Best of Bike Week...Bikes, Babes and Beers

So, if there was a calendar version of the babes and bikes of Laconia, which I am sure there is, this would be my version.

And, I have come to realize the old man can't be trusted with the camera.  Plenty of babes, not enough bikes...we are going to have a little chat. Some of our better shots. Enjoy!

See ya next year, Laconia!

Laconia Bike Week - 2011

This past June, Laconia celebrated its 88th year of hosting bike week, and as usual, the weather did not fully cooperate.  We drove up on Saturday, yes, we trailer-ed the bike but shhhhh...its a secret. I promised not to tell. Apparently that is not cool, but I had a cast removed from my ankle the day before and wasn't supposed to be walking, never mind hopping on and off the back of the bike. So there...

As we drove up in torrential downpours, we saw very few bikes, but those we did see were taking cover under overpasses. Temps dipped in the low 50s and visibility sucked. Our warm, dry, truck really wasn't looking so bad. Because of the weather, we decided to check in to the property we were staying at. The Wolfeboro Inn in Wolfeboro, NH...

Wolfeboro Inn, NH

I know...this sure as hell doesn't look like the type of place one would stay for bike week.  And, it really isn't, but my company gives me a discount for certain properties and this was one of them, so what the heck?  I was unsure how we would be treated pulling in with a truck and trailer, and even lined up a place to park the trailer if there were any concerns, but I worried for naught. They were very kind and accommodating, even let us check in a few hours early. Decided to grab at bite to eat at the Wolfeboro Inn Restaurant - Wolfe Tavern.  It was warm and cozy inside and I basically had to be pried off the bar stool to go meet up with some friends at the Weirs.

Wolfeboro Tavern

I know I sound like a wimp but only the brave and hearty riders were out this first Saturday of Bike Week, the manly-men basically, and I am neither manly nor a man so cut me some slack.

The Looney Bin

We rode from Wolfeboro over to the Weirs and met some friends at the Looney Bin.  Though it was not overly crowded, it was lively. Music in the back under the tent, the Jameson Girls and Jack Daniels Girls on site...scored some sweet swag. JD Girls were giving out free samples of a new whiskey with a touch of honey...it was quite tasty.  Hung for a while with some good friends and as soon as skies brightened, we tried to make a quick getaway but no such luck, caught in another downpour...and I swear I saw sleet.

Rode around the entire lake. Ended up back at the Inn with a nice crackling fire and warm cookies placed in our room. Awesomeness. Sunday was a much better day, cloudy and damp but no rain. Great for walking around. Arrived down the Weirs and there were a lot more people out, but still a very light crowd. Cars were allowed to drive down Weirs Blvd, which usually is not the case.

Hobbled around the boardwalk...my ankle was not happy with me. Too much, too soon, but didn't want to miss anything.

Crowds got heavier as the day progressed, skies lightened a bit..

Those who go, know this is not a typical scene on Weirs Blvd. 

The Winnipesaukee Railroad was up and running and provided rides between the Weirs and Meredith Harley for $15 rt.

Winnipesaukee Railroad

Smile!

Always a cool collection of bikes

and vendors

and chicks

Made our way across to the Drive-in parking lot where there were plenty more vendors, beer tents, and bands.  Plenty of pretty ladies waiting to serve...

But no one was there...

Felt especially bad for the band...they were great though, 80s rock n' roll.

Since there was a not a lot of action, we decided to cruise around the lake and visit a few of our favorite places.  Stay tuned!

Contact Info
Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad
211 Lakeside Ave
Weirs Beach, NH
http://www.hoborr.com/
603-279-5253

Wolfeboro Inn
90 N Main Street
Wolfeboro, NH
http://www.wolfeboroinn.com/

Horny Girl Scout Anyone?

Mind out of the gutter...talking about specialty shot #25 out of sixty offered at the Looney Bin Bar & Grille in Laconia/Weirs Beach.

Located directly across from FunSpot, the Looney Bin, Laconia is a popular stop for bikers cruising the lakes region. It is a bit small inside, may even have to wait to get in during bike week, but there was plenty of room and hospitality during our July trip to the mountains.


Our recent visit found us intrigued with the list of specialty drink shots - list shown below. With names such as 'Moose Fart' and 'Bong Water', it is hard to believe but true that all are real shots pulled from the bartenders mixing guide. Anyone that tries 50 out of the 60 shots will receive a sweatshirt and a special mention on the property website. Not to worry...no one is leaving the bar having done 50 shots! Each visit, patrons are allowed a maximum of five shots and possibly less, at bartenders discretion. There is a card system used to keep track of shots and the duration of the promotion appears to be unlimited. The day we started our shots card, the bartender said it took him five years to fill his up. Basically, it amounts to a $250 sweatshirt as shots are $5 each, but it is fun and who doesn't love a bit of competition among friends. Only managed to knock off three while I was there but my card is filed away with them for my next visit to Laconia.

For those not interested in shots or hard liquor, the Looney Bin, Laconia has a wide selection of draft on tap, as well as a large selection of bottled beers. Food is very reasonably priced with everything under $10. Menu consists mainly of sandwiches, subs and appetizers. They offer many specials throughout the week, which can be found on their website. Currently, they are offering half-price appetizers on Wednesdays. Chicken wings, chicken fingers for less than $4 bucks...can't beat it.
















During warmer months, the outdoor patio is open. Has a few picnic tables and I think an area for smokers.



The Looney Bin, Laconia has easy access, directly off Route 3. Parking is paved and plentiful with an area directly outside the windows for bike parking. Hours are a bit uncertain - we were told if there were less than 5 guests they would close early, which is understandable, so calling ahead is recommended if you are heading there near closing time: 9pm on weekdays and 11pm on weeknights. They will also stay later if they are busy.

Contact Info:
The Looney Bin Bar & Grille
Route 3
Weirs Beach, NH
603-366-2300
http://looneybinbar.com/

FriendlyFind Bar Recommendation for Laconia Bike Week

LACONIA IS HERE...Don't miss the Broken Spoke..it's where it all happens!

Broken Spoke Laconia is THE place to hang during bike week. Sexy waitresses in barely-there outfits, hunky men fixin' drinks and posing for pics for the ladies...yeah!

Large crowds, lots of contests. loud bikes, plenty of vendors, ice-cold beer and plenty of good ol rock 'n roll at the Broken Spoke Laconia. Fun place.

On our way....


Broken Spoke Laconia
http://www.brokenspokesaloon.com/laconia.php
1072 Watson Road
Laconia, NH 03246-1738
(603) 366-5511

Laconia Bike Week June 12 - 20 '10

Each Spring, bikers from all over head to the New Hampshire mountains to experience the thrill of riding with their biker brothers and sisters through the scenic country roads that wind along the 69 mile Lake Winnepesaukee loop. It's the daddy of all Bike Weeks and this year Laconia is celebrating it's 87th anniversary.

The week is filled with charity runs, swap meets, bike blessings, cookouts and plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow bikers. Local businesses and restaurants are strong supporters of bike week and invite riders in to their establishments with 'Bikers Welcome' signs.
Our favorite Biker Friendly Find and where it all happens is the Broken Spoke Saloon...live music, cold beer and good food...crowds are large and can get crazy but it makes for great people watching.

One of the best parts of bike week is checking out all the other bikes. All colors, makes and models are present, and owners proudly stand by happy to talk about their ride and what makes it special. Walking through the miles of massive of amounts of shiny chrome and painted metal, the age-old question comes to mind...does size really matter? Hmmm....

Of course, bike week would not be complete without the bevvy of beauties behind the bars...


Weather is always a hit or miss in New England in June. One year, it was about 100 and humid...nothing like sitting in stalled traffic with jeans and leather boots, felt like I was driving through hell....okay, might have been a bit hungover too, which certainly didn't help. Another year, poured on us...buckets....but being hardy New Englanders we carried on...little rain never hurt.


Best time to go? We have yet to make it during the week. I hear it is a lot better, less crowds, stalls are easier to get to and roads are not as crowded.

Maybe we'll try a weekday this year.....see you there?

FriendlyFind Restaurant Recommendation for Laconia

Leaves are sprouting, flowers are blooming and the weather is warming...where do many New England biker's thoughts turn? Laconia Bike Week, of course. Held each year in June, bikers from all over head to the mountains for a kick-ass time along the shores of Lake Winnepesaukee. While most of the action is centered in the Weirs, veterans of Laconia Bike Week know that the best part is cruising the 69 mile loop around the lake. This scenic ride winds through quaint mountain villages and offers windy, smooth pavement for optimum riding pleasure.

Located in Melvin Village, Pine Cone Cafe Tuftonboro is about 25 miles away from the Weirs. It's just about half way around the lake and makes for a convenient meeting place and quick stop for a drink or bite to eat.

On our last trip, the rustic mountain decor with knotty pine boards and crackling fireplace at the Pine Cone Cafe Tuftonboro was a warm respite from the sudden down pours. Bar tender was very friendly, sandwiches were filling and other guests were welcoming. We were very happy to find this local, biker-friendly place and would certainly recommend it. Pine Cone Cafe Tuftonboro also has some rooms to rent, with parking for bikes directly outside bedroom doors.


Contact details:
Pine Cone Cafe
427 Route 109
Melvin Village, NH
603-544-3800