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A Short History: Laconia Motorcycle Week

Source: www.laconiamcweek.com

Laconia Motorcycle Week is one of the most popular annual events held in Lake Winnipesaukee. It’s often compared to the most popular and well-known bike rallies in the US, including Daytona Bike Week in Florida and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.

However, what sets Laconia apart from Daytona and Sturgis, is that Laconia Motorcycle Week is the OLDEST Motorcycle Rally, with roots dating all the way back to 1916 when a Gypsy Tour gathered for several days at Weirs Beach.

The Gypsy Tours were unofficially organized in the early 1900s as a way for riders to gather and share in their passion of riding. The riders would participate in races and hill climbs. They would sleep in tents and share stories around a campfire. Each year more and more motorcycle enthusiasts would participate in these rallies. These gatherings had a simple purpose: “To provide a good time for the riders, and their wives, sisters, and sweet-hearts,” and “To create a more favorable public opinion of the motorcycle and motorcycle riders.”

In 1917, a year after the first Gypsy Tour stop in Laconia, the Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM) made it official. Gypsy Tours were soon promoted by Harley-Davidson and Indian, and the very first OFFICIAL (and first annual) Gypsy Tour was hosted at Weirs Beach in Laconia.

Today, Weirs Beach remains the home of Laconia Motorcycle Week. This beloved event is held annually in June and remains one of the top 3 most popular bike rallies in the country. 

Laconia Motorcycle Week will hold its 100th rally from June 10-18. 

For even more history on Bike Week, check out their official website. You can also follow their social medias to stay up-t0-date on 2023’s rally! Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.