Bike Week Ended: The Numbers

[archstanton]

Intersting discussion and points of view. The Weirs and bike week itself could sure use some new direction - as has been stated. But in the end it all comes down to money - right. Would be curious if the "net" inflow for the town of Laconia itself (in terms of permits, taxes, etc.) from bike week would justify the expenditure on extra police?

As for the "crack down on everything" I think this may be the way the town/state are trying to make sure the extra police expense pays for itself in ticket revenue, etc.

I'm afraid the town/state perspective on this may be jsut that it is a money making opportunity.

[Woodsy]

Originally Posted by archstanton

Would be curious if the "net" inflow for the town of Laconia itself (in terms of permits, taxes, etc.) from bike week would justify the expenditure on extra police?

As for the "crack down on everything" I think this may be the way the town/state are trying to make sure the extra police expense pays for itself in ticket revenue, etc.

I'm afraid the town/state perspective on this may be jsut that it is a money making opportunity.

Arch...

The City of Laconia recoups its cost thru vendor fees and site permits. Bike Week usually costs Laconia nothing, and in a few years the city actually had a surplus of $20,000 or so. The NHSP are paid for by the State of NH. I would be interested to see the cost of all the NHSP presence!

Spider...

Maybe you should come attend a bike week before formulating an opinion. Not being a jerk, but check it out first. When you walk down the strip on Lakeside Ave and there are 2 cops every 100 - 150' or so its a bit excessive. When I walk from my place to the Lobster Pound and count 7 NHSP cruisers just hanging out and shooting the sh*t... and not a crowd to be seen! There is a problem!!

I dont know how much you follow the news up here, but last year Bruton Smith the owner of NHIS told the town of Loudon to go pound sand (essentially) when they submitted the police bill for one of the races! He found it to be VERY EXCESSIVE and refused to pay. They worked a deal out of some sort.

http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/201...-bruton-smith/

Bike Week has 1/5th the number of people in the Weirs than the 100,000 at NHIS, yet at any given time has a much greater cost in Police presence! To address your concerns about drinking and driving (or walking) it all boils down to individual responsibility! We have strictly enforced DWI laws... I am in no way advocating thier repeal.

If you make it fun the crowds will come back! If you dont and you continue with an oppresive police presence then they will go elsewhere!

Woodsy

[spider22]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

Arch...

The City of Laconia recoups its cost thru vendor fees and site permits. Bike Week usually costs Laconia nothing, and in a few years the city actually had a surplus of $20,000 or so. The NHSP are paid for by the State of NH. I would be interested to see the cost of all the NHSP presence!

Spider...

Maybe you should come attend a bike week before formulating an opinion. Not being a jerk, but check it out first. When you walk down the strip on Lakeside Ave and there are 2 cops every 100 - 150' or so its a bit excessive. When I walk from my place to the Lobster Pound and count 7 NHSP cruisers just hanging out and shooting the sh*t... and not a crowd to be seen! There is a problem!!

I dont know how much you follow the news up here, but last year Bruton Smith the owner of NHIS told the town of Loudon to go pound sand (essentially) when they submitted the police bill for one of the races! He found it to be VERY EXCESSIVE and refused to pay. They worked a deal out of some sort.

http://www.thenascarinsiders.com/201...-bruton-smith/

Bike Week has 1/5th the number of people in the Weirs than the 100,000 at NHIS, yet at any given time has a much greater cost in Police presence! To address your concerns about drinking and driving (or walking) it all boils down to individual responsibility! We have strictly enforced DWI laws... I am in no way advocating thier repeal.

If you make it fun the crowds will come back! If you dont and you continue with an oppresive police presence then they will go elsewhere!

Woodsy

My opinion on this is that if I was walking down the boardwalk at weirs beach on the fourth of July with and open beer and drinking it I would be arrested. Why should it be OK for someone to do that just because it is bike week? I do not need to attend a bike week to form that opinion. If they want to pass a law allowing open containers, loud exhausts, and women flashing on a certain street(s) or certain town(s) then they would have to be for the whole year not just one week. I think most of us would agree that it would not be a good idea.

[lawn psycho]

Sorry folks but comparing Key West to Laconia Bike Week is apples and oranges.

No doubt that police chiefs are always looking to get more hours and details. In Greenland they even got a movie theater to have to pay for details.

However, in the case of Bike Week there is a lot of trouble just waiting to happen. It's a rough crowd. If they back off on the police presence then it's only a matter of time until people feel they can push boundaries and then the cycle continues as soon as problems flair up.

My respect has diminshed greatly for people on Winni.com after seeing some of these posts. Now we have people saying to allow near lawlessness on public streets for the sake of making a buck. May as well ignore people smoking dope and shooting up too

The bikers get gouged just like every other place in the country. Ever try renting a room in Manhattan on New Year's? I was in Singapore during the Grand Prix and my company had to fork over $1100US per night for my room. Two days later the rate was back down to the usual $240US/night.
It's always that way as hotels and vendors have the upper hand. Not sure why people can't grasp that.

I firmly believe NH can do better than Bike Week with different events. It's not that hard. Feature the friggin lake!!!!!!!!! The marketing of NH is terrible.

This guy likes to have fun as much as the next guy but I think Bike Week is a drag on the area. Is a large area of beer tents and drunk drivers the best thing NH can offer? I don't think that's the case. People need to get rid of their paradigms thinking Bike Week is the only thing that will work in that area.

[Mr. V]

What the Weirs needs is to be leveled; erect shiny, new tax producing CASINOS.

Then when bike week comes, the Hells Angels will roll in, full throttle, and things will get really wild ...

see ...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frb12...has_verified=1

[TOAD]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Now we have people saying to allow near lawlessness on public streets for the sake of making a buck. May as well ignore people smoking dope and shooting up too

Well said..what are some folks thinking?

[jrc]

Don't forget that bike weekend was started for bikers by bikers, this is not some cowboy poetry festival invented by the federal goverment.

If the bikers get bored with it, they won't come.
If the city makes an unpleasent experience, they won't come.

Then the city can find some other ways to draw crowds before the Fourth of July.

Like everything else, these is a balance, loosening a few rules does not mean Sodom and Gamorrah. I been to Burbon Street, there is a balance.

We are the free-est state in the nation, we should be able to have a good time without an overbearing police presence. We should be able to enjoy our rights as long as we behave responsibly and not be subject to strict rules because somebody might get out of hand.

The police should be ready and able to deal with trouble but be invisible if there is no trouble. The police should never cause the trouble.

[Sal]

"Gentlemen, get the thing straight once and for all– the policeman isn't there to create disorder, the policeman is there to preserve disorder."

Mayor Richaard J. Daly, speaking about the riots in Chicago at the Democrat National Convention 1968 .....

[SteveA]

Having been to Bourbon Street several times and Key West many times I really don't think The Weirs could be turned into a version of either. The "success" of both of those places is related to the almost year round good weather and years of "practice" with enforcement of the few laws they have.

People go to the Keys and New Orleans for a good time, the liquor laws and the hours the bars and clubs stay open are VERY relaxed. Having said that, they also have a massive police presence and a very low tolerance for unruly behavior. Don't believe they are tough on "bad behavior" this is the link to the last seven days arrests in Key West, and it's not even the busy season.

http://www2.keysso.net/ArrestReports/ArrestLog1.htm

The economics of both Bourbon Street and Duval Street would never work without the almost year round customer base and an aggressive approach to unruly behavior. Transforming The Weirs for one week into a mini version of Key West North would simply not work.

JMHO

[GTO]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Sorry folks but comparing Key West to Laconia Bike Week is apples and oranges.

No doubt that police chiefs are always looking to get more hours and details. In Greenland they even got a movie theater to have to pay for details.

However, in the case of Bike Week there is a lot of trouble just waiting to happen. It's a rough crowd. If they back off on the police presence then it's only a matter of time until people feel they can push boundaries and then the cycle continues as soon as problems flair up.

My respect has diminshed greatly for people on Winni.com after seeing some of these posts. Now we have people saying to allow near lawlessness on public streets for the sake of making a buck. May as well ignore people smoking dope and shooting up too

The bikers get gouged just like every other place in the country. Ever try renting a room in Manhattan on New Year's? I was in Singapore during the Grand Prix and my company had to fork over $1100US per night for my room. Two days later the rate was back down to the usual $240US/night.
It's always that way as hotels and vendors have the upper hand. Not sure why people can't grasp that.

I firmly believe NH can do better than Bike Week with different events. It's not that hard. Feature the friggin lake!!!!!!!!! The marketing of NH is terrible.

This guy likes to have fun as much as the next guy but I think Bike Week is a drag on the area. Is a large area of beer tents and drunk drivers the best thing NH can offer? I don't think that's the case. People need to get rid of their paradigms thinking Bike Week is the only thing that will work in that area.

I was watching a replay of the Boston Bruins Parade last night and noticed a very large police prescence. I didn't hear anyone complaining on the news about that or how it ruined their good time. And if they win it again next year, I bet just as many people if not more will attend and won't stay away becasue of all the police on hand. I bet Vancouver wished they had planned better to beef up the amout of law enforcement after game 7. As far as Bike week NH, The cops aren't there to harass anyone. They are there to enforce the law. And if you don't break the laws, you have nothing to worry about. No one, whether its bike week or 4th of July weekend, should ever be intimidated by the number of police. I do remember 20 years ago, sitting along the road leading into Paugus Bay, the parade of bikes coming through on motorcycle weekend. A great parade to watch. But I also remember the flashing (not that I'm complaining) and I also remember a car with 2 girls ini t that was nearly tipped over because they wouldn't flash. I was happy to see the police rush in that day.

[AllAbourdon]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

My respect has diminshed greatly for people on Winni.com after seeing some of these posts.

I agree with you but I think we're sitting on different sides of the table. Again, I am contemplating logging out of winni.com to never come back.

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Sorry folks but comparing Key West to Laconia Bike Week is apples and oranges.

No doubt that police chiefs are always looking to get more hours and details. In Greenland they even got a movie theater to have to pay for details.

However, in the case of Bike Week there is a lot of trouble just waiting to happen. It's a rough crowd. If they back off on the police presence then it's only a matter of time until people feel they can push boundaries and then the cycle continues as soon as problems flair up.

Now we have people saying to allow near lawlessness on public streets for the sake of making a buck. May as well ignore people smoking dope and shooting up too

The bikers get gouged just like every other place in the country. Ever try renting a room in Manhattan on New Year's? I was in Singapore during the Grand Prix and my company had to fork over $1100US per night for my room. Two days later the rate was back down to the usual $240US/night.
It's always that way as hotels and vendors have the upper hand. Not sure why people can't grasp that.

I don't think that's the case. People need to get rid of their paradigms thinking Bike Week is the only thing that will work in that area.

This guy likes to have fun as much as the next guy but I think Bike Week is a drag on the area.

Have you ever been to a bike week or just read about them? Bike week brings in tons of money to the state of New Hampshire.

"

Is a large area of beer tents and drunk drivers the best thing NH can offer?

Again where do you come up with this stuff?

I firmly believe NH can do better than Bike Week with different events.

What would you like to put into its place, bike week has been around for 88 years!! Bike week isn't going anywhere you can bet your life on that...Start making your 100 anniversary plans now!!

My respect has diminshed greatly for people on Winni.com after seeing some of these posts.

I lost respect for you when you when your were calling people retards a few threads ago.

[Woodsy]

I really didnt mean to stir the pot like this!

I just really think NH as state that counts on tourism for a large part of its revenue could make some small changes to improve the experience. Cater to your customer and they will come back!

LAWLESSNESS?? Really? Bike Week is drag? Ask the local merchants! So far this summer weather has been awful.... If it wasnt for Bike Week revenue they would fold. If you have a better idea that brings in the number of people and the money they spend all concentrated in 1 week I am all ears!

I dont see an issue allowing to people to walk around with a beer or drink in a plastic cup and enjoy the Weirs... or Hampton. Its just a beer. The amount of individual responsibility does not change just because your drinking outside. If it is contained within a certain area I dont see a problem. If your drunk in public, you get PC'd. If you in urinate in public you get a huge fine! You drive drunk.... you get arrested! Nothing changes except you can walk around the Weirs with a drink in your hand!!! Loud pipes are part of Bike Week... the rest of the year enforce the rule. If girl were to flash, dont arrest her unless she does it again! No need to be Draconian. They come here to have a good time, not fight and riot rape and pillage!

I frequent New Orleans and Key West.... and there is a large Police presence... you just dont see them. They come out of the woodwork when something happens. I am not at all advocating ZERO police presence for Bike Week... just a more subdued presence. 7 cruisers in 1/4 mile is excessive!

Woodsy

[Winniboater81]

The issue with Bike Week now is the police. I live in walking distance of the Weirs and it is a cluster during bike week. Has anyone been to Sturgis? They let you walk around with beers outside, go from bar to bar, shop to shop. The few cops they have there are on horseback, and are very friendly. They dont just stand there starring at the bikers, with their arms crossed, trying to intimidate. They smile, talk to the people, and if somone is getting too rowdy, they ask them to chill out a bit. Asking gets you alot further than telling. Now I know most cops try to be robo-cops (since they were geeks in high school), and a badge and gun makes them feel powerful. But they are hurting themselves as well, when bike week is done and gone. They will be crying about the overtime.

I spend alot of time at the Broken Spoke during bike week, and the rest of the summer. Alot of people did not go down there because Sat night they had 11 state police cars lined up out front....11!! With at least 20 State Troopers starring at the bikers with arms crossed trying to intimidate them.

If the police eased up a bit, they wouldnt see as many issues as they think. Look at the old days, two to three times as many people showed up, and there were never as many cops as there are now.

Bike week was not, and is not, intended to be a "family event". If your dumb enough to bring your child to bike week then shame on you. Go do something else that is geared towards children.

All in all bike week will be gone in less than 10 years. Vendors wont show up, people wont show up, and the cops will be crying cause they dont get the OT.
For the people that want to come vacation up here, and crab about bike week, dont come up that week, plan around it. You dont see me planning a vacation at the same place you attend your star wars conventions.

Woodsy sounds like he knows alot about what is going on, and I am on the same page as he is.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Winniboater81

Has anyone been to Sturgis? They let you walk around with beers outside, go from bar to bar, shop to shop. The few cops they have there are on horseback, and are very friendly. They don't just stand there starring at the bikers, with their arms crossed, trying to intimidate. They smile, talk to the people, and if someone is getting too rowdy, they ask them to chill out a bit.

It is like that at Myrtle Beach as well. They are nice and treat riders with respect (as long as they deserve it).

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

It is like that at Myrtle Beach as well. They are nice and treat riders with respect (as long as they deserve it).

Well Myrtle Beach has had there troubles in the city limits I should say, they passed 2 laws a helmet law, and loud pipes, just in the city limits of Myrtle Beach so they were ticketing everyone who came through. No big deal everyone just drove around the city limits, but in was a pain in the a** so there numbers went way down.To make a long story short, they were force to give everyone they ticketed there money back because of state laws.The mayor doesn't like rallies at all. But the rally is still trying to recover. I haven't been back yet after going 3 years in a row, it was a great rally, I hope it gets back to where it was before! Sturgis this year can't wait!!


You can read more about Myrtle Beach here if you would like.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/4/7177...lmet-Law-.aspx

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

Well Myrtle Beach has had there troubles in the city limits I should say, they passed 2 laws a helmet law, and loud pipes, just in the city limits of Myrtle Beach so they were ticketing everyone who came through. No big deal everyone just drove around the city limits, but in was a pain in the a** so there numbers went way down.To make a long story short, they were force to give everyone they ticketed there money back because of state laws.The mayor doesn't like rallies at all. But the rally is still trying to recover. I haven't been back yet after going 3 years in a row, it was a great rally, I hope it gets back to where it was before! Sturgis this year can't wait!!


You can read more about Myrtle Beach here if you would like.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/4/7177...lmet-Law-.aspx

WG, I should have clarified and said MB area. I actually stay down in Murrell's Inlet and business is booming. Between there and Surfside, I see no reason to go to Myrtle Beach proper.

They are actually trying to re-brand it the Grand Strand Rally. Either way, I suggest you check it out again. plenty of people and vendors.

[Winnisquamguy]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

WG, I should have clarified and said MB area. I actually stay down in Murrell's Inlet and business is booming. Between there and Surfside, I see no reason to go to Myrtle Beach proper.

They are actually trying to re-brand it the Grand Strand Rally. Either way, I suggest you check it out again. plenty of people and vendors.

We did usually go down that end for one day to the four corners... I was talking to the guy who is bringing my trike out to Sturgis and he said its getting better but still not there yet. The people are very friendly there and the prices are right.I stayed up in Little River the opposite of you. Maybe we will try in again this coming May.

[Ryan]

Here's a great example of where overbearing police presence will slowly turn people away.

My buddy and I were sitting on the fence/barrier directly across from the Smokehouse around 11am on Friday morning. We were just watching the bikers, shooting the breeze with some of the other bikers around me. It was early in the day, traffic was light, and there might have been 5-6 other people sitting there with us.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with this area, the fence lines the sidewalk - which is probably 6-10 feet wide (estimating a typical sidewalk).

After we casually sat for about 20 minutes, Mr. Laconia PD comes by and tells us all that we need to move along. When asked why, he explains to us that we are "taking up too much of the sidewalk" and "people cannot pass when we are blocking the sidewalk".

Now, we were sitting ON the fence. Our feet were not even touching the sidewalk.

This is the type of police presence that will keep people away for years to come.

[spider22]

Originally Posted by Woodsy

I really didnt mean to stir the pot like this!

I just really think NH as state that counts on tourism for a large part of its revenue could make some small changes to improve the experience. Cater to your customer and they will come back!

LAWLESSNESS?? Really? Bike Week is drag? Ask the local merchants! So far this summer weather has been awful.... If it wasnt for Bike Week revenue they would fold. If you have a better idea that brings in the number of people and the money they spend all concentrated in 1 week I am all ears!

I dont see an issue allowing to people to walk around with a beer or drink in a plastic cup and enjoy the Weirs... or Hampton. Its just a beer. The amount of individual responsibility does not change just because your drinking outside. If it is contained within a certain area I dont see a problem. If your drunk in public, you get PC'd. If you in urinate in public you get a huge fine! You drive drunk.... you get arrested! Nothing changes except you can walk around the Weirs with a drink in your hand!!! Loud pipes are part of Bike Week... the rest of the year enforce the rule. If girl were to flash, dont arrest her unless she does it again! No need to be Draconian. They come here to have a good time, not fight and riot rape and pillage!

I frequent New Orleans and Key West.... and there is a large Police presence... you just dont see them. They come out of the woodwork when something happens. I am not at all advocating ZERO police presence for Bike Week... just a more subdued presence. 7 cruisers in 1/4 mile is excessive!

Woodsy

You think they should set aside a section along the Weirs that public drinking should be allowed. Is this good for the whole year or just a 8 or 9 day period?

[gtagrip]

Originally Posted by spider22

You think they should set aside a section along the Weirs that public drinking should be allowed. Is this good for the whole year or just a 8 or 9 day period?

The whole year!

[SAMIAM]

Woodsy is 100% right on. Police should be a little more subdued....these are customers and tourists and should be made to feel welcome....not tolerated.
A friend who is in business in the Weirs told me that a couple of UNH officers (one female) were even threatening people in boats with arrest for public drinking. One older couple, enjoying a glass of wine in their boat, which I thought was legal, finally left in disgust.
The streets of Key West are crowded with people having fun and most of them have a drink in their hand. They know they are appreciated and there is rarely a problem. When one does occur, the police appear out of nowhere and handle the problem.
They have plain clothes officers circulating that alert uniformed officers when they see a potential problem developing and it seems to work well.

[jrc]

The state of NH liquor commision will never allow their licensees to sell drinks into an uncontrolled area. You can't leave a bar with a drink.

The city of Laconia could allow people to drink in public, in certain tourist areas (people drink on Bourbon St, not all of New Orleans) then people could bring beer from a store.

Or they could close off the Weirs (for example) and place people at all access points checking ID's coming in and for too drunks coming out. Treat the whole area as a beer tent.

Neither seems likely in todays world.

SAMIAN Re: drinking on boats...

You can drink on your boat on the lake, but the towns around the lake consider drinking on a boat tied to their public docks to be public drinking.

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

Have you ever been to a bike week or just read about them? Bike week brings in tons of money to the state of New Hampshire.

This ain't my first rodeo. I lived in Orlando for 18 months. Hint: What is an hour away? Key West, been there, done that. Big difference from crowds of guys riding bikes too and from an event versus having cruise passengers coming in off the ships everyday.

This is the issue I have in that the H-D crowd (Laconia is much more about H-D bikes than it is about "motorcycles" in general) seems to think that since they are spending money that it entitles them to do whatever they want. Guess what guys, it doesn't work that way.

No doubt Bike Week brings in money but I think the event being dragged out over two weekends means vendors are working longer to make the same dollar.

Bike Week is a drag on the area as it creates issues including many reckless drivers, a LOT of DUI, traffic issues, noise, etc. You asked where do I get this stuff? See post #8. Those aren't my numbers. The Weirs area is designed around the beer tents. In fact, the topic we are discussing now is someone proposing making every square inch of the Weir a drinking zone! Hellllooo. That's a recipe for trouble.

What some of you are asking is for the police to turn a blind eye, plain and simple. Have Hampton Beach allow open container? MUUWAHAHAHA. Do you know how many kids down there already create problems as it is?

Bike Week in Laconia is suffering from the economy. A lot of the money for people to buy toys is long gone. The 90s and up to 2006 are behind us. You think Bike Week will be around forever? I don't. Can't say when the party will end but I think Laconia will eventually come to terms with the fact that it's not all easy money. Places like Daytona and Panama City Beach have looked to re-brand themselves.

With effort NH and the Laconia area can re-brand itself.

You want an example of good event. Take Timberman Triathlon Festival for example. Rooms rented, minimal traffic disruptions, food bought, restaurants patronized, etc. No DUIs to just be considered as "the price of bringing in money". Go look up what the average Ironman athelete income is

I could care less if you want to ride from place to place talking about the same motorcycles over, and over, and over, again. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Letting business soley decide what should and should not be regulated has gotten this country where it is today. Businesses will sell their daughters to make a buck Punchline: I NEVER want businesses to dictate what a Town does that I live in.

If people in Laconia want Bike Week and the ills that come with it, so be it. However it appears to me that the crowds have decided that Weirs is not the place to be and going elsewhere. Police presence is an excuse that doesn't hold water.

[Argie's Wife]

I was in WB this evening and talked with a couple of business owners. One restaurant owner said Bike Week this year was a lot like last year; nothing special but the business was steady. He hoped for things to get better next year, and who could blame him for that?

I'd hate to be in the shoes of any business owner in the Weirs after reading this thread. Weirs Beach may be an area you love or you hate; but some folks have to make a living there and I'd be careful to be respectful of the business owners there - that's their livelihood. I'd also hate to be anyone who worked so hard to trying to organize/market the event - in these tough financial times it's probably twice as hard to sell an event like that.

Weirs Beach like the elderly aunt who still insists on wearing miniskirts and heels to prove she's young and tries to act cool with the kids. You love her, but she's really a bit of an embarrassment. You might opt to avoid her, even. But if she changed, you'd be shocked and maybe even more uncomfortable.

And as for WB rebranding itself... I'd be very careful there. There's a lot of history that could be lost if a drastic rebranding was done. I've been witness to that recently in the Virginia Beach area - the whole beach front area has been rezoned and is being demolished. It was sad to see perfectly good businesses - restaurants, stores, etc., just leveled. Many businesses had to close and others had to relocate. The new buildings have certain standards they have to meet and, in a nutshell, the area now looks like one ugly boutique. The 'character' and uniqueness has been lost.

You may not love WB, but is a complete overhaul necessary to make an event like Bike Week a success? I don't think so.

[ironhorsetim]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

This ain't my first rodeo. I lived in Orlando for 18 months. Hint: What is an hour away? Key West, been there, done that.

Since when did they move Orlando south about 3 hours?? Ever been to the Keys during fantasy fest or St. Patricks day?? Point being They cater to tourists no matter what the event just like we do here on Ft.Myers Beach. People choose to live and vacation where they like...it's all about choices,if you don't like something don't go there.

[TOAD]

Originally Posted by ironhorsetim

Since when did they move Orlando south about 3 hours?? Ever been to the Keys during fantasy fest or St. Patricks day?? Point being They cater to tourists no matter what the event just like we do here on Ft.Myers Beach. People choose to live and vacation where they like...it's all about choices,if you don't like something don't go there.

They didn't move Orlando. They towed Key West north and anchored it just north of Cape Canaveral about 2 miles off shore.

It was a "shovel ready" stimulus job with union contractors.

Puts it about an hour away from Orlando.

[lawn psycho]

Guys, he asked if I have been to any bike weeks. I know my geography quite well thank you. Ever heardof daytona?

The white trash of Laconia can only dream to be like Key West.

I will enjoy my time in Marco Island spending money there instead of to corrupt and trashy lakes regio businesses too.

Better yet, I hope the open up the drinking so bike week meets its demise sooner.

[ironhorsetim]

Wow,one classy act right there. You do alot of bashing about the lakes region,the business's here and the people...maybe "Tin City" (Naples for those that don't know) is more to your liking. Bike week has been bringing in lot's of $$ for the state,the town,and the people that live here for 88 years. This state would do well to try to find a happy medium to keep it going. I've been doing bike weeks for close to 35 years, here,Daytona and Sturgis and any every one of those places depend on the money brought in those weeks,the rest of the year their ghost towns so you put up with a little to keep the rent paid...bottom line.

[Rattlesnake Guy]

Ironhorsetim,
I would love to hear your comparison of the three events. I have been to ours and felt perfectly comfortable with my kids in tow. I will never get to see the others in person. Would really enjoy knowing if ours is now vanilla ice cream compared to the others and how much they all have changed for the better or worse over the years. It would seem to this uninformed observer that as motorcycles have grown in popularity in the country, the demographic might have changed as well.

If the event in NH has simply spread out to a larger area, this might be the best of both worlds where more people can share in the cash infusion and the risk of local issues are reduced. To me it would seem the spectacle of the large crowd would be a lot of the attraction to drive here from far away.

[ironhorsetim]

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

Ironhorsetim,
I would love to hear your comparison of the three events. I have been to ours and felt perfectly comfortable with my kids in tow. I will never get to see the others in person. Would really enjoy knowing if ours is now vanilla ice cream compared to the others and how much they all have changed for the better or worse over the years. It would seem to this uninformed observer that as motorcycles have grown in popularity in the country, the demographic might have changed as well.

If the event in NH has simply spread out to a larger area, this might be the best of both worlds where more people can share in the cash infusion and the risk of local issues are reduced. To me it would seem the spectacle of the large crowd would be a lot of the attraction to drive here from far away.

They are pretty much the same although the crowds are much larger than ours ,they have drinking and scantily clad women and happy people spending money. Add alcohol to any event and if someone is a dope it will show..even a Barry White concert . Bike owners have changed.it's not just the ol hard core bikers any more,there are doctors,lawers,cops and grandmothers buying and riding now.At this point in time anyone willing to travel outside their home zone and spend money is a Godsend....this is all just my opinion.

[Sue Doe-Nym]

Interesting that no one ever mentions the loss of business by local businesses due to bike week. There are many tourists and secondary home owners who refuse to come to the Lakes Region during bike week due to the traffic, noise and overall hassle. Try and get a realtor to show properties in Meredith, Laconia or Gilford when bike week is on. Many agents take bike week off since it is nearly impossible to get through all the traffic, especially at the Weirs. Has anyone talked to Thurstons or Channel to see how their business is during this period? Also, vendors from national companies take their money with them.

As year rounders, we accept bike week as a major but temporary disruption. It gets frustrating, however, to hear people brag about the economic benefits without understanding the negative economic aspects.

[ironhorsetim]

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

Interesting that no one ever mentions the loss of business by local businesses due to bike week. ***(Most and I repeat most local businesses also put up with bike week because the out of state vendors are not the only people who make money,the local places make it and in return spend it here after that one week)*** There are many tourists and secondary home owners who refuse to come to the Lakes Region during bike week due to the traffic, noise and overall hassle.***(Unless they bought their place 89 years ago then they knew about before they bought,or should have done some research)*** Try and get a realtor to show properties in Meredith, Laconia or Gilford when bike week is on. Many agents take bike week off since it is nearly impossible to get through all the traffic, especially at the Weirs.***( most local companies take that week as down time because they know or have done research)*** Has anyone talked to Thurstons or Channel to see how their business is during this period?***(those places rent out space to vendors to make up for lost cash,although they might even make more money renting space than they do in sales)***Also, vendors from national companies take their money with them.***(but the locals keep it local or go vacation and spread it around to other area's such as ours.)***

As year rounders, we accept bike week as a major but temporary disruption. It gets frustrating, however, to hear people brag about the economic benefits without understanding the negative economic aspects.

I'm computer stupid so all I could do is put my opinions in (these things:laugh) can't spell either.

[Jonas Pilot]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Guys, he asked if I have been to any bike weeks. I know my geography quite well thank you. Ever heardof daytona?

The white trash of Laconia can only dream to be like Key West.

I will enjoy my time in Marco Island spending money there instead of to corrupt and trashy lakes regio businesses too.

Better yet, I hope the open up the drinking so bike week meets its demise sooner.

Maybe Marco Island has a web site you can go to?

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

The white trash of Laconia can only dream to be like Key West.

Really? What gives you the right to be so rude? You may not like something but there's no need for this type of communication - it has no value.

[tis]

I don't like Key West. IF you like stepping in throw up in the morning before the streets are cleaned up-fine. I think it is a nasty town. Just my opinion.

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Really? What gives you the right to be so rude? You may not like something but there's no need for this type of communication - it has no value.

Oh I don't know, I seem to recall it being written down somewhere on a piece of paper and titled 1st amendment. Since you're all about history and all, maybe you should read it sometime

Edit for those who don't know about free speech laws in post below: Go look up Larry Flynt

No value? I can find plenty of pictures from Bike Week that the webmaster would not even let me post that would prove my point. I speak the truth. If it hurts or hits close to home, not much I can do about it.

[This'nThat]

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Really? What gives you the right to be so rude? You may not like something but there's no need for this type of communication - it has no value.

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Oh I don't know, I seem to recall it being written down somewhere on a piece of paper and titled 1st amendment. Since you're all about history and all, maybe you should read it sometime

Uhhhh, a little bit of real history might be in order here. The 1st ammendment was written to prevent the Government from abridging our freedom of speech and religion. It specifically does not tell everyone they can be rude. Rude people will tend to think that's the case, but it really isn't. Anyone with a little knowledge of both the Ammendment and history would / should know that.

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Oh I don't know, I seem to recall it being written down somewhere on a piece of paper and titled 1st amendment. Since you're all about history and all, maybe you should read it sometime

Edit for those who don't know about free speech laws in post below: Go look up Larry Flynt

No value? I can find plenty of pictures from Bike Week that the webmaster would not even let me post that would prove my point. I speak the truth. If it hurts or hits close to home, not much I can do about it.

Go back and read my post - there's no value in being RUDE. It's beyond you to disagree and keep things civil, isn't it? I've read too many posts where you cross the line on the rules of this forum and begin name calling. You're welcome to your opinion and I've endured your argumentum ad hominem more than once; you're not welcome to be disrespectful. That's not what the First Amendment is about and that's not tolerated in this forum.

Your comments about specific groups based on demographics or fraternities is uncouth, at best. You offend the wonderful folks who live and work and post here, and contribute many positive things - including their own time, money, and resources to help others here on this forum and the local communities.

What have you done to make this community better other than offer your shallow opinion of it and its people?

There's no value in pointing fingers when you yourself live in no place in Maine that's really any thing to brag about. If you have a problem with Weirs Beach, then OOB and The Pier are very similar. If I recall, you're in OOB or Scarboro (or Saco?) - at any rate, really, you're in a glass house, when you think about it... (Maine is my home state, for the record.)

There's no value in baiting people with your posts like you do for attention - it's called trolling and whether you mean to do it or not, you are acting as a troll on this thread. You're getting negative attention from your offensive posts.

There's amazing irony in your reference to Larry Flint's case and the issues you seem to have with Bike Week, The Weirs, Laconia, etc., as you cite this as "white trash" and all that... Funny, Flint was no model citizen himself... perhaps he would defend the very problem that you cite with Bike Week as "freedom of speech".

Gee, suddenly the First Amendment card isn't so fun to play now, is it?


This thread is about the attendance at Bike Week last week. Many folks attend, follow the laws/rules, and have a great time. And yes, there's a few who don't follow the laws and aren't good citizens - that's true with any large gathering of people - Additionally, with Bike Week, some businesses profit, and some don't, unfortunately, from what's been shared here. Bike Week has been going on for 88 years - I don't think it will be ending anytime soon - so why waste your time? Maybe the local businesses can work together to do something positive and constructive for the event - a win-win. After all, you've found greener pastures and wetter lakes, right?

[Happy Gourmand]

Just curious, LP, are they the ones who organize the "Ride for Retards" ?

[RailroadJoe]

Please people. Act intelligently.

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Oh I don't know, I seem to recall it being written down somewhere on a piece of paper and titled 1st amendment. Since you're all about history and all, maybe you should read it sometime

Edit for those who don't know about free speech laws in post below: Go look up Larry Flynt

No value? I can find plenty of pictures from Bike Week that the webmaster would not even let me post that would prove my point. I speak the truth. If it hurts or hits close to home, not much I can do about it.

This site does not necessarily run under the auspices of the 1st Amendment, it is run by its owner, Don.

He is the ultimate decision maker regarding the content of this site (and does a good job of it).

I think we all need some sun to improve our moods!!

[Pepper]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

...

The white trash of Laconia can only dream to be like Key West.

I will enjoy my time in Marco Island spending money there instead of to corrupt and trashy lakes regio businesses too.
....

I beg your pardon? White trash? Corrupt and trashy lakes region businesses?

I find both of these statements to be horribly offensive, and thoroughly disgraceful.

[Belmont Resident]

Judging by the lack of education that is evident in most all of his comments on this forum. There’s now more white trash down in Key West.
How many times has he been called for his lack ability to come up with replies that actually make any sense! I believe the original topic was about MC weekend and now he is all about the local businesses being trash.

[lawn psycho]

Let's break this down.

Key West is a perpetual tourist machine. 365 days per year. Comparing Key West to Laconia is just silly. I don't care if you like Key West or not but its waaaay different in terms of crowds and logistics. You do realize how geopgraphically isolated it is I hope.

You have business people on this forum wanting to subvert basic decency to make a buck. I'd rather take my money elsewhere. Open area drinking, ignore loud pipes, turn a blind-eye to flashing? And people wonder why I would *GASP* call anyone white trash? Oh really?

Did anyone read what Sue-Doe-Nym posted? The Bike Week crowd will typically scoff at anyone who mentions the negatives of what it does to the area.

As more and more development around the lake occurs, the Bike Week proponents better watch out as that is what will cause a displacement of the event.

Boaters are prevented from rafting and freakin' anchoring within 150 ft of shore in several nice areas of the lakes. The Lakes Region businesses but get with the program and fight this kind of crap.

I have many choices where to spend my recreational dollars. I have grown weary of what the lake has become. I believe this will be my last year at Winni as we've found better boating options.

My family spends a fair amount of money at Winni each year for "sta-cations". Will it cause the area to collapse when we leave the lake, certainly not. However to any business owner that reads this, those dollars may now flow to someone other than you

[ApS]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Key West is a perpetual tourist machine. 365 days per year. Comparing Key West to Laconia is just silly. I don't care if you like Key West or not but its waaaay different in terms of crowds and logistics.

In Key West, around New Year's, there is a "Dachshund Walk", which has attracted around 200 Dachshunds each year. Other weeks feature outdoor events that go to X-rated. Don't mind the drunks and addicts, just step over 'em.

Here's a video showing a part of the annual "Weiner Dog Walk":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2U8WeESVcI

[Pepper]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

...
You have business people on this forum wanting to subvert basic decency to make a buck. ...

Please tell me which business owners you are referring to. I have read this entire thread, and have not come across one post written by a business owner which in any way matches your statement. Please, enlighten me.

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by Pepper

Please tell me which business owners you are referring to. I have read this entire thread, and have not come across one post written by a business owner which in any way matches your statement. Please, enlighten me.

See post #87 and the references thereto

[VitaBene]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

See post #87 and the references thereto

I read Samiam's post a few times and don't see where he is trying to subvert decency. It sounds like someone (me too) did not realize that when you tie up the rules change.

Regardless, Samiam owns businesses in Moultonborough and in no way profits from activities, decent or not, at the Weirs.

[BroadHopper]

Whoa! I've been called many names from one side of the spectrum on this site. But this is totally absurd!

Most of the 'natives' in town are French. When I graduated from LHS, I was considered a minority as I was a 'limey'. That I can toleate but 'White Trash'??????

I would rather be called a 'murderer' than 'White Trash'!

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

Whoa! I've been called many names from one side of the spectrum on this site. But this is totally absurd!

Most of the 'natives' in town are French. When I graduated from LHS, I was considered a minority as I was a 'limey'. That I can toleate but 'White Trash'??????

I would rather be called a 'murderer' than 'White Trash'!

BH,
Perhaps you should have words with the owners of this website which is part of the "White Trash Networks": http://www.bikernews.org/wtn/news.php and do a quick search for Laconia. You can't make this stuff up. Laconia appears to be a Mecca for them as well.
Like I've said, I think the whole Weirs area and Laconia are dumpy and certainly play into what happens during bike week.

xie xie

[This'nThat]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

I have many choices where to spend my recreational dollars. I have grown weary of what the lake has become. I believe this will be my last year at Winni as we've found better boating options.

My family spends a fair amount of money at Winni each year for "sta-cations". Will it cause the area to collapse when we leave the lake, certainly not. However to any business owner that reads this, those dollars may now flow to someone other than you

Well, I was going to respond, but then I noticed your tag line: Never Argue with Idiots - They Drag You Down to Their Level Then Beat You with Experience -- and decided, instead, to take your advice.

[lawn psycho]

You folks have totally missed the mark. Bike Week is no longer what it was during the peak of the easy money.

NH can market itself to do WAY better than Bike Week. Just because something has been done for "X" years means that's as good as you can get. We don't build cars like they did 88 years ago either

Go look at annual revenues from boating and other tourism activies versus BW. Tons of events can be held that don't create the issues BW does and spread it out over the whole summer. There will be significant resistance to changing things around but it can be done.

If anyone does not like my opinion, too bad. I am one of those "tourists" who gets to decide where to spend my money.

Business is down because of the economy but also because everyone is tired of the same junk and activities at the Weirs.

All I know is I can get reservations RIGHT NOW if I wanted too for July 4th weekend on the lake and have been able to do that for many places on Winni for a long time. Maybe the business community should take heed of what I am telling you. Lakefront development is changing the scenery if you get my drift. The Bike Week scene as it exists is a tired idea. Look around the country at other places that re-invented themselves rather than being lemmings.

You can try and use me to vent your frustrations about why the numbers are down but Bike Week is not all win-win.

Carry on

Edit: For those on the fence about alternatives to Winni, look around. There are TONS of options right in NH (and many not in the Lakes Region). May not be as big but way more friendlier to boaters.

[VtSteve]

It sounds to me like BW has spread out quite a distance from the original epicenter of Laconia, and Weirs Beach. That's probably a good thing. It is what it is. Most seem to either like it or tolerate it, businesses obviously love it, and would love a bigger one

There's something strange in this thread though, which goes way beyond the back and forth. Many that seem to be die hard BW fans seemed far removed from the contentious boating discussions, and not nearly as liberal in their allowances.

I can certainly tell you from many years of experience, almost anywhere on the lake anytime is far more tame than BW is in the area. That's not a knock, just a statement of observation.

Personally, I'd keep BW for sentimental value, and it's fun having a huge event. I'd also like to see the Weirs turn into something nice. But not plastic and fake nice like Meredith has become.

[Argie's Wife]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

You folks have totally missed the mark.

A little math...

Over 1,000,000 motorcycles were sold in the US in 2007....
There's approximately 2,000 to 2,500 members of the Hells Angels....
...and there's 17,131 residents in Laconia, NH (2010 census)....

So, you've managed alienate over a million people....

But we've all "missed the mark"?

[gtagrip]

Laconia go through some extreme population burst in 2010!
I'm sure you meant NH as a whole with that number, not only Laconia.

[Tank151]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Sorry folks but comparing Key West to Laconia Bike Week is apples and oranges.

No doubt that police chiefs are always looking to get more hours and details. In Greenland they even got a movie theater to have to pay for details.

However, in the case of Bike Week there is a lot of trouble just waiting to happen. It's a rough crowd. If they back off on the police presence then it's only a matter of time until people feel they can push boundaries and then the cycle continues as soon as problems flair up.

My respect has diminshed greatly for people on Winni.com after seeing some of these posts. Now we have people saying to allow near lawlessness on public streets for the sake of making a buck. May as well ignore people smoking dope and shooting up too

The bikers get gouged just like every other place in the country. Ever try renting a room in Manhattan on New Year's? I was in Singapore during the Grand Prix and my company had to fork over $1100US per night for my room. Two days later the rate was back down to the usual $240US/night.
It's always that way as hotels and vendors have the upper hand. Not sure why people can't grasp that.

I firmly believe NH can do better than Bike Week with different events. It's not that hard. Feature the friggin lake!!!!!!!!! The marketing of NH is terrible.

This guy likes to have fun as much as the next guy but I think Bike Week is a drag on the area. Is a large area of beer tents and drunk drivers the best thing NH can offer? I don't think that's the case. People need to get rid of their paradigms thinking Bike Week is the only thing that will work in that area.

Lawn Psycho...you are WAY of touch with economics. Without Bike Week and Nascar most businesses in the Lakes Region area would cease to operate.

This event brings in HUNDREDS of MILLIONS of dollars to the local economy.

And last but not least, I know several Hells Angels and they're pretty cool people law abiding people. If you're going to criticize tehm, post your name on your commentary.

Whitey Bulger was just arrested after 16 years, one who was allowed to murder, push drugs, prostitution, gambling with the help of the FBI!

[lawn psycho]

Originally Posted by Tank151

And last but not least, I know several Hells Angels and they're pretty cool people law abiding people. If you're going to criticize tehm, post your name on your commentary.

Yeah, what a nice bunch of "cool" people they are. Post my name and I am supposed to be intimidated? Is that a threat?

They're thugs.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Yeah, what a nice bunch of "cool" people they are. Post my name and I am supposed to be intimidated? Is that a threat?

They're thugs.

You should probably stick to advice about how to grow a good lawn. You seem to know something about that.

You have posted many opinions about Bike Week that don't make sense and are not supported by the facts. Many of your opinions are offensive to those of us with a substantial investment in the area. The additional revenue brought to the state and the region by Bike Week helps to keep the taxes lower than they would otherwise be.

Don't forget, the NH economy is largely built on the visitors and seasonal residents who pay the road tolls, meals tax, hotel tax, liquor tax, gas tax and support all of our local businesses. Bike Week is part of that and it generates a lot of revenue. It also takes place before the season gets into full swing and helps to generate early revenue for businesses that might not survive without it.

If you have found an area that you think better suits you then please go enjoy it!

Hint: your absence will not be noticed!

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by lawn psycho

Yeah, what a nice bunch of "cool" people they are. Post my name and I am supposed to be intimidated? Is that a threat?

They're thugs.

Lp,

Up to 2,000 Hell's Angels and family members are expected in Laconia for an international gathering starting Wednesday and I understand they want to meet you.

http://www.wmur.com/news/28671048/detail.html