development makes sense...

I have done the same. As you say the cost to purchase from an existing owner will not yield the "cap rate' necessary to justify the purchase. There are better opportunities in the area for real estate investment income.

[Rich]

I've said it many times (and I'm sure other's have also), the Wiers has such potential, with it's unique charm and features: The lake, The Boardwalk, The Train, The Pier, The Beach, The Iconic Sign, The Mountains, The View!

If the business owners won't do it, the Chamber of Commerce should.

There could be a (not that I personally like any or all of these):

• Bike week (we have that)
• Boat week,
• Bikini week,
• Fishing week (coincide with the fishing derby),
• Wakeboard week (have some events that people can watch from shore),
• Waterski week (same as Wakeboard week),
• Artisan's week (have "Made in NH" type vendors),
• Sand Sculpting week,
• Ice Fishing week (is the lake ICE solid enough to support this off the docks?),
• Snowmobile week,

The list could go on and on. Of course, we don't really need a 'week' long event that will snarl traffic every week, some things could be weekend events, or 'Friday/Saturday night only events.

Have events that bring people of different demographic and economic backgrounds, nothing will appeal to everyone.

Once the area starts picking up, there will no longer be a need to have events to create a draw.

Look at what Meredith, Wolfboro and Alton have done, their waterfronts look beautiful and have much less to offer. Or take a trip to Lake George and see how that area looks!

Is it just that no one has any vision, or there just is no drive to do this? I'd think after a bit of time, those that own business's there would start to thrive, but all we have now is worn out looking arcades and such.

It looks like some updates have happened, the boardwalk has been improved, the roads, curbs, etc. This is a start, but how can business be encouraged to clean up and improve things? Do they need a tax break or some other incentive to update things?

At least those that purchased the Winnipesaukee Pier seem to have some vision and are slowly improving things!

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by Rich

Look at what Meredith, Wolfboro and Alton have done, their waterfronts look beautiful and have much less to offer. Or take a trip to Lake George and see how that area looks!

Apparently, beauty with "much less to offer" is what sells.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Apparently, beauty with "much less to offer" is what sells.

In this case less is more.

[Poor Richard]

Anyone who says a helmet resticts their line of sight is either full of crap or is wearing an improperly fitted helmet.

I've always worn a full face helmet and not once had my vision obstructed by it....this was both on the street and during my time as a licensed racer (where full helmets are mandatory).

Sure, there are riders who will balk at the cost of a halfway decent lid yet their excuse is usually along the lines of "it's restrictive, can't see, too hot, etc" but the $300 to $600 every 5 years seems to me like cheap insurance.

I've had the pleasure of whacking my head on the ground while wearing a helmet. It's not fun but it's why I'm alive and posting.

I'd rather sweat than bleed. To each their own.

[TiltonBB]

The city proclaimed that Bike Week was a success this year with great weather and large crowds.

I was in the Weirs area every day and the crowds and traffic still seem to be less every year, including this year. Coupled with the fact that there were numerous accidents, including three fatalities, I am not quite sure that I would be so quick to call it a success. I guess it depends on your perspective.

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...7ae6d5824.html

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

The city proclaimed that Bike Week was a success this year with great weather and large crowds.

I was in the Weirs area every day and the crowds and traffic still seem to be less every year, including this year. Coupled with the fact that there were numerous accidents, including three fatalities, I am not quite sure that I would be so quick to call it a success. I guess it depends on your perspective.

https://www.laconiadailysun.com/news...7ae6d5824.html

One of the fatalities was in Hampstead, not sure I'd consider that part of "Bike Week." Though the arrests were up, even with reportedly lower LEO levels... In any case, Laconia HD said 30% of their business comes this week, which is huge, and the quote about, "even 5,000 visitors means 5,000 more to the area" is an interesting point.

In the end, though I don't ride, I think it's a cool event that, with some investment--both for the week and area as a whole--could be even better.

Sent from my Moto G (5S) Plus using Tapatalk

[8gv]

Back to the cost of living factors...

1975 had no cell phone bills

1975 had no internet service provider bills

1975 health insurance was much cheaper

1975 people ate out much less

1975 was the year I graduated high school and probably the last year in which I had no concern about finances.

[noreast]

Originally Posted by 8gv

Back to the cost of living factors...

1975 had no cell phone bills

1975 had no internet service provider bills

1975 health insurance was much cheaper

1975 people ate out much less

1975 was the year I graduated high school and probably the last year in which I had no concern about finances.

Exactly right, Health insurance cost more than a mortgage use to, If you're self employed it's double, triple or more of what a mortgage cost in the 80's. The mortgage has also tripled at minimum, along with the tax, It's an absurd argument.

[Woody38]

We didn't stay for the full week of Bike Week. I and the dogs love the rumble of the bikes. Back at home I have met several who attended bike week on the weekend but alas had to work during the week. I met one young man who won his bike in the raffle.
On another count, we always bought things when we could pay cash. So after many years seeing my F-I-L buying a car every 2 years or so after paying off the loan, I wised up. Credit allows all sorts of purchases altho we pay cash for autos. Also keep them long time, putting 1,2,3 hundred thousand miles on each. One had 330 thousand + and was replaced only because I told my wife I wanted to make it new, new paint, replacing some interior leather. No problems with the engine. We were coming home and she said "drive to the dealer". Heck, just so happened that an auto just arrived that we both loved. So we bought that and donated ours to charity.
Drove that one for open air on weekends mostly until another one entered our view. Guess what. No, the old one was not donated. Given to our son since these stay in families. I got off subject, using credit was a boon
to financial well being.

----------------------------------------------

I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by Poor Richard

Anyone who says a helmet resticts their line of sight is either full of crap or is wearing an improperly fitted helmet.

You are quite correct as ALL DOT approved helmets are required have a 210 degree field of vision which is more than the peripheral vision of people...

Dan

[Rusty]

Question for anyone:

Do you think if NH had a helmet law that it would hurt Bike week?

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by Rusty

Question for anyone:

Do you think if NH had a helmet law that it would hurt Bike week?

I believe it would have a minimal effect. I already see many riders wearing their helmets during bike week. Certainly it would have some effect, and keep the people that ride over for the day from surrounding states ... But the people that come for the various events will show up regardless...

Additionally you would find that during bike week people would not pay attention to the law, and law enforcement would be to concentrated on other more important duties during the week of the event.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

Additionally you would find that during bike week people would not pay attention to the law, and law enforcement would be to concentrated on other more important duties during the week of the event.

It is rare that law enforcement has more important duties during Bike Week.

You don't think people without helmets would be cited if NH had a helmet law? I have seen police officers standing on the side of the road watching for any violation. When a rider stopped in heavy traffic on a hot day raised his face shield to vent some heat he was stopped for no eye protection. I have seen UNH Campus Police stop someone with a can of Coke and demand to smell the Coke.

For many, many years there were too many police officers with nothing to do except interact with motorcycle riders. This year there was a noticeable decrease in the number of police officers passing by and it was a welcome change.

I still believe it is too little, too late. It would take some big changes to revive Bike Week and I, for one, don't see that on the horizon.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by LIforrelaxin

The Weirs has stayed stuck in time not because of the persona of bike week. But rather because the business have limited time to make their money.

I think it's awesome that 60+ y.o. guys head out on the open road with their bikes and wives/girlfriends holding on. I especially admire the couples who are a bit infirm, but refuse to let that keep them off their bikes.

But the last time I was at The Tamarack during Bike Week, it was literally impossible to hold a conversation across the picnic table because hundreds were roaring by throughout the entire meal. You're dreaming if you think that's not a turn off for 90% of the population.

[ishoot308]

Every year for the past umteen years this same conversation appears on this forum how bike week is dieing...based on the crowds I saw this afternoon at the Weirs when I was there, it’s not going anywhere soon....

95 years and counting!

Dan

[Formula260SS]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Every year for the past umteen years this same conversation appears on this forum how bike week is dieing...based on the crowds I saw this afternoon at the Weirs when I was there, it’s not going anywhere soon....

95 years and counting!

Dan

I agree... been here since Tuesday. It's changed a lot for sure but it's not going away any time soon.

[LIforrelaxin]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

I think it's awesome that 60+ y.o. guys head out on the open road with their bikes and wives/girlfriends holding on. I especially admire the couples who are a bit infirm, but refuse to let that keep them off their bikes.

But the last time I was at The Tamarack during Bike Week, it was literally impossible to hold a conversation across the picnic table because hundreds were roaring by throughout the entire meal. You're dreaming if you think that's not a turn off for 90% of the population.

Every event is going to turn off some people, that is just life. Why would you go to the Tamarack during bike, we if you where going to be turned off by the noise? I have been around for several bike weeks. When I head over in that direction I know what I am getting into... So if you find your self at the tamarack during bike week, unless you have had your head in the ground, you know what you are getting into.... Bike week is just that a week... yep 90% of the population may not like it... and most that don't just stay away...

I don't like craft fairs, especially ones held out side, with the jungles of little white shelters... and I know I am not the only one... I don't complain about it, I just don't go around it.

If people can't deal with a the single week of bike week, we have deeper problems....

[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".