Laconia Motorcycle Week isn’t just an event—it’s a pilgrimage. I’ve learned that surviving (and thriving) during America’s oldest motorcycle rally requires more than luck. With over 100,000 riders descending on New Hampshire’s Lakes Region from June 14–22, 2025, you’ll need insider tricks to dodge crowds, snag epic experiences, and soak up every ounce of rally magic.
7 Hacks for Laconia Bike Week Fun
Here’s how to conquer Laconia like a seasoned local.
1. Demo Ride Like a VIP at NHMS
The New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) is ground zero for testing shiny new bikes, but navigating its demo rides demands strategy. Harley-Davidson’s 9-mile off-property route and Indian’s nimble Scouts are crowd favorites, but lines balloon by noon.
Pro tip: Arrive early (like 9 AM for Indian, 10 AM for Harley) to beat registration cutoffs.
Gear up: DOT-approved helmets, eye protection, and closed-toe shoes are non-negotiable. Last year, I watched a rider miss his slot because he forgot his sunglasses—don’t be that guy. Bonus: H.O.G. members can snag limited-edition rally pins here.
2. Outsmart Traffic on the Kancamagus Highway
The Kancamagus Highway’s twists are legendary, but so are its Bike Week traffic jams. Use NewEngland511.org—your real-time traffic bible—to check live cams and set alerts for NH-112 and I-93.
Ride at dawn or late afternoon to dodge bottlenecks. One year, I hit the Kanc at 6:30 AM and had the misty mountain vistas all to myself. Avoid the westbound return route post-3 PM—locals call it “the Lincoln logjam.”
3. Time Your Tower Hill Tavern Visit
Tower Hill Tavern is the rally’s beating heart, but its vibe shifts faster than a throttle twist. By day, it’s a chill spot for lakeside nachos (dog-friendly patio included). By night? A rowdy 2 AM dance party with live bands and karaoke.
Check their Facebook page for schedules—last year’s surprise acoustic set by a local blues duo was pure magic.
Pro tip: Skip the pizza window during peak hours; the Reuben sandwich is worth the wait.
4. Ride the Peter Makris Memorial Run
Kick off your rally with this iconic charity ride on June 14. The escorted 70-mile loop around Lake Winnipesaukee includes two laps on NHMS’s racetrack—a rare thrill.
Pre-register online ASAP: The first 150 riders score a David Uhl-designed T-shirt and post-ride BBQ access at NASWA Resort. I still wear my 2024 shirt—it’s a badge of honor. VIP packages ($75) let you lead the pack, but the real win is supporting veterans charities.
5. Claim Front-Row Seats at the Gunstock Hill Climb
Nothing screams “Laconia” like watching riders claw up Gunstock’s 70-meter ski jump slope. Gates open at 8 AM—arrive by 7:30 to snag base-area views of wipeouts and triumphs.
Bring earplugs (those engines roar!), a zoom lens, and a cooler (BYOB allowed). Last year, a 12-year-old on a dirt bike stole the show—proof that this event is pure, unfiltered adrenaline. Don’t miss the Deadbeat Customs bike show or Eastcoastin Stunt Crew’s wheelie demos.
6. Shop Smart in the Vendor Villages
Laconia’s vendor sprawl spans Weirs Beach’s boardwalk (like leather jackets and novelty patches) to NHMS’s gear-heavy S1 Lot. Hot Leathers rally-exclusive vests sell out fast—hit their booth early.
For swap meets, Opechee Park is your goldmine. I scored a vintage 82 Shovelhead part here for half the eBay price. Cash is king, and haggling is expected.
One rule: If a vendor says, “This came off a barn find,” triple-check for rust.
7. Lock Down Bike-Friendly Lodging
Hotels near Weirs Beach book up a year out. Glynn House Inn in Ashland (20 minutes away) offers trailer parking, bike wash stations, and killer blueberry pancakes.
Prefer camping? Gunstock’s sites let you walk to the Hill Climb, while NHMS’s infield camping is a rally rite of passage. Airbnb gems with garage parking exist—message hosts now to confirm bike security. One host near Meredith even lent me a torque wrench last year—talk about rider-friendly!
Final Rev
The best stories start with a bit of planning (and a lot of throttle). Laconia Motorcycle Week is a marathon, not a sprint. Use these hacks to sidestep rookie mistakes and dive into the rally’s soul—scenic rides, roaring engines, and that unbeatable biker camaraderie.
