Laconia Motorcycle Week 2009

I’ve been going to Laconia Bike Week for over 20 years now, in fact when I first started going it was only a 3 day weekend due to some violent MC incidents in the past. I still don’t know how I feel about the changes that have occurred in this event but there are a few constants you can always count on, the primary one being rain. I will guarantee without a shadow of a doubt that it will rain in Laconia during bike week. This year was no exception.

Laconia Bike Week Pins 2009

Riding in the rain Laconia

I usually don’t spend all nine days up in Laconia as it is a quick trip from my home.  Typically I spend both weekends up there and maybe do a day trip. Every few years when there is something major going on or if I am booked to shoot a bunch of assignments I’ll spend the whole week.  I have found that since the Lake Winnipesaukee area is like a second home to me I tend to get a bit lazy snobby about shooting.

Harleys at Lake Winnipesaukee

It’s always fun to walk around the drive-in area where all the vendors are set up and stroll the Weirs Beach strip where bikes are jammed from end to end. Everyone at bike week brings a camera to capture the sights. Back in the day this strip was a non-stop parade of scantily clad biker babes happily showing off their goods. These days the only thing that is flashing is chrome in the sun. Onlookers are snapping photos of paint jobs, tattoos and interesting bikes.

Biker with American flag

Weirs Beach Tattoo

Sure, there is still a feeling of being on the edge and an attempt at being naughty but the fact is as more people take up motorcycling as a hobby the biker lifestyle of old is being legislated out of existence.

It aint gonna LICK itself

Even inside the bars at night most patrons are on their best behavior.

Girl showing off her Jack Daniels belt buckle

Regardless of the ebb and flow of acceptable behavior at bike week the real reason we go is for all the bikes.  I photograph all sorts of interesting motorcycles. I love taking pictures of ugly bikes and horrendous paint jobs just as much as the beautiful ones. Each bike is an expression of individuality and personal style.

Tron come to life - a Victory Vision

Scalloped tank and 1970s style seat

Road kill on BMW pannier

Indian Chief

Despite the changes in culture and the predictably bad weather, Laconia Bike Week is the premier motorcycle event in the North East. Over 100,000 people come to the Lakes Reigon of New Hampshire to ride the beautiful roads, check out the bikes and have a good time.  In my next post I’ll share with you some of what happens off of the strip during Laconia Motorcycle Week.

This post is tagged Tags: laconia bike week, motorcycle photos, motorcycle week, weirs beach