Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/703695
28 nAugust 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Kenzo LACONIA, N.H., JUNE 11–19— Let me be brutally honest: times have changed. Decades ago rallies were about the only way a rider could meet up with like-minded individuals and share a lifestyle that wasn't generally accepted and events like Laconia Motorcycle Week were few and far between. Certain rally events—the hillclimb, motorcycle races, beer tents, merchandise vendors, charity rides— have gone through changes, yet strug- gle because they are no longer unique in this highly competitive world. The phrase most often overheard in con- versation this year was, "It wasn't like this years ago." While we might lament those historic years when riding any- thing other than a Harley was almost a sacrilege and the Weirs was dominated mostly by men wearing leather or cut- off denim, we can also look beyond the carnival-like atmosphere and see more women riders and a diversity of brands and riding styles. We no longer ride alone, as my left arm, tired from wav- ing, attests. The challenge for Laconia Motorcycle Week—and all major ral- lies—is to remain relevant and make changes without losing the soul of what they represent. The 93rd annual Laconia Motorcycle Week started with weather that was cold and exceptionally windy. The fi rst day of "motorcycles only" on the Mt. Washington Auto Road was canceled because the high tempera- ture was only 38 degrees, the wind speed reached 101 mph, and over an inch of snow fell. However, there were so many organized rides taking place during Motorcycle Week that it was diffi cult to keep track of them all. The 10th annual Peter Makris Memorial Ride kicked off the week on Saturday, as did the 138 Kilts & Colors Ride. The Seacoast & Bentley's Ride and the Ladies Ride hosted by the Winnipesaukee H.O.G. chapter, the Mae West Pet Run for the NH Humane Society, the annual POW/ MIA Freedom Ride, the Moonlight Madness, and 6th annual Jesus Ride, and, of course, several Gypsy Tours kept people on New Hampshire roads and thinned out the normal crowds at the main rally locations. A small group of women riders from Orlando may be relatively new to motorcycling, but they certainly are accomplished at promotion. The Iron Lilies came to Laconia—three of them actually rode on the epic journey from central Florida to New Hampshire—to participate in Motorcycle Week. I met up with them as they prepared for their charity ride on a rather chilly Monday morning at Laconia H-D in Meredith. Some wore loafers (without socks) and thin leather jackets for their ride into the White Mountains, but fortunately had several properly-attired riders See "Laconia," page 30, column 3 93RD LACONIA MOTORCYCLE WEEK Tradition preVAILS Riding still rules at original Gypsy Tour