Bike Week Ended: The Numbers

NH_boater · 06-20-2011, 09:27 PM

saw that Hell's Angels were present.

sa meredith · 06-21-2011, 07:24 AM

Good crowds...but from a couple of street vendors I talked to, and couple of restaurants....$$$$ just was not there.
Of course, I'm sure places like Crazy Gringos and Lobster Pound would say differently.

lawn psycho · 06-21-2011, 08:04 AM

Here's a not so nice number, Laconia reports 68 DUI arrests. Bike Week brings more problems than it's worth IMO.

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articl...NEWS-110629958

FINANCEGUY · 06-21-2011, 09:25 AM

of course the angels were present? did you not know they have a clubhouse 1 mile out of the weirs. So what if they were there? They are there every year, and they have every right to be. Did they cause any problems? NO

VitaBene · 06-21-2011, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FINANCEGUY

of course the angels were present? did you not know they have a clubhouse 1 mile out of the weirs. So what if they were there? They are there every year, and they have every right to be. Did they cause any problems? NO

I saw no issues or fights, colors or not!!

lawn psycho · 06-21-2011, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FINANCEGUY

of course the angels were present? did you not know they have a clubhouse 1 mile out of the weirs. So what if they were there? They are there every year, and they have every right to be. Did they cause any problems? NO

The Hell's Angels are a criminal enterprise. It's silly to defend them as a legit group of productive citizens.

ApS · 06-22-2011, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

The Hell's Angels are a criminal enterprise. It's silly to defend them as a legit group of productive citizens.

New Hampshire doesn't have a problem!

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montre...l-arrests.html

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/s...c-b48eb22a2983

TOAD · 06-22-2011, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acres per second

new hampshire doesn't have a problem!

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montre...l-arrests.html

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/s...c-b48eb22a2983

ya...hell's angles are no more a danger to society and law enforcement than a group of baptist sunday school kids. :d

Argie's Wife · 06-22-2011, 07:58 AM

Lawn Psycho - I wonder if you'd make that same statement if your real name, not your screen handle, was posted by your comments?

For what it's worth, there's criminals in the non-Hells Angels population, too. Just like there's good motorcycle drivers and there's bad motorcycle drivers. (But Argie will tell you, there's no such thing as a good minivan driver...)

Argie schlepped around The Weirs on Thursday and said he had no trouble finding a parking spot. He said the weather was great and there were no crowds. I'm sure the bad weather during the week, the cost of gas, and other financial-factors (registration costs) made for a smaller turnout this year. It's really too bad for the local economy... I hope things pick up for the rest of the summer tourist season...

Winnisquamguy · 06-22-2011, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Lawn Psycho - I wonder if you'd make that same statement if your real name, not your screen handle, was posted by your comments?

So its not just me then.. I feel better now!!

Winnisquamguy · 06-22-2011, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

The Hell's Angels are a criminal enterprise. It's silly to defend them as a legit group of productive citizens.

I would like to know where you come up with this stuff... I just got this right off there web site.

FAQ

What does the M.C. stand for ?

The MC stands for Motorcycle Club. The fact of the matter is, it's a Motorcycle Club, not a gang.

What does 81 stand for ?

It's a metonym. It stands for the 8th letter of the alphabet which is an H, and the 1st letter of the alphabet which is an A, HA = Hells Angels.

What does Red & White stand for?

Another metonym, Red & White are the Club's colors. Red letters on a White background.

Why do you call your club vest colors ?

Again, another metonym. Colors or Patch stand for the motorcycle club's (Any motorcycle club) insignia. On the top of the back of the vest is HELLS ANGELS, and the bottom is the Charter's location. These are called rockers. The center is the logo called the Deathhead, and the small square with MC stands for Motorcycle Club. The Hells Angels, as well as most motorcycle clubs have copyrights on their name and logo.

How do I join the Hells Angels ?

As the saying goes, If you have to ask the question, you probably won't understand the answer. The key words are Motorcycle Club, which means they are true motorcycle enthusiasts and their motorcycle is their primary means of transportation. On the average a club member will ride 20,000 mile plus a year, and this means rain, snow, or sunshine. Each Charter varies in their requirement, but if you're really interested you should talk to a member in your area. And if you have to ask where the nearest Charter is to you....you aren't ready to join a Motorcycle Club.

Isn't the apostrophe missing in Hells Angels ?

Should the Hells in Hells Angels have an apostrophe, and be Hell's Angels? That would be true if there was only one Hell, but life & history has taught us that there are many versions and forms of Hell.

How do I start a Hells Angels Charter ?

Another If you have to ask, you won't understand the answer. Motorcycle Clubs consist of a group of people who have ridden together for years, live in the same community, are known by the community, have runs to raise money for local charities, and are a brotherhood. It's Motorcycle Club as opposed to an association such as Harley Owners Group, or Goldwing Riders, which allow anyone to join as long as they have a Harley or Goldwing. Not to say associations are better or worse, just different; they don't ride 20,000+ a year together, or know each other as well as you know your family, which is what a Motorcycle Club is about. If you're already in a Motorcycle Club you know how to start a Hells Angels Charter in your area, and if you're not...well, that's probably why you asked the question in the first place.

Wear and purchase of Club Support items ?

Many people think that you have to own a Harley to wear or display Club Support merchandise, but it's not true. Your purchases show that you support The Club's philosophy of being free, and it also helps the Charter put on runs and events that riders of all makes of motorcycles and even those who don't own a bike at all enjoy.

Retired or Undercover Hells Angels !

There is no such thing as a retired or undercover Hells Angels member & never has been! There are a few of our brothers who cannot associate with us due to our govt. and their parole stipulations.

Do you know my uncle... he might be HA?

We don't answer questions about members

Now I am not saying that they are saints and they have never been in trouble but they do there fair share of charity things with toy runs, food drives, etc..

lawn psycho · 06-23-2011, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

I would like to know where you come up with this stuff... I just got this right off there web site.

I hope you realize how ridiculus that statement is (wait, don't even answer that). Type in seaches for Hells Angels murder and see what comes up

The Hells Angels operate drug rings, steal cars, rob people, and simply have no respect for society. A large number of them are felons and armed.

As far as people posting about the HAs in bars. Should we give them a medal since they can go to bar on some nights and not cause problems? La-di-frickin-da. However, that same group will spew deadly violence and the provocations can be as simple as someone "looking" at them the wrong way.

If they are so wonderful, why not let them babysit your kids. Better yet, let them move in next door to you.

Ask law enforcement about what they deal with when the HAs are involved.

I don't know what Kool-Aid you are drinking but you may want to change the recipe....

VtSteve · 06-23-2011, 05:45 AM

Interesting discussion. There is quite a bit of information available on the net, dozens of pages, just for NH.

This one was as well, which was just a minor occurrence compared to many.

http://www.justice.gov/ndic/pubs0/662/overview.htm

Quote:

Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs are New Hampshire's most threatening organized gang problem. In March 2000, the Hells Angels established a chapter in Manchester. Members came from existing Hells Angels chapters in Maine and Massachusetts to establish it. Law enforcement authorities report that members live in Derry, Hudson, Franklin, and Meredith.

According to a 1999 national truce, the Hells Angels must allow the rival Outlaws to establish a chapter in the state without retaliation. In establishing its New Hampshire chapter, the Outlaws is converting members of the New Hampshire chapter of the Devils Disciples OMG into Outlaws. The rivalry that exists between the Hells Angels and the Outlaws has caused recent violent flare-ups throughout the state. This violence threatens to end the truce between the Hells Angels and the Outlaws, who often compete for control over lucrative drug markets. The Devils Disciples OMG operates from Manchester but has no reported involvement in drug sales.

Although street gang activity is relatively limited in New Hampshire, law enforcement sources assert that it is increasing due to a migration of gang members from Massachusetts. In their responses to the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) National Gang Survey 2000, the Manchester and Portsmouth police departments reported gang activity. The East Side Crew operates from Portsmouth and is involved in the local distribution of cocaine and marijuana, but to a very limited extent.

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

http://www.londonderrynh.net/?tag=he...otorcycle-club

ironhorsetim · 06-23-2011, 07:00 AM

So....last night I wrote a comment trying to put this thread back on it's original trac but now it's gone...seems like the power that is want's to leave this can of worms open....careful what you wish for.

lawn psycho · 06-23-2011, 07:08 AM

Ironhorse, the discussion about numbers of attendees has been linked to the police presence.

You have gang members, lots of beer, lots of people DUI, and a herd mentality of bikers. That is why the police presence is there as you have fire and gas just waiting to be put close enough together.

Looking at it through my eyes, I don't see the appeal and I think the fact that many bikers are choosing to stay away is as much about what bike week has become over the last 10-15 years.

Someone posted about Bike Week helping the housing. Ya right! I had an opportunity to buy a condo for cheap money (pre-foreclosure) and passed specifically because it was in Meredith and I would be furious if I had to deal with the bike week mess.

I think NH is wasting potential to feature the lake. The Weirs is a dump.

VitaBene · 06-23-2011, 07:40 AM

The fact is that Bike week has spread out physically across the state. That is the real reason the #s seem to be down and you could get around town relatively easily. Take a ride to Lincoln or the Mt Washington Valley/ Conway areas and you will see where all the bikers have gone.

The bottom line is that the Weirs are not where people want to spend their money. The venues and vendors are tired. The one new venue, the Full Throttle Saloon was slammed all week while the old guard Broken Spoke was dead.

As an aside, I travel to many bike events all over the country and have never seen police presence at any of those events that comes close to the Weirs.

ironhorsetim · 06-23-2011, 07:44 AM

I agree,the Weirs is a dump and that has what to do with bike week or "gangs" ? This place has been going down hill for years. The fact that it is, has nothing to do with either. When bike week is gone (and it will be) sooner or later,all the local businesses will be crying and maybe people will stop having their lawns manicured cause they simply can't afford too.Hotels and motels won't need alot of services, and more and more places will close...at least some people will be happy,but who? I own a house in Laconia right off White Oaks Rd. and I work bike weeks,I think I can deal with all the hoohah because the payoff is well worth it. Maybe the city can deal with with lost revenue but many of my neighbors and friends think different.

VitaBene · 06-23-2011, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironhorsetim

I agree,the Weirs is a dump and that has what to do with bike week or "gangs" ? This place has been going down hill for years. The fact that it is, has nothing to do with either. When bike week is gone (and it will be) sooner or later,all the local businesses will be crying and maybe people will stop having their lawns manicured cause they simply can't afford too.Hotels and motels won't need alot of services, and more and more places will close...at least some people will be happy,but who? I own a house in Laconia right off White Oaks Rd. and I work bike weeks,I think I can deal with all the hoohah because the payoff is well worth it. Maybe the city can deal with with lost revenue but many of my neighbors and friends think different.

I would love to see Laconia and the state put together a comprehensive master plan to revitalize the Weirs Beach area. You have to spend money to make money.

spider22 · 06-23-2011, 08:12 AM

I have seen people post that one of the reasons why the numbers are down is because of police presence. Correct me if I am wrong but if people are not coming because the police are there then they are coming to cause trouble and are the ones you do not want there anyway. My family and I have been vacationing in the Weirs beach area for 17 years(we did go to Maine for a 4 year stint) and 14 or 15 years ago when we would come up on a Saturday to get from the Margate area to fun spot it would take at least 15 minutes because of the traffic backup. If you went to any of the attractions like Funspot or the Weirs water slides they would be packed even during the middle of the week. It is not that way anymore so I think the decline in the number of people at bike week can be attributed to the economy more than anything else.

Woodsy · 06-23-2011, 08:52 AM

Spider...

Talk to the customer.... ask the bikers (customers) who attend bike week what thier biggest gripes are. I did and in order of popularity....

1. TOO MANY COPS! One couple I asked about gripes actually asked me why so many cops? Were we (Laconia) expecting some massive brawl to break out? They had been to both Sturgis and Daytona and had never seen the level of Police presence they saw in Laconia!

2. WEATHER... but you cant do anything about it!

3. PRICE GOUGING! Every hotel and condo near the strip jacks the prices and requires multi-day stays...

4. LIQUOR ENFORCEMENT... several people I talked to had been asked to leave a bar not because they were drunk but because they had been there too long. Apparently (and I confirmed this) the Liquor Commisioners kept track of how long people were in a bar... drinking or not!

IMHO there needs to be a comphrehensive plan for Bike Week... especially in a crappy economy such as this!

Make the Weirs like Key West or Bourbon street and allow people to walk around with a beer or drink in a plastic cup! Be welcoming to Bikers... instead of busting everyones butt on stupid crap (loud pipes, flashing, etc) let it slide, let them have fun! Lessen the police visibility! I was told by a VERY reliable source the NHSP were given orders to crack down on EVERYTHING! Sure, have some cops staged nearby for a fast response time, just in case but dont blow the budget on them! 7 NHSP cruisers withn 1/4 mile of each other with no crowds and no traffic is beyond excessive!

Woodsy

spider22 · 06-23-2011, 09:19 AM

Woodsy ...
In your opinion when my family and I go up for vacation this summer I can cut the exhaust out of my truck and get drunk and drive up and down Weirs Blvd. while my wife flashes everyone on the boardwalk and the cops should let it slide because after all we are just having fun.

Woodsy · 06-23-2011, 09:59 AM

Spider...

Its BIKE WEEK! A national rally that has been held in June in Laconia for 88 years! BIKE WEEK caters to BIKERS.... not necessarily a FAMILY event. I hope when you come up you enjoy your stay. If you dont like bike week then dont visit that week.

I am a FULL TIME 24/7 365 resident of Weirs Beach for over 10 years now. I welcome all to come up and enjoy what I get to enjoy year round! I moved here KNOWING full well how Bike Week is. I embrace it! Its alot of fun for me, and the $$$ Bike Week generates carries ALL of my merchant friends through the year! I know alot of locals to Weirs who work Bike Week and put some serious extra $$$ in thier pockets! When your having a cold rainy summer like this year has been so far, BIKE WEEK is a godsend... it determines if you stay in business or fold!

No offense to vactioners such as yourselves, but if the weather is off, or the economy is off (in this year BOTH suck) you guys do not visit in the numbers needed to sustain most of the local businesses. I know of one business who was off $10K in sales....

The Weirs needs a makeover.... similar to Key West. Open air bars.. cool music... funky shops, fun for all. Meredith already is high end and I applaud the job they have done there. The Weirs needs to retain its honky-tonk flair while being upgraded to a modern destination! I think this state needs to develop a plan for the Weirs and Hampton Beach... designate resort zones... relax some of the liquor rules, encourage people to visit and have fun.

SA... ask the folks at the Gringo! I will prob be there!

Whats wrong with walking around with a plastic cup of beer? In a desigated resort zone? They do it all over the world! As far as flashing goes... it never happened all that much even back in the so called "WILD" days of bike week.

Woodsy

AllAbourdon · 06-23-2011, 10:12 AM

I guess this is why I have a lot more fun reading and posting on the HD and Roadglide forums...

Live Free or Die

jrc · 06-23-2011, 10:52 AM

I broke down Sunday and took a ride down to the Weirs, first time in a few years. I'm currently bike-less but I only paid $10 to park a SUV at noon behind Donna-Jeans. I paid more 20 years ago.

The first vendor I met was selling fried fish for half his posted price. It was his first year, he doesn't know if he's coming back.

IMHO bike week is in a tranistion, and I'm not sure what way it will go. The glory days of bike weekend was always a little bit about the danger. Drinking, girls, burn-outs, wheelies, it was unsavory. We came to watch the crazies, always wondering what would happen. We wanted to be close to the dangerous Hollywood biker lifestyle but not actually get killed. People in the lakes region don't really want that anymore.

So now it can morph into at good reason to take a bike ride around the state, stop at nice restaurants and have fun with friends.

Or it can change into Key West or the French Quarter for a week.

What we have now seems unstable. There are some weird juxtopositons.

The blue haired girl selling lemonade really bothered one father with small boys, he carefully stood to block their view. It was comical.

Something tells me that the Progressive insurance game booth will be further away from the massage girl booth next year.

spider22 · 06-23-2011, 10:13 AM

Woodsy...
I bring lots of $$$$ every year to the weirs area every year so I guess that gives me the right to break the law when I am there.

sa meredith · 06-23-2011, 10:30 AM

Woodsy...I certainly do agree with you about the Weir's needing a complete make over. It's too bad the fire this past winter didn't spread and burn the whole strip to the ground.
Other than the bowling alley being gone, I believe the strip looks the exact same as when my parents brought us there in the 70's. Old, run down, time has past it by.
If not for Gringos, and maybe LP, I would imagine I would never dock there, to spend some money.
I mean, how many slices of pizza does one need? And how many video games or ski ball does one need to play.
Just look at the waterfront in Meredith. Why can't the Weir's be as nice.
Totally agree about open air bars/restaurant/live music.
The name escapes me, but the outdoor beach bar in Meredith, near the now closed Christmas Store...how great is that place? What a fantastic spot to hang out, grab a frozen drink and some lunch...bacon wrapped hot dog, holy cow!
The bar and grill at the very end of the pier is sort of the right concept...but somehow misses the mark. It would seem so much more could be done with that spot.
And the plane crashing into the volcano? Had enough of that.
Do they still blast that cannon every so often? That can scare the crap out of you, if you don't know it is coming.
Anyway...

ironhorsetim · 06-23-2011, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spider22

Woodsy...
I bring lots of $$$$ every year to the weirs area every year so I guess that gives me the right to break the law when I am there.

Not to make lite of your 2 or 3 weeks visiting but you not spending your hard earned $$ would make a huge dent in the local economy....better not venture down to Ft. Myers beach cause you can drink beer in plastic cups and the women are scantily clad

sa meredith · 06-23-2011, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodsy

Spider...

Talk to the customer.... ask the bikers (customers) who attend bike week what thier biggest gripes are. I did and in order of popularity....

1. TOO MANY COPS! One couple I asked about gripes actually asked me why so many cops? Were we (Laconia) expecting some massive brawl to break out? They had been to both Sturgis and Daytona and had never seen the level of Police presence they saw in Laconia!

2. WEATHER... but you cant do anything about it!

3. PRICE GOUGING! Every hotel and condo near the strip jacks the prices and requires multi-day stays...

4. LIQUOR ENFORCEMENT... several people I talked to had been asked to leave a bar not because they were drunk but because they had been there too long. Apparently (and I confirmed this) the Liquor Commisioners kept track of how long people were in a bar... drinking or not!

IMHO there needs to be a comphrehensive plan for Bike Week... especially in a crappy economy such as this!

Make the Weirs like Key West or Bourbon street and allow people to walk around with a beer or drink in a plastic cup! Be welcoming to Bikers... instead of busting everyones butt on stupid crap (loud pipes, flashing, etc) let it slide, let them have fun! Lessen the police visibility! I was told by a VERY reliable source the NHSP were given orders to crack down on EVERYTHING! Sure, have some cops staged nearby for a fast response time, just in case but dont blow the budget on them! 7 NHSP cruisers withn 1/4 mile of each other with no crowds and no traffic is beyond excessive!

Woodsy

Allow people to walk the strip openly drinking??!!
Simply look the other way as women expose themselves?!
Yeah, that'll bring the crowds back. Problem solved, I say.
Wow...are you all right???!!!!
Also, someone had a stopwatch on how long people stay inside a bar? Sorry...not buying that one.
But I'll ask at Gringos this weekend...they would know if that is true, as well as anyone.

ironhorsetim · 06-23-2011, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sa meredith

Wow...are you all right???!!!!
Also, someone had a stopwatch on how long people stay inside a bar? Sorry...not buying that one.
But I'll ask at Gringos this weekend...they would know if that is true, as well as anyone.

Let me help you on this one,the NHLC does not use a stop watch but they certainly do keep track,just like local cops chalking tires.I have worked bike weeks for 10 years as a bartender and a door man and ask any local bar(start with the Gringo) and you'll find it to be true. Like my mom always said.."have as much as you like,but when it's gone...it's gone..sure gonna miss that $$$ when bike week moves on.

webmaster · 06-23-2011, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ironhorsetim

So....last night I wrote a comment trying to put this thread back on it's original trac but now it's gone...seems like the power that is want's to leave this can of worms open....careful what you wish for.

What are you talking about? Nothing of yours was removed.

NH_boater · 06-21-2011, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FINANCEGUY

of course the angels were present? did you not know they have a clubhouse 1 mile out of the weirs. So what if they were there? They are there every year, and they have every right to be. Did they cause any problems? NO

No need to jump off the deep end, I simply stated that they were present. Don't read anything into this more than that.

AC2717 · 06-21-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articl...NEWS-110629958

can they even really say Pittsfield is part of Bike Week, to say the Fatality was a part of bike week?

Not that I am discounting a life was lost, just curious (aside from the loss of life) what people think

jmen24 · 06-21-2011, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC2717

http://www.seacoastonline.com/articl...NEWS-110629958

can they even really say Pittsfield is part of Bike Week, to say the Fatality was a part of bike week?

Not that I am discounting a life was lost, just curious (aside from the loss of life) what people think

He traveled half way across the country to participate in Bike Week. So I would say it counts.

AC2717 · 06-21-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmen24

He traveled half way across the country to participate in Bike Week. So I would say it counts.

thank you, did not know that, why I asked, article did not say that unless I missed that

jmen24 · 06-21-2011, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AC2717

thank you, did not know that, why I asked, article did not say that unless I missed that

It was online at WMUR last week. His friend that he was riding with was from NH. No worries, sad situation all around.

http://www.wmur.com/news/28244933/detail.html

Woodsy · 06-21-2011, 12:06 PM

The Bike Week numbers were way way down! I live essentially at Ground Zero... there was little to no traffic and you could breeze right into the Weirs... all week except sunday! I dont even think they closed the bridge but for a few hours here and there!

The problem with Bike Week is the EXCESSIVE POLICE presence! There were way too many cops... way too few people! I get the whole public safety thing... but come on! On 2 seperate occasions i took pictures of a group of 4 NHSP cruisers just hanging out! In one pic taken Saturday a 5th NHSP cruiser was just out of the picture! On walk to the Weirs I counted 7 NHSP cruisers between Kellerhaus and Lobster Pound! SEVEN NHSP cruisers within a 1/4 or so?? Really? This is all with ZERO traffic backup...

IMO... Bike Week has become the Police Benevolent Overtime Week!

Woodsy

Ryan · 06-21-2011, 03:32 PM

Not that this is a gauge of attendance, but I found parking at the Weirs to be much more difficult this year. Thursday and Friday before noon, you couldn't find 2 spots to park the bikes.

I do agree that the police presence is way overboard and might be a factor in dwindling attendance.

I know they put those plastic strips across the road in certain locations to count the visitors, but I wonder if they can count the police vehicles also????

Jonas Pilot · 06-21-2011, 03:55 PM

http://www.citizen.com/news/laconia_...a4bcf6878.html

Belmont Resident · 06-21-2011, 06:36 PM

We had vendors say they wish it would go back to a long weekend. They say they make way less money with the whole week long thing then if it was just 4 days.
Every vendor we talked to said people were out but no money was being spent.
We visited the lobster pound the 3 times we went down and each time they looked to be doing very well.
Talked with someone today who was in VT for a wedding a couple of weeks ago. They ran into a group of bikers and asked if they were heading to Laconia. They said no Lake George is where its at now, to many cops at Laconia so they no longer come.

TiltonBB · 06-21-2011, 08:23 PM

Just some random thoughts about Bike Week:

1. It is, and always has been a "people watching" event. As the crowds continue to dwindle attendance will continue to decline.

2. Traffic delays are not necessarily a bad thing. They contribute to the feeling that Laconia is the "place to be" and help to draw even more people.

3. The signs that say the "Weirs Bridge is Closed" that are posted all the way out to Tilton keep many people from travelling through our area. That reduces the "people watching" and contributes to the decline in attendance.

4. This year the bridge was never closed, but all of the signs remained in place.

5. The over policing of Bike Week creates an intimidation factor that keeps many people away from the event. That costs local merchants revenue, increases the cost to taxpayers, and reduces the tax benefit to the state.

6. The UNH police continue to be overzealous and uninformed and make many mistakes with regard to the enforcement of local laws. They should not be invited back to this event.

7. The city hall powers that make the decisions regarding police and traffic should get input from the residents and business people and make appropriate changes so that they do not completely kill Bike Week. The current mentality seems to be: "We are going to do what we have aways done". That thought process will only result in the eventual end of the event and a significant loss of revenue to the City of Laconia and the State of New Hampshire. Big mistake!

Although it may be an inconvenience to some local residents, the new people and revenue that Bike Week brings into the area every year justifies the event. Many return with their families to vacation, and even buy a home. They patronize local businesses and help to contribute to the local economy.

06-21-2011, 07:24 AM	#2
sa meredith Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 986 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 32 Thanked 352 Times in 137 Posts	50/50 Good crowds...but from a couple of street vendors I talked to, and couple of restaurants....$$$$ just was not there. Of course, I'm sure places like Crazy Gringos and Lobster Pound would say differently.

06-22-2011, 07:58 AM	#9
Argie's Wife Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Alton Posts: 1,908 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 533 Thanked 579 Times in 260 Posts	Lawn Psycho - I wonder if you'd make that same statement if your real name, not your screen handle, was posted by your comments? For what it's worth, there's criminals in the non-Hells Angels population, too. Just like there's good motorcycle drivers and there's bad motorcycle drivers. (But Argie will tell you, there's no such thing as a good minivan driver...) Argie schlepped around The Weirs on Thursday and said he had no trouble finding a parking spot. He said the weather was great and there were no crowds. I'm sure the bad weather during the week, the cost of gas, and other financial-factors (registration costs) made for a smaller turnout this year. It's really too bad for the local economy... I hope things pick up for the rest of the summer tourist season... Last edited by Argie's Wife; 06-22-2011 at 09:07 AM.

06-23-2011, 07:00 AM	#14
ironhorsetim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Laconia/Ft Myers Beach, Fl Posts: 184 Thanks: 57 Thanked 26 Times in 23 Posts	Thread So....last night I wrote a comment trying to put this thread back on it's original trac but now it's gone...seems like the power that is want's to leave this can of worms open....careful what you wish for. __________________ "If common sense was common,everyone would have it" Ironhorsetim "Always do sober,what you say you'll do drunk, That will teach you to keep your mouth shut" Ernest Hemmingway

06-23-2011, 07:40 AM	#16
VitaBene Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 3,591 Thanks: 1,628 Thanked 1,641 Times in 844 Posts	Sprawl The fact is that Bike week has spread out physically across the state. That is the real reason the #s seem to be down and you could get around town relatively easily. Take a ride to Lincoln or the Mt Washington Valley/ Conway areas and you will see where all the bikers have gone. The bottom line is that the Weirs are not where people want to spend their money. The venues and vendors are tired. The one new venue, the Full Throttle Saloon was slammed all week while the old guard Broken Spoke was dead. As an aside, I travel to many bike events all over the country and have never seen police presence at any of those events that comes close to the Weirs.

06-23-2011, 07:44 AM	#17
ironhorsetim Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Laconia/Ft Myers Beach, Fl Posts: 184 Thanks: 57 Thanked 26 Times in 23 Posts	I agree,the Weirs is a dump and that has what to do with bike week or "gangs" ? This place has been going down hill for years. The fact that it is, has nothing to do with either. When bike week is gone (and it will be) sooner or later,all the local businesses will be crying and maybe people will stop having their lawns manicured cause they simply can't afford too.Hotels and motels won't need alot of services, and more and more places will close...at least some people will be happy,but who? I own a house in Laconia right off White Oaks Rd. and I work bike weeks,I think I can deal with all the hoohah because the payoff is well worth it. Maybe the city can deal with with lost revenue but many of my neighbors and friends think different. __________________ "If common sense was common,everyone would have it" Ironhorsetim "Always do sober,what you say you'll do drunk, That will teach you to keep your mouth shut" Ernest Hemmingway

06-20-2011, 09:27 PM	#1
NH_boater Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 298 Thanks: 14 Thanked 147 Times in 62 Posts	saw that Hell's Angels were present.

06-21-2011, 08:04 AM	#3
lawn psycho Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: On the move... Posts: 987 Thanks: 113 Thanked 248 Times in 133 Posts	Here's a not so nice number, Laconia reports 68 DUI arrests. Bike Week brings more problems than it's worth IMO. http://www.seacoastonline.com/articl...NEWS-110629958

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06-21-2011, 09:25 AM	#4
FINANCEGUY Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 5 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 2 Posts	of course the angels were present? did you not know they have a clubhouse 1 mile out of the weirs. So what if they were there? They are there every year, and they have every right to be. Did they cause any problems? NO

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06-23-2011, 07:08 AM	#15
lawn psycho Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: On the move... Posts: 987 Thanks: 113 Thanked 248 Times in 133 Posts	Ironhorse, the discussion about numbers of attendees has been linked to the police presence. You have gang members, lots of beer, lots of people DUI, and a herd mentality of bikers. That is why the police presence is there as you have fire and gas just waiting to be put close enough together. Looking at it through my eyes, I don't see the appeal and I think the fact that many bikers are choosing to stay away is as much about what bike week has become over the last 10-15 years. Someone posted about Bike Week helping the housing. Ya right! I had an opportunity to buy a condo for cheap money (pre-foreclosure) and passed specifically because it was in Meredith and I would be furious if I had to deal with the bike week mess. I think NH is wasting potential to feature the lake. The Weirs is a dump.

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06-23-2011, 08:12 AM	#19
spider22 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Alstead,NH Posts: 98 Thanks: 9 Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts	Police presence I have seen people post that one of the reasons why the numbers are down is because of police presence. Correct me if I am wrong but if people are not coming because the police are there then they are coming to cause trouble and are the ones you do not want there anyway. My family and I have been vacationing in the Weirs beach area for 17 years(we did go to Maine for a 4 year stint) and 14 or 15 years ago when we would come up on a Saturday to get from the Margate area to fun spot it would take at least 15 minutes because of the traffic backup. If you went to any of the attractions like Funspot or the Weirs water slides they would be packed even during the middle of the week. It is not that way anymore so I think the decline in the number of people at bike week can be attributed to the economy more than anything else.

06-23-2011, 08:52 AM	#20
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,966 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	Spider... Talk to the customer.... ask the bikers (customers) who attend bike week what thier biggest gripes are. I did and in order of popularity.... 1. TOO MANY COPS! One couple I asked about gripes actually asked me why so many cops? Were we (Laconia) expecting some massive brawl to break out? They had been to both Sturgis and Daytona and had never seen the level of Police presence they saw in Laconia! 2. WEATHER... but you cant do anything about it! 3. PRICE GOUGING! Every hotel and condo near the strip jacks the prices and requires multi-day stays... 4. LIQUOR ENFORCEMENT... several people I talked to had been asked to leave a bar not because they were drunk but because they had been there too long. Apparently (and I confirmed this) the Liquor Commisioners kept track of how long people were in a bar... drinking or not! IMHO there needs to be a comphrehensive plan for Bike Week... especially in a crappy economy such as this! Make the Weirs like Key West or Bourbon street and allow people to walk around with a beer or drink in a plastic cup! Be welcoming to Bikers... instead of busting everyones butt on stupid crap (loud pipes, flashing, etc) let it slide, let them have fun! Lessen the police visibility! I was told by a VERY reliable source the NHSP were given orders to crack down on EVERYTHING! Sure, have some cops staged nearby for a fast response time, just in case but dont blow the budget on them! 7 NHSP cruisers withn 1/4 mile of each other with no crowds and no traffic is beyond excessive! Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

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06-23-2011, 09:19 AM	#21
spider22 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Alstead,NH Posts: 98 Thanks: 9 Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts	Let it slide Woodsy ... In your opinion when my family and I go up for vacation this summer I can cut the exhaust out of my truck and get drunk and drive up and down Weirs Blvd. while my wife flashes everyone on the boardwalk and the cops should let it slide because after all we are just having fun.

06-23-2011, 09:59 AM	#22
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,966 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	Spider... Its BIKE WEEK! A national rally that has been held in June in Laconia for 88 years! BIKE WEEK caters to BIKERS.... not necessarily a FAMILY event. I hope when you come up you enjoy your stay. If you dont like bike week then dont visit that week. I am a FULL TIME 24/7 365 resident of Weirs Beach for over 10 years now. I welcome all to come up and enjoy what I get to enjoy year round! I moved here KNOWING full well how Bike Week is. I embrace it! Its alot of fun for me, and the $$$ Bike Week generates carries ALL of my merchant friends through the year! I know alot of locals to Weirs who work Bike Week and put some serious extra $$$ in thier pockets! When your having a cold rainy summer like this year has been so far, BIKE WEEK is a godsend... it determines if you stay in business or fold! No offense to vactioners such as yourselves, but if the weather is off, or the economy is off (in this year BOTH suck) you guys do not visit in the numbers needed to sustain most of the local businesses. I know of one business who was off $10K in sales.... The Weirs needs a makeover.... similar to Key West. Open air bars.. cool music... funky shops, fun for all. Meredith already is high end and I applaud the job they have done there. The Weirs needs to retain its honky-tonk flair while being upgraded to a modern destination! I think this state needs to develop a plan for the Weirs and Hampton Beach... designate resort zones... relax some of the liquor rules, encourage people to visit and have fun. SA... ask the folks at the Gringo! I will prob be there! Whats wrong with walking around with a plastic cup of beer? In a desigated resort zone? They do it all over the world! As far as flashing goes... it never happened all that much even back in the so called "WILD" days of bike week. Woodsy __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

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06-23-2011, 10:12 AM	#23
AllAbourdon Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 61 Thanks: 22 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	I guess this is why I have a lot more fun reading and posting on the HD and Roadglide forums... Live Free or Die

06-23-2011, 10:52 AM	#24
jrc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NH Posts: 2,689 Thanks: 33 Thanked 439 Times in 249 Posts	I broke down Sunday and took a ride down to the Weirs, first time in a few years. I'm currently bike-less but I only paid $10 to park a SUV at noon behind Donna-Jeans. I paid more 20 years ago. The first vendor I met was selling fried fish for half his posted price. It was his first year, he doesn't know if he's coming back. IMHO bike week is in a tranistion, and I'm not sure what way it will go. The glory days of bike weekend was always a little bit about the danger. Drinking, girls, burn-outs, wheelies, it was unsavory. We came to watch the crazies, always wondering what would happen. We wanted to be close to the dangerous Hollywood biker lifestyle but not actually get killed. People in the lakes region don't really want that anymore. So now it can morph into at good reason to take a bike ride around the state, stop at nice restaurants and have fun with friends. Or it can change into Key West or the French Quarter for a week. What we have now seems unstable. There are some weird juxtopositons. The blue haired girl selling lemonade really bothered one father with small boys, he carefully stood to block their view. It was comical. Something tells me that the Progressive insurance game booth will be further away from the massage girl booth next year.

06-23-2011, 10:13 AM	#25
spider22 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Alstead,NH Posts: 98 Thanks: 9 Thanked 8 Times in 5 Posts	Woodsy... I bring lots of $$$$ every year to the weirs area every year so I guess that gives me the right to break the law when I am there.

06-23-2011, 10:30 AM	#26
sa meredith Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 986 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 32 Thanked 352 Times in 137 Posts	agree Woodsy...I certainly do agree with you about the Weir's needing a complete make over. It's too bad the fire this past winter didn't spread and burn the whole strip to the ground. Other than the bowling alley being gone, I believe the strip looks the exact same as when my parents brought us there in the 70's. Old, run down, time has past it by. If not for Gringos, and maybe LP, I would imagine I would never dock there, to spend some money. I mean, how many slices of pizza does one need? And how many video games or ski ball does one need to play. Just look at the waterfront in Meredith. Why can't the Weir's be as nice. Totally agree about open air bars/restaurant/live music. The name escapes me, but the outdoor beach bar in Meredith, near the now closed Christmas Store...how great is that place? What a fantastic spot to hang out, grab a frozen drink and some lunch...bacon wrapped hot dog, holy cow! The bar and grill at the very end of the pier is sort of the right concept...but somehow misses the mark. It would seem so much more could be done with that spot. And the plane crashing into the volcano? Had enough of that. Do they still blast that cannon every so often? That can scare the crap out of you, if you don't know it is coming. Anyway...

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06-21-2011, 12:06 PM	#36
Woodsy Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Weirs Beach Posts: 1,966 Thanks: 80 Thanked 980 Times in 440 Posts	Bike Week was way off... The Bike Week numbers were way way down! I live essentially at Ground Zero... there was little to no traffic and you could breeze right into the Weirs... all week except sunday! I dont even think they closed the bridge but for a few hours here and there! The problem with Bike Week is the EXCESSIVE POLICE presence! There were way too many cops... way too few people! I get the whole public safety thing... but come on! On 2 seperate occasions i took pictures of a group of 4 NHSP cruisers just hanging out! In one pic taken Saturday a 5th NHSP cruiser was just out of the picture! On walk to the Weirs I counted 7 NHSP cruisers between Kellerhaus and Lobster Pound! SEVEN NHSP cruisers within a 1/4 or so?? Really? This is all with ZERO traffic backup... IMO... Bike Week has become the Police Benevolent Overtime Week! Woodsy Attached Images __________________ The only way to eliminate ignorant behavior is through education. You can't fix stupid.

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06-21-2011, 03:32 PM	#37
Ryan Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mass/Gilford Posts: 247 Thanks: 216 Thanked 70 Times in 33 Posts	Not that this is a gauge of attendance, but I found parking at the Weirs to be much more difficult this year. Thursday and Friday before noon, you couldn't find 2 spots to park the bikes. I do agree that the police presence is way overboard and might be a factor in dwindling attendance. I know they put those plastic strips across the road in certain locations to count the visitors, but I wonder if they can count the police vehicles also???? __________________ Please do not feel the trolls.

06-21-2011, 03:55 PM	#38
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	A quieter, gentler Bike Week. http://www.citizen.com/news/laconia_...a4bcf6878.html

06-21-2011, 06:36 PM	#39
Belmont Resident Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Belmont NH but prefer Jackman Maine Posts: 1,857 Thanks: 491 Thanked 410 Times in 251 Posts	Vendors We had vendors say they wish it would go back to a long weekend. They say they make way less money with the whole week long thing then if it was just 4 days. Every vendor we talked to said people were out but no money was being spent. We visited the lobster pound the 3 times we went down and each time they looked to be doing very well. Talked with someone today who was in VT for a wedding a couple of weeks ago. They ran into a group of bikers and asked if they were heading to Laconia. They said no Lake George is where its at now, to many cops at Laconia so they no longer come.

06-21-2011, 08:23 PM	#40
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 3,016 Thanks: 702 Thanked 2,203 Times in 937 Posts	Bike Week Issues Just some random thoughts about Bike Week: 1. It is, and always has been a "people watching" event. As the crowds continue to dwindle attendance will continue to decline. 2. Traffic delays are not necessarily a bad thing. They contribute to the feeling that Laconia is the "place to be" and help to draw even more people. 3. The signs that say the "Weirs Bridge is Closed" that are posted all the way out to Tilton keep many people from travelling through our area. That reduces the "people watching" and contributes to the decline in attendance. 4. This year the bridge was never closed, but all of the signs remained in place. 5. The over policing of Bike Week creates an intimidation factor that keeps many people away from the event. That costs local merchants revenue, increases the cost to taxpayers, and reduces the tax benefit to the state. 6. The UNH police continue to be overzealous and uninformed and make many mistakes with regard to the enforcement of local laws. They should not be invited back to this event. 7. The city hall powers that make the decisions regarding police and traffic should get input from the residents and business people and make appropriate changes so that they do not completely kill Bike Week. The current mentality seems to be: "We are going to do what we have aways done". That thought process will only result in the eventual end of the event and a significant loss of revenue to the City of Laconia and the State of New Hampshire. Big mistake! Although it may be an inconvenience to some local residents, the new people and revenue that Bike Week brings into the area every year justifies the event. Many return with their families to vacation, and even buy a home. They patronize local businesses and help to contribute to the local economy. Last edited by TiltonBB; 06-22-2011 at 05:32 PM.

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