"Bike Week ain't what it used to be..." That's what I keep hearing and reading around this time of the year when vendors start rolling into Laconia to sell their wares, and bikers from near and far cruise the strip and exchange stories about their rides, their groups, their families, their volunteerism...everything under the sun. I hear that back in the wild days, while it may have been more fun, there were more dangers; higher rates of accidents, property damage, and just overall issues. The Bike Week of recent years brings families during the day, and is rated "G", but I think that might be a more sustainable model, overall. Push it too far and we're at the tipping point - cities aren't equipped to handle the damage, both in property and reputation, the event is forced to shut down and everyone loses out (e.g., the Keene Pumpkin Festival - though it will continue on in Laconia, starting in 2015). I was happy to enjoy a day up in Laconia last week - and was glad to enjoy the calm! While the skies were gray (and eventually rained), it was a little quieter than usual, but I met and chatted with some amazing people and really had a great time.**Special Thanks to Paradise Beach Club and Max's Ice Cream for offering to keep some of our flyers for their patrons!
