The rally has its origin in the Loudon Classic motorcycle race started in 1923 and the Gypsy tour, where many motorcyclists passed through Laconia. Events were scheduled, including races, shows and a motorcycle hill climb competition. Dating back to 1916, when a few hundred motorcyclists first gathered at Weirs Beach in Laconia, it was seven years later when the event was officially recognized by the American Motorcyclist Association as part of the Gypsy Tour.

In the 1990s Laconia businesses joined in a coalition with local motorcycle groups to found the Laconia Motorcycle Rally and Race Association which organizes and schedules all events associated with the motorcycle week.

Celebrating the 86th annual motorcycle week, bikers attending the event in Laconia can look forward to US Vintage Motorcycle Grand Prix at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, a Biker Build-Off, Tattoo Contest and Hillclimb Drag Races.

With loud pipes making headlines across the country organizers have arranged for attendees to have their decibel levels checked at Laconia Harley-Davidson.

For the fairer sex riding their own to Laconia Bike Week, women bikers can enjoy an 82 mile ride around Lake Winnipesaukee followed by a Harley Fashion Show.

Among the hundreds of thousands at Laconia was Harley-Davidson's President and Chief Operating Officer Matt Levatich visited Laconia Harley-Davidson to help kick the week off.

The weather forecast is promising a beautiful day of sunshine on Wednesday taking temperatures up the week's high of 78 degrees. The days surrounding midweek are promising warmer weather, albeit with a chance of showers.

Laconia Bike Week runs through Sunday June 21st.

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