In 1916, a group of riders embarked on a scenic, day-long ride through the valleys and mountains of rural New Hampshire. Little did they know this gypsy tour marked the start of the world’s oldest motorcycle rally – now called Laconia Motorcycle Week. And despite a seven-year hiatus due to national and world events, this historic ride turns 100 years old in 2023.
The raucous celebration held in Weirs Beach started June 10 and runs until June 18, and traditionally has ended on Father’s Day. In addition to daily scenic gypsy rides, there are races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the Loudon Classic Super Bike Races. Other activities include:
- Hill Climb Exposition up Tower Street in Weirs Beach
- Auto Ride up Mount Washington, the highest point in the northeast
- AMA-sanctioned Hill Climb at Gunstock Mountain Resort
- Top Cop Motorcycle Skills Challenge
- Motorcycle Demos
- 17th Annual Peter Makris Memorial Ride
For a complete list of activities, check out the Laconia Motorcycle Week Schedule of Events.
Weirs Beach is a beautiful town on Meredith Bay, part of Lake Winnipesaukee. It is the perfect place for the birthplace of rally races in the 1910’s. This is the heyday of motorcycling – this mode of transportation is the major way people explored the world around them, as the automobile hadn’t quite taken off yet. The Laconia Gypsy Tour drew people from as far away as Boston and New York City, and while the road conditions were suspect at best, (the Belknap Park course wasn’t paved until 1939), riders still flocked to the area to ride.
Unable to make it to the rally this year? View the livestream of certain events and activities during the rally. Riders also can subscribe to Rally News for more information on the events of the Laconia Motorcycle Rally.
Law Tigers are committed to protecting riders
Injured while out on a ride? Contact Law Tigers and start working on your personal injury claim today. Call 1-888-863-7216 or contact us online for a case evaluation.
