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-   -   Bike Week - 2017 (https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22102)

hd333 06-12-2017 03:35 PM

Bike Week - 2017
 
How have the crowds been so far?


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VitaBene 06-12-2017 03:59 PM

It looks pretty busy- but hot hot today!!

A friend just got back from lake George and said it is much busier here.

Cindido 06-12-2017 06:14 PM

We were over @ Weirs today around Noon. A Monday, 90+ degrees and it was packed !! :banana:

ishoot308 06-12-2017 06:28 PM

I went by boat yesterday to the Weirs strip. Good crowd of people at 11:00 AM and the Weirs looks great!

Back by Bike on Thursday for the POW/MIA ride. Hopefully another well attended scheduled event.

Dan

Kamper 06-13-2017 09:09 AM

Kind of makes me glad it's A/C weather. I'm 1/4 mile from the turnpike and the fleets of bikes going by, keeps me awake otherwise.

Dave R 06-14-2017 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308 (Post 280010)
I went by boat yesterday to the Weirs strip. Good crowd of people at 11:00 AM and the Weirs looks great!

Back by Bike on Thursday for the POW/MIA ride. Hopefully another well attended scheduled event.

Dan

I really like what they've done to the Weirs lately. Looks like it's finally getting a face lift and the work at the pier will only help. I love the solar powered phone charger they put in, it's neat and makes the area feel welcoming. Hopefully they'll address the inefficient public dock design soon.

ishoot308 06-14-2017 08:43 AM

Agree
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R (Post 280100)
Hopefully they'll address the inefficient public dock design soon.

Yes I agree and experienced that again this past Sunday when I was there. I had no choice like all the other boats but to dock at the outside of the dock or I would have been blocked in. I got the last space of outside docks and no one was docked on the inside. There were numerous people waiting to dock as well.
The person who designed the docks wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed that's for sure!

Dan

Kamper 06-14-2017 03:41 PM

I think they should take the end sections off every other finger and attach them to the rest It would make access better when there are a lot of long and short boats trying to mix in.

bigdog 06-15-2017 10:25 AM

Planning to go to the Weirs by car this w/e and stroll the blvd !

Where can I park and/or pickup a shuttle bus in the area.
I live in Gilford.

Thanks !

thegreyghost 06-15-2017 11:33 AM

Bus
 
There is a bus going around that I have seen called the Roadhouse Rocket. I saw in the Daily Sun you can call it and for $6 ride it all day. The number is 603-409-5387.

Dave R 06-15-2017 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308 (Post 280107)
Yes I agree and experienced that again this past Sunday when I was there. I had no choice like all the other boats but to dock at the outside of the dock or I would have been blocked in. I got the last space of outside docks and no one was docked on the inside. There were numerous people waiting to dock as well.
The person who designed the docks wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed that's for sure!

Dan

They work great when the typical boat is only 7 to 7.5 feet wide, which was quite likely when they were built.

bigdog 06-15-2017 12:34 PM

Weird Shuttle
 
Roadhouse Rocket Shuttle will pick you up at most major locations:
Broken Spoke Saloon, Naswa, Margate, Patricks Pub, and many Meredith/Laconia locations

$6 on/off as many times you want at various locations

Call for pickup 603-409-5387

ENJOY !

Outdoorsman 06-15-2017 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigdog (Post 280165)
Planning to go to the Weirs by car this w/e and stroll the blvd !

Where can I park and/or pickup a shuttle bus in the area.
I live in Gilford.

Thanks !

The train runs from the old fire station/Lakeport Landing in Lakeport and stops on the Weirs BLVD where the MT Washington station is. There seems to be ample parking (for an additional fee) across the street from the old fire station.

aquabones 06-15-2017 05:32 PM

I was there today by boat-there were lots of open boat slips available.
The crowds weren't bad. The weather was ideal. Just hope the weather holds up for the bikers this weekend

ishoot308 06-15-2017 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R (Post 280169)
They work great when the typical boat is only 7 to 7.5 feet wide, which was quite likely when they were built.


Dave,

Do you know what the width is between the docks?? I would guess about 22'....

Dan

elbie 06-15-2017 07:08 PM

Weather
 
I believe it's supposed to rain Friday.

JADAQ 06-15-2017 08:42 PM

I live in the Weirs. I always gauge how busy it is by the back up of traffic, there haven't been significant back ups going in either direction for years. Attendance is down...period. Yes it may be more spread out but there are less and less people every year as well as less vendors everywhere. Nobody in the drive in,fewer in the Weirs itself.

boat_guy64 06-16-2017 08:35 AM

traffic way down
 
I live between Meredith and the Weirs. Traffic has not been an issue at all this week. Seems that this is by far the lowest attendance in the ten years I've been here even with the great weather we've had.

Biggd 06-16-2017 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boat_guy64 (Post 280223)
I live between Meredith and the Weirs. Traffic has not been an issue at all this week. Seems that this is by far the lowest attendance in the ten years I've been here even with the great weather we've had.

Have you seen the people that ride? I don't think many are under 60. I see attendance continuing to shrink as old bikers pass on or just can't ride anymore. The younger generation is riding the WWW. They can put on their google glasses, sit on their couch and ride a Harley all over the world.

Merrymeeting 06-16-2017 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggd (Post 280227)
Have you seen the people that ride? I don't think many are under 60. I see attendance continuing to shrink as old bikers pass on or just can't ride anymore. The younger generation is riding the WWW. They can put on their google glasses, sit on their couch and ride a Harley all over the world.

Not disputing the smaller numbers and seemingly declining interest, but I suspect the demographic you see during the week will change during the weekend. The over-60 crowd is probably mostly retired and can afford to be here during the week. Those under 60, unless they are willing to take vacation time during a week that is often of questionable weather, are probably working.

Dave R 06-16-2017 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308 (Post 280201)
Dave,

Do you know what the width is between the docks?? I would guess about 22'....

Dan

I'm 90% sure it's more than 24 feet, and I thought it was 26 feet. I know I paced it off last year, but forgot what I measured...

Shreddy 06-16-2017 01:20 PM

I'm the "younger" generation and I use to ride for years. I had a street bike (R6) and then a Harley (Street bob). Loved both but got rid of my Harley a few years ago for two reasons. One, I wasn't riding that much. When I had my weekends, I'd likely be spending it on the boat, at the beach, or on the golf course so there just wasn't enough time. Two, the level of distracted drivers is concerning. I never cared much, but it's drastic how many people you can see on phones, etc. and I had my fair share of close calls. Just wasn't worth it for the time being. It was never me I was worried about, just everyone else. With that said, I'll likely have another Harley in the future...now's just not the time.

One other consideration...the younger population simply can't afford a bike as a luxury item as much anymore. The cost of living increases, wages/salaries decrease, and real estate inventory is limited. It's a crazy market and I'm fortunate to be in the position I'm in, but I look around at many friends and see the struggle daily and the future isn't all that promising especially with boat loads of debt on everyone's shoulders.

HomeWood 06-16-2017 02:13 PM

I'm 37. My peers who ride don't seem to be much into bike weeks in general.

upthesaukee 06-16-2017 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R (Post 280241)
I'm 90% sure it's more than 24 feet, and I thought it was 26 feet. I know I paced it off last year, but forgot what I measured...

Many of our boats are 8' 6" beam. Two boats docked within 2 finger docks would take up 17' . Not sure a 8'6" beam boat could make through, even if the two docked were tied tight to the dock. It's been a long time since we tied up at the Weirs, but I'm thinking it is closer to 22' than 26'. Just my remembrance.
Dave

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Mr. V 06-16-2017 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shreddy (Post 280245)
One other consideration...the younger population simply can't afford a bike as a luxury item as much anymore. The cost of living increases, wages/salaries decrease, and real estate inventory is limited. It's a crazy market and I'm fortunate to be in the position I'm in, but I look around at many friends and see the struggle daily and the future isn't all that promising especially with boat loads of debt on everyone's shoulders.

I don't know about that.

Las Vegas has a very viable weekend late night club scene, with thousands upon thousands of youngsters flooding into the clubs and paying outrageous sums for bottle service, food, private seating and the like.

The money they spend is carrying the casinos: very servious money.

Sure, some come from overseas, but mose come from southern California.

So there is a lot of disposable income out there, at least out west.

Woody38 06-16-2017 03:45 PM

We were at the lake this week and left yesterday. Went to Sawyer's for late lunch, early dinner. The line heading to the Weirs was really long extending to Governors Island. Bikers appeared to be 40 and 50's. Many were at Sawyer's. Nice polite group. Would like to learn to ride but at my age not good to temp fate. There was a lot of rumble of engines and music, noticed on my walks with the dogs. The dogs liked the music as it was hard to get them to head back.
Did you notice the Bikini Bike Wash.

I am a retired workaholic and continuing aquaholic.

Scott's Yott 06-17-2017 09:31 AM

Many of the events have moved south to Loudon , and has really spread the crowd out.

Merrymeeting 06-18-2017 08:34 AM

We drove through Weirs on Friday afternoon, and back through Saturday at noon. I wouldn't want the job of insuring the future success of Bike Week. It didn't look healthy.

While there was traffic, we didn't hit much of any until a mile or so from the beach, and it was moving along well.

Surprised to see several vacancy signs on nearby lodging establishments.

Even on Saturday, 90% or more of the riders appeared to be 55+ and male.

99% of the bikes were Harley-type cruisers or hogs. "Crotch rockets" almost non-existent. (In our extended family, 5 of 5 under-30 riders have the latter style bikes)

Without change, the demographic evidence for the future of the event doesn't seem good.

Oh, if you do go, fashion tip: wear black. :coolsm:

Redbarn 06-18-2017 09:12 AM

Rentals
 
I have a few rental homes, and I am easily able to rent every week in the summer except bike week. I generally have vacancies and if I get a rental it is at a reduced rate. Bike week doesn't help biz the way people think it does.

TiltonBB 06-18-2017 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redbarn (Post 280310)
I have a few rental homes, and I am easily able to rent every week in the summer except bike week. I generally have vacancies and if I get a rental it is at a reduced rate. Bike week doesn't help biz the way people think it does.

I have a rental house on the lake in Gilford and Bike Week fills up first every year. I raise the rent by approximately 25% over what the rest of the summer weeks rent for and people are glad to pay it. I have not had a Bike Week vacancy since 2003.

Redbarn 06-18-2017 06:27 PM

sorry
 
I retract my prior statement. I did not mean anything bad about bike week (please stop emailing/calling me)

ishoot308 06-18-2017 06:30 PM

????
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Redbarn (Post 280325)
I retract my prior statement. I did not mean anything bad about bike week (please stop emailing/calling me)

People are really calling you over a post on this forum...really??

Redbarn 06-18-2017 06:49 PM

Yes, and it is not the first time I get harassment for speaking against bike week.

KTO 06-18-2017 10:52 PM

On the lighter side, here's a "goodbye, bikers" pic from this afternoon as everyone started emptying out from the Weirs as seen from my drone.

<a href="https://ibb.co/eQM3yQ"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/cr2nQ5/DJI_0026.jpg" alt="DJI_0026" border="0"></a>
<a href="https://ibb.co/i4ZqdQ"><img src="https://preview.ibb.co/jaRgk5/DJI_0030.jpg" alt="DJI_0030" border="0"></a><br /><a target='_blank' href='https://imgbb.com/'>anonymous photo sharing</a><br />

Reilly 06-19-2017 03:35 AM

This is forum
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by ishoot308 (Post 280327)
People are really calling you over a post on this forum...really??

Speak Your Mind

Biggd 06-19-2017 07:39 AM

Was there on Saturday, had to go by boat because traffic was awful in and around Weirs. It was the first time I had been in years but I thought is was packed. Went to the Naswa by boat also and that was packed. I haven't owned a bike in 30 years so it's a lot different than what I remember. The whole thing is much more controlled and commercialized now. I'm a spectator now and there were some sights to behold.:eek:

Phantom 06-19-2017 10:10 AM

Okay --

I will throw in my two cents and preface it by saying -- I have no dog in this fight -- My wife & I are not "Bikers" but that does not mean we do not enjoy a good show watching all the decked out machines now and again.

As we sat on our deck Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon's into evening (down near Patrick's) there were numerous times that we commented on how light/ few the cycle traffic was .... and that was despite a Concert at Meadowbrook both Friday & Sat nights. Which I heard that neither "sold out"

We do not have a long standing history to compare against, but as simple as comparing to last year (which statistics have shown was a slow Bike Week) there was even far less traffic this year and the weather far better too. As I recall, last year it rained steadily the entire weekend.

Even the "groups" or what we call Packs of riders were smaller .... last year we could count (on average) bikes going by in the 10's & 20's ... this year more typical in 2's & 3's


Like I said -- unscientific -- not anything to do with the "heart" (Weirs Beach Area) of the action -- but an observation from the periphery area.


.

Airedale1 06-19-2017 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave R (Post 280100)
I love the solar powered phone charger they put in, it's neat and makes the area feel welcoming

Where is that?

Ryan 06-19-2017 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody38 (Post 280253)
Did you notice the Bikini Bike Wash.

Yes! I did!!!

But the first thing I do is bring my bike down to the car wash in Laconia, so I passed on the extra wash.

It's tough to say if the crowds were down or not. Our thoughts were the rain on Friday kept a lot of the weekend crowds away. Thursday, the strip was packed at noon with almost all spots taken.

FTR - I'm in my VERY late 30's and ride a 'crotch rocket' - for those keeping an excel sheet of demo's.

Formula260SS 06-19-2017 12:25 PM

We had one of our better bike weeks in a few years - more people joining our pack and more miles on the ole girl. We had a blast, can't wait for next year

JADAQ 06-19-2017 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Airedale1 (Post 280343)
Where is that?

Boardwalk, towards the train station.

Airedale1 06-19-2017 02:39 PM

Thank you.

Dave R 06-19-2017 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan (Post 280345)

FTR - I'm in my VERY late 30's and ride a 'crotch rocket' - for those keeping an excel sheet of demo's.


Yay! another old guy on fast bike. I'm 51 and ride a Kawasaki ZX9R. Cruisers bore me. I have more fun at NHMS than I do at Weirs Beach.


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