Organizers report smooth opening weekend for Laconia Motorcycle Week

WEIRS BEACH — A record 300 riders — give or take — participated in the 20th annual Peter Makris Memorial Run on Saturday, around Lake Winnipesaukee, leaving a successful first weekend of the 103rd Laconia Motorcycle Rally in the rearview.

Police Chief Matt Canfield said there were significant crowds at motorcycle hotspot Weirs Beach, as expected, during a press conference Tuesday at The NASWA Resort. Road closures at these packed locations, and police presence, provided for safe conditions, as well as safe consumption of alcohol.

“A couple of things came up in discussion about working with the vendors, working with who checks on the tents, so that they’re anchored correctly. In 2016, I went back prepared, and one flew away, and caused a bunch of injuries. So vendors are pretty understandable about what we’re doing,” Fire Chief Tim Joubert said. 

“The traffic was pretty busy on Saturday and Sunday, and one thing I just want to remind people, especially motorcyclists, is check your mirrors for lights, because it’s hard to hear sirens, so just try to move over to the right. There’s a lot of traffic, a lot of congestion, so we want to safely respond in an instance,” Joubert said.

Cousins Belinda Salinas and Manuel E. Garcia, from Gilroy, California, who are staying at the NASWA Resort for the week, also spoke. This was the pair’s first rally in Laconia, and was a long time coming for them.

Salinas and Garcia left California June 5, and arrived at the NASWA on Friday, trailering their single motorcycle through rough weather in the Midwest. To avoid traffic or other hurdles, the pair woke up at 3 a.m. every morning, to continue their trek. Next year, Salinas wants to ditch the backseat, and ride her own bike, hopefully cross-country, if weather permits.

“The workers here are amazing, is all I got to say. They’re just awesome. By the second day, I mean, the bartender already knew what kind of drink I like,” Salinas said, smiling. “We’ve gone from California, all the way this way and stopped at different places, and nothing is as friendly as this place. We already want to reserve it for next year.”

The festivities continue at 9 a.m. Wednesday, with the Gunstock Hill Climb. Nick Lobosco, president of the Ridge Riders Motorcycle Club, who promotes the event every year, said, “We have three stunt shows. We have 10 contestants putting on bike shows for best chopper build, best performance entirely.”

After 12 years, the hills have also been redone and completely refaced, sitting over winter in anticipation for the event.

Wednesday afternoon also marks the 103rd Laconia Motorcycle Week birthday party at 5 p.m. at the NASWA, where Gov. Kelly Ayotte will cut the cake, and talk with riders about their experiences.

Organizers will hold their next press conference, at the NASWA, at 9 a.m. Thursday.