Originally, motorcycle week was motorcycle weekend and it was a coordinated event with the flat track racing at Laconia Speedway. Over time it expanded to motorcycle week.
My observations of the current motorcycle week are as follows:
- The demographics this weekend verses through Thursday are very different. During the week the crowd appeared to be the 50 to 70 year old demographic. As of yesterday, a younger crowd appeared. It is unclear whether this is a more local crowd.
- I think that the younger group (which has become the target of marketing and rejuvenation) is more of a working group and less likely to take the work week off to attend motorcycle week.
- The cost of attending motorcycle week is significant and I believe that in this weaker economy there are more weekenders and day trippers.
- It appears that the primary events are the riding events (such as the Vet/MIA ride) and hitting watering holes. That seems consistent with the older demographic.
- I think that the venue for Laconiafest is of issue. As previously indicated, Laconia Speedway might have fared much better. Most locals avoid the Weirs during motorcycle week, parking and traffic are of issue. The drive-in is not the best venue for this type of thing...limited seating...difficult access etc...I would not even want to think about what it would take to get 33,000 people out of the venue at the end of a concert. Personally, I might be inclined to take in a concert at Laconia Speedway or Bank of NH Pavilion...the Weirs, no way.
- Attendance for motorcycle rallies appears to be declining in general. I looked at Sturgis and with the exception of last year (75th anniversary), attendance has been declining annually.
Jetskier
