Patricia A. Fazio

To the editor,

I have read with interest the on-going war of words between opposing sides regarding Bike Week. This past June marked the 81st year of this event. My 80-year-old Aunt fondly remembers coming here in the '40s and '50s on the back of my Uncle’s Harley Davidson. In the motorcycling community, “Laconia” is well known around the world for being the oldest event of its kind, and visitors want a chance to experience this event.

Motorcyclists come here for the camaraderie. They come to share the joy of riding. Our Laconia rally exposes thousands of people to the beauty of our countryside, from the Lakes and Mountains to the Seacoast and miles and miles of scenic roads in between. They always comment on how great the riding is here. That’s what it’s all about!

So, who are all these people? Nasty, scraggly, intimidating bikers? Naaaaaa! We are hard working folks from all walks of life, all socio-economic backgrounds, all faiths and races. I’ve ridden with Phd’s and factory workers, lawyers and housekeepers. No matter what your profession or education, in the biker community, you are a biker first. Did you notice the bikes with the sidecars? Families together, sharing the joy. Yep, there are a few that fit the stereotype, as with any group. Motorcyclists are a family of families; and a very generous, friendly and kind group of people.

In the last 15 years or so, the population of the greater Weirs area has grown exponentially as “boomers” seek vacation and retirement properties. Each and every one of them knew, or should have known, that part of living in the Weirs is the annual arrival of motorcycle enthusiasts. Like the swallows of Capistrano, each year they arrive, enjoy all that we have to offer here, and go home, leaving behind a substantial amount of their hard-earned savings.

Their knowledge of the local squabbling is minimal, at best. They simply plan on “going to Laconia” every June. Removing vendors from the Weirs will not end Bike Week or change the timing of when visitors choose to arrive. Even motorcyclists have an aversion to the over abundance of vendors. They instead spend their money at area restaurants and other permanent establishments.

However, this won’t stop property owners from renting space or vendors from trying to make a living. And yes, also left behind is the mess… just as with any of our local Old Home Days, carnivals, State Fairs, etc. Part of the cost of any event is clean up, as is security and traffic control. Many of these events have vendors, too!

“Too commercialized” is what I hear about the State Fair. Then it begins. Every year, right after Bike Week ends, the war of words in print and at City Hall. The concerns have varied from beer tents, who’s making money, who’s losing money, traffic, noise, etc. Yet, just as in Capistrano, come June, the bikes return.

They always will.

If you made the choice to move to the Weirs, you made a choice to tolerate an event that has existed long before you ever considered moving to New Hampshire. You also chose to tolerate the traffic, noise and crowds that exist in the Weirs all summer long. With the planned increase of some 300 plus new homes in the area, expect even more exciting traffic conditions. If you now realize that life in the Weirs isn’t what you expected and don’t enjoy it, your property values have likely increased dramatically since moving here. You can sell for a profit and choose to live somewhere more acceptable to your preferred lifestyle.

The energy and tenacity you demonstrate might make a true difference in the lives of your fellow residents of Laconia by helping the call for affordable housing and high paying jobs.

Patricia A. Fazio

New Hampton