Tell us about your ride: Jerry Desmarais' 1995 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail

LACONIA — Jerry Desmarais attends Laconia Motorcycle Week every year. While many bikers are drawn to the festivities every June, Desmarais takes a back seat to the chaos. He tends to avoid rowdy bars and packed events.

Desmarais always makes sure to stop at the Weirs Drive-In, to sit back and watch all the bikes roll in, as well as take a peaceful cruise around Lake Winnipesaukee. “I get the wind in my hair,” Desmarais said Monday morning, as he removed his cap, to rub his bald head.

Before moving up to Freedom, a few years ago, Desmarais rode around with a large group from Massachusetts. They were a close-knit group, held together by one man. Now, Desmarais rides alone.

“He was like the middleman who would call everybody, ‘You want to go riding, you want to go riding?’” said Desmarais. “But he passed away, in a motorcycle accident.”

Desmarais used to ride with his wife as well, but now both in retirement, she stopped, and Desmarais has inhabited her teal 1995 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail, which he chose to bring up for this year's rally. Desmarais has three bikes total he takes turns riding and working on, giving special attention to his 1979 model.

Desmarais enjoys riding alone, finding peace in his solitude as he weaves through the Lakes Region.

“Standing here, watching the bikes come by, it is like a bike show. That’s really what I like about it,” said Desmarais, leaning against the fence, looking out at the rows of bikes parked and maneuvering along Lakeside Avenue.

Since Desmarais retired, after working on his house, motorcycles take up a large portion of his free time, and have for as long as he can remember. He’s ridden with friends, strangers, and now mostly by himself, but in any case, Desmarais’ love for motorcycles is evident. One day he hopped on a bike, and just never got off.