Bike Week

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

It started in 1916. The number of participants grew each year as did the event’s duration. Over time, the rally blossomed into a week-long event, eventually suffering in attendance and popularity after getting wrapped up in the upheavals of the 60’s.

The rally reverted to a 3-day weekend and would remain so until 1991, when organizers revived the week-long event after seeing the success of Sturgis’ 50th Anniversary Rally in 1990.

In 1991 Laconia Motorcycle Week reclaimed the support of local businesses and the AMA as a week-long rally and the oldest gypsy tour in the country.

If this was the 95th then how could it have started in 1916? That would make it 102.

[Top-Water]

Originally Posted by Biggd

If this was the 95th then how could it have started in 1916? That would make it 102.

There were a couple of years that it was canceled probably a few years were lost during WWII, and more notably the (1966 or 1967?) races were canceled due to the riots the previous years.

The races / original weekend event drastically changed after the riot in the mid 60's. I casually followed motor cycle racing back then when I was a teen and attended some of those races.

The states response to the riot was to bring in a huge and overwhelming law enforcement presence and completely eliminate off road side camping. No mater what you were driving back then if you stopped "anywhere" even for a "minute" on the side of the road (after the riot year) even if you were broken down they would tow you away to eliminate large motorcycle clubs gathering that usually fought with each other from forming that they knew they could not control. A lot of effort was to made to make sure anyone who came and planed to stay overnight or any length of time had to have a paid place to stay.


Some great old newspaper articles here at weirsbeach.com
http://www.weirsbeach.com/Largejpgs/weirsriot.html

A few weeks latter article from LIFE magazine. July 1965
https://books.google.com/books?id=T1...page&q&f=false

[Barney Bear]

Years ago, people would camp out on a variety of sites along Route 106. Residents would sit in their front yards to watch the bikers pass by. 🏍

[Top-Water]

Originally Posted by Barney Bear

Years ago, people would camp out on a variety of sites along Route 106. Residents would sit in their front yards to watch the bikers pass by. ��

Absolutely correct, but that's where a lot of the problems came from. People would just pull off to the side of the road, set up a tent and pull out a sleeping bag and did not care who's property it was.

Some people would rent there property, but with so many people they had no control over what was happening and no means to control things once the drinking began.

[JEEPONLY]

It is my feeling that there are many young people in this area who know that the trades offer a very viable life style. Unfortunately, many of these young people come from environments that neither know of, or understand, the supporting monetary avenues available to them to help them create a justifiable resume. Many of them think they'll simply start their own "hands-on" business- competing with each other until the law of Social Darwinism takes over.

Besides, the news tells us everyday that young people just don't want to stay in country living, and that we are on a course where we won't be able to sustain a viable work force.

Hey. Trades fees will go up! Stay!!!

[tis]

Originally Posted by JEEPONLY

It is my feeling that there are many young people in this area who know that the trades offer a very viable life style. Unfortunately, many of these young people come from environments that neither know of, or understand, the supporting monetary avenues available to them to help them create a justifiable resume. Many of them think they'll simply start their own "hands-on" business- competing with each other until the law of Social Darwinism takes over.

Besides, the news tells us everyday that young people just don't want to stay in country living, and that we are on a course where we won't be able to sustain a viable work force.

Hey. Trades fees will go up! Stay!!!

Are you saying they won't know how to run a business? Not sure what you mean by monetary avenues to create a resume?

[Mr. V]

Kids these days.

They don't want to own motorcycles.

They prefer living in urban environments.

They want white collar not blue collar jobs.

They don't enjoy casino gambling.

And to turn the world upside down, look how they date: back in the day you met someone in a bar, took them home, **** and then decided whether you want to see them again; now they meet online and get to know each other pretty well before actually meeting.

Oh, the horror!

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by tis

Are you saying they won't know how to run a business? Not sure what you mean by monetary avenues to create a resume?

I didn't mean to imply that they won't know how to run a business. Some are born with innate abilities while others are not Of course, Social Darwinism dictates survival of the fittest. Young people who seek out scholarships, apprenticeships or any other programs that will enhance their knowledge, experience and ability will have an upper hand on their peers who, even with good intentions and work ethic, will mostly be weeded out if they think working summers as a kid qualifies them to compete.

With the forecasting of a drop in trades people coming up, I bet some established folks would be willing to hire the right person for lower pay while offering an education unaffordable to many, otherwise.

If they haven't gotten themselves to a point where they can afford to own a business, they don't need to know how to run one.

That's all I meant.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by JEEPONLY

I didn't mean to imply that they won't know how to run a business. Some are born with innate abilities while others are not Of course, Social Darwinism dictates survival of the fittest. Young people who seek out scholarships, apprenticeships or any other programs that will enhance their knowledge, experience and ability will have an upper hand on their peers who, even with good intentions and work ethic, will mostly be weeded out if they think working summers as a kid qualifies them to compete.

With the forecasting of a drop in trades people coming up, I bet some established folks would be willing to hire the right person for lower pay while offering an education unaffordable to many, otherwise.

If they haven't gotten themselves to a point where they can afford to own a business, they don't need to know how to run one.

That's all I meant.

I know it's late but..HUH

[tis]

Originally Posted by JEEPONLY

I didn't mean to imply that they won't know how to run a business. Some are born with innate abilities while others are not Of course, Social Darwinism dictates survival of the fittest. Young people who seek out scholarships, apprenticeships or any other programs that will enhance their knowledge, experience and ability will have an upper hand on their peers who, even with good intentions and work ethic, will mostly be weeded out if they think working summers as a kid qualifies them to compete.

With the forecasting of a drop in trades people coming up, I bet some established folks would be willing to hire the right person for lower pay while offering an education unaffordable to many, otherwise.

If they haven't gotten themselves to a point where they can afford to own a business, they don't need to know how to run one.

That's all I meant.

I know lots of great craftsmen who don't either take the time or know how to run their business which is too bad. So I think I agree with you.

[Cobalt 25]

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

Yes, I think it would have an impact. I own 3 motorcycles, have raced in at least 10 different states (including Loudon and Daytona) and have attended many Bike Weeks here.

My feeling is that being able to remove your helmet is a motivator for a certain segment of the MC population. I would NEVER consider riding a bike without a helmet, but recognize that there are some that think otherwise.

I suggest NH consider implementing a helmet law. Bike Week is important, but in the big picture helmet use is much more important.

[noreast]

I think that would be the nail in the coffin. I don't ride anymore but I'd be pissed if I HAD to wear a helmet.

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

There were a couple of years that it was canceled probably a few years were lost during WWII, and more notably the (1966 or 1967?) races were canceled due to the riots the previous years.

The races / original weekend event drastically changed after the riot in the mid 60's. I casually followed motor cycle racing back then when I was a teen and attended some of those races.

The states response to the riot was to bring in a huge and overwhelming law enforcement presence and completely eliminate off road side camping. No mater what you were driving back then if you stopped "anywhere" even for a "minute" on the side of the road (after the riot year) even if you were broken down they would tow you away to eliminate large motorcycle clubs gathering that usually fought with each other from forming that they knew they could not control. A lot of effort was to made to make sure anyone who came and planed to stay overnight or any length of time had to have a paid place to stay.


Some great old newspaper articles here at weirsbeach.com
http://www.weirsbeach.com/Largejpgs/weirsriot.html

A few weeks latter article from LIFE magazine. July 1965
https://books.google.com/books?id=T1...page&q&f=false

My sister was at the Weirs back then with my parents car. The bikers kept rocking it back and forth. Everything ended well though.