Topic: 2021 Laconia Bike Week (Read 8380 times)

Jock · « **on:** June 12, 2021, 09:31:06 PM »

Ahhhhh…for many of you it has been ~ 15 months since you have attempted to return to “normal” as the world around you implodes. For me, I have continued to live my life knowing I am not in control of it anyway.

Therefore, as I was planning my year of riding, I had to consider a rally that it had been over 20 years since I had been there for this event. In addition, knowing that there may be folks waiting for “normal”, this may be the time given a possible smaller crowd.

What rally am I referring to….Laconia Bike Week! The Laconia Motorcycle Week rally is often mentioned in the same breath as events in Daytona, Florida and Sturgis, South Dakota. After all, these are three of the most popular motorcycle rallies in the country, drawing in over a million riders and motorcycle enthusiasts, combined, every year. A smaller crowd could be appealing all things considered.

But Laconia can make a claim that the other two cannot. Often referred to as the Oldest National Motorcycle Rally, these roots reach back to the summer of 1916, when a Gypsy Tour gathered for several days at Weirs Beach on the southern shores of Lake Winnipesaukee.

In the early 1900s, Gypsy Tours were organized loosely and unofficially as a way for riders to gather and enjoy other related activities of interest including races and hill climbs. In other words, it was a way for motorcycle enthusiasts to share in their passions together. Each year, typically around the same summer weekend, riders would travel long distances, sleeping in tents and swapping stories around campfires, to converge on a favorite location.

This year, I have plans for my own Gypsy Tour while there and perhaps some other excitement too!

And so, I begin my journey, onward and upward to the New England area. Who knows what I will encounter! The plan – FUN!

Jock · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2021, 09:31:33 PM »

Day One – Savannah, GA – Aberdeen MD ~ 700 miles

I was not into the journey that long before the urge hit me! All of a sudden! Or perhaps it was the song I was listening to….

Jock · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2021, 09:32:12 PM »

Good thing I was near…

Jock · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2021, 09:33:25 PM »

Alright time to head back to my country! Do you remember the “All-American City”? Lumberton, NC!

Jock · « **Reply #4 on:** June 12, 2021, 09:34:02 PM »

Damn Right! Bad Revolution Mad Indeed! Let’s start it here!

BTW – These songs were actually playing at the time of my entrance into these areas.

Jock · « **Reply #5 on:** June 12, 2021, 09:35:45 PM »

Crab anyone? Or perhaps DCFIREMAN B-B-Q.

Jock · « **Reply #6 on:** June 12, 2021, 09:36:21 PM »

The day was full of afternoon showers, some heavy at times and several detours off the “big road”. That was the best part as it took me into areas I have never been.

That evening I met several folks from Iowa on their way to DC. Long distance riders too and they had the rain all day. I counted my blessings that mine was for the half day.

Twolanerider · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2021, 01:34:47 AM »

Nice to see you out there Jock. I haven't been to Laconia in, well I don't know for sure, definitely more than 20 years also. Will look forward to reading the now-vs-then comparisons. Have fun and ride safe

.

blacktop · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2021, 10:01:29 AM »

I would love to go back to Laconia, was there in 2001 I believe. Won't happen this year though as the borders are still closed closed between our countries.
Are you camping or glamping?

Jock · « **Reply #9 on:** June 13, 2021, 11:16:14 AM »

No camping for me on a motorcycle! I enjoy the comforts of a hotel room too much.

TN · « **Reply #10 on:** June 13, 2021, 04:36:22 PM »

You do get around Jock, good job.

Jock · « **Reply #11 on:** June 13, 2021, 08:32:46 PM »

Quote from: TN on June 13, 2021, 04:36:22 PM

You do get around Jock, good job.

Your one to talk Mr. TN / NC and all points in-between! A little bird told me you were a surprise to some NC folk recently!

Jock · « **Reply #12 on:** June 13, 2021, 08:33:51 PM »

Day Two Aberdeen, MD – Shrewsbury, MA ~ 400 miles

Started the day with some light rain with plenty of traffic on the road. Folks are traveling again! I need to remind them of the dangers of Covid to get them back into their homes!

My day would take me through the home state of our current prez…

Jock · « **Reply #13 on:** June 13, 2021, 08:34:41 PM »

This would allow me to take in the Biden Welcome Center! Hope I can get in with all of the crowds now!

No Fast Pass Required!

Jock · « **Reply #14 on:** June 13, 2021, 08:36:06 PM »

Now up North to Liberty State Park. Liberty State Park is a park in the U.S. state of New Jersey, located on Upper New York Bay in Jersey City, opposite both Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

Jock · « **Reply #15 on:** June 13, 2021, 08:38:05 PM »

Most of the park's area is on landfill created by the Central Railroad of New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley Railroad, defunct companies whose lines once terminated there.

There really is a Reading Railroad! Not just on monopoly!

Jock · « **Reply #16 on:** June 13, 2021, 08:38:56 PM »

Empty Sky is the official state memorial to the September 11 attacks of the World Trade Center. Situated on a berm the parallel walls engraved with the names of victims are oriented to face the former World Trade Center site.

Jock · « **Reply #17 on:** June 13, 2021, 08:39:32 PM »

Across the river is some hallowed ground with the Freedom Tower replacement

Jock · « **Reply #18 on:** June 13, 2021, 08:40:31 PM »

Time to depart Liberty State Park on the Ferry over to Ellis Island and Lady Liberty.

Jock · « **Reply #19 on:** June 13, 2021, 08:41:14 PM »

Ellis Island is a federally-owned island in New York Harbor that was once the busiest immigrant inspection station in the United States. From 1892 to 1924, nearly 12 million immigrants arriving at the Port of New York and New Jersey were processed there under federal law.

Jock · « **Reply #20 on:** June 13, 2021, 08:41:53 PM »

The Statue of Liberty stands in Upper New York Bay, a universal symbol of freedom. I was thankful to still see her there which gives me hope for the future!

Jock · « **Reply #21 on:** June 13, 2021, 08:43:51 PM »

Lady Liberty in all her glory!

GregKhougaz · « **Reply #22 on:** June 14, 2021, 11:22:17 AM »

Great shots as always, Jock! 👍👍 Thank you for sharing.

Jock · « **Reply #23 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:43:22 PM »

Day Three Shrewsbury, MA – Laconia, NH ~ 300 miles

All that remains of the Whittall mansion are the ruins of the formal garden and its pergola, dedicated to the late Matthew J. Whittall by his widow.

Jock · « **Reply #24 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:43:46 PM »

A sweet and sorrowful piece of history awaits when visiting the newly named Prospect Park in Shrewsbury. The Park encompasses the Garden of Sweet Remembrance—a pergola, low-lying walls, and a now empty reflecting pool. These are the ruins of the beautiful grounds where the Whittall mansion once stood.

Jock · « **Reply #25 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:44:17 PM »

Matthew J. Whittall was a prominent businessman and Mason. In 1912 he commissioned his mansion, Juniper Hall, to be built on the tallest hill overlooking the town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. The public was welcome to tour the formal gardens and admire the flowers that bloomed there. After Whittall passed in 1922, his widow Gertrude dedicated the pergola in his memory. Their mansion later became a home for retired Masons, before eventually falling into disrepair. The house was torn down in 1979, and the land now belongs to the Town of Shrewsbury.

Jock · « **Reply #26 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:44:40 PM »

Though the elegant mansion that once stood here is long gone, the Garden of Sweet Remembrance is a beautiful and peaceful spot to visit, and it holds the magic of a time gone by and a love remembered.

Jock · « **Reply #27 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:45:46 PM »

Recently the death of a local young teenager presented an opportunity for her friends to conduct a remembrance of her in this garden. All throughout the garden where “rocks” with thoughts and feelings of her and life.

Jock · « **Reply #28 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:46:14 PM »

Worcester State Hospital was once a mental health facility. While most of it has been torn down and replaced, what remains is a spooky round building I call the “Nut House”! Can’t imagine why someone would have issues there.

Jock · « **Reply #29 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:46:37 PM »

And the clock tower so the residents could watch the time of day past them by…

Jock · « **Reply #30 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:47:01 PM »

I could tell you a story behind this statue “butt” a imagine is worth a thousand words! WOW! Let’s just say, the boy “loved” turtles!

Jock · « **Reply #31 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:47:32 PM »

Dig this…

There is a small piece of land sticking out of a Shrewsbury, Massachusetts pond that doesn’t seem to belong to anyone in particular, but, as 99% Invisible has reported, one local man is crusading to name the spot Busta Rhymes Island.

The tiny, 40x40 outcropping has no official name, but Shrewsbury resident Kevin O’Brien, who uses the island as a hangout spot with his friends, is determined to change that. O’Brien began frequenting the island after moving to the city over a decade ago, and has become its de facto caretaker, picking up after other drunken visitors and even planting blueberry bushes on the land. Realizing that his adopted scrap of land was nothing without a proper name, O’Brien and a friend decided to dub the island, “Busta Rhymes Island,” after the famous hip-hop artist. When asked by the Boston Globe why he named the island after the rapper, O’Brien said it was because the island had, “rope-swinging, blueberries, and … stuff Busta would enjoy.”

Jock · « **Reply #32 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:47:54 PM »

By the way, Busta Rhymes Island is located in a …

Jock · « **Reply #33 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:48:38 PM »

Boo! That is how my text started with naitram (Neal)! Not giving him any advanced notice of me being in the area, nor being one to text him often I suspected he may have thought it was an accident. Sue, his wife, had the instinct that I may be but Neal was not convinced.

Any way…Surprise!

I was blessed with the opportunity to spend some time with them and catch up. I trust we will see each other again in “the Valley!”

Jock · « **Reply #34 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:49:07 PM »

After my visit with Neal and Sue, it was time to be whisked away to a bewitching location.

The statue is more relevant than just the fact that it matches the theme of the town. In 1970, Bewitched filmed a series of episodes on location there after a fire shut down its Hollywood set. The episodes have come to be known as the Salem Saga and featured many of the landmarks of the city. The arrangement ended up being a great tourist boon for the city, helping to elevate awareness of the historical location.

Jock · « **Reply #35 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:49:32 PM »

All throughout Essex street you will find these statues…

Jock · « **Reply #36 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:49:59 PM »

The Salem witchcraft trials took place between February 1692 and May 1693. More than 200 people were accused, 59 were tried, 31 were found guilty, and 20 were executed. Those final unfortunates were hanged, and one man was crushed to death while being tortured.

Jock · « **Reply #37 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:50:23 PM »

Among the judges who convicted the witches (based on “spectral evidence,” evidence based upon dreams or visions) was Jonathan Corwin. As a local magistrate and civic leader, Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose in Salem and neighboring communities. He took the place of Judge Nathaniel Saltonstall, who resigned after the execution of Bridget Bishop. Corwin served on the Court of Oyer and Terminer, which ultimately sent nineteen to the gallows. All 19 refused to admit to witchcraft and maintained their innocence.

Jock · « **Reply #38 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:50:50 PM »

The Witch House, as it is now known, was his home and is the only structure still standing in Salem, Massachusetts with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692. The house was bought by Judge Corwin in 1675, when he was 24 years old, and he lived there for more than forty years. Corwin is buried in the nearby Broad Street Cemetery. The house remained in the Corwin family until the mid-19th century.

Jock · « **Reply #39 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:51:18 PM »

One of the many churches in the area…

Jock · « **Reply #40 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:51:44 PM »

Experience the hysteria of a 17th century witch hunt through goofy reenactments and wax dummies that should probably be burned at the stake.

Jock · « **Reply #41 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:52:10 PM »

Plenty of craftiness goin’ on around here…

Jock · « **Reply #42 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:52:41 PM »

Some blood suckin’ too…

Jock · « **Reply #43 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:53:07 PM »

And there you have it…who shouldn’t have the Golden Girls on their Jeep.

Jock · « **Reply #44 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:53:30 PM »

Honey Dew Donuts? Mmmm

Jock · « **Reply #45 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:54:10 PM »

A simpler time and life was good!

Jock · « **Reply #46 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:54:49 PM »

Could this be our future? A five cents savings bank? This witchcraft thing may have some insight into the future.

Jock · « **Reply #47 on:** June 14, 2021, 07:55:32 PM »

And just like that, I was called out and sent out of town!

Jock · « **Reply #48 on:** June 14, 2021, 09:06:43 PM »

Day Four Scooter Putin’ Around ~ 200 miles

There were some heavy rains in the am but as the afternoon broke, the rain became light and it was time to get out there! It’s a crisp 62° here so we do not have anyone in the water but there is a lifeguard on-duty in case!

We are here…the crowd is very light and the roads were bare of scooters for the most part.

Jock · « **Reply #49 on:** June 14, 2021, 09:07:42 PM »

Given the conditions, I decided to start my Bridges of ~~Madison County~~ New Hampshire tour early. Our first bridge is the Tannery Hill Bridge.

The bridge was built in 1995 on the site of the first covered bridge that had been removed about 50 years ago. The name of the bridge is the Tannery Hill Gilford Bridge and it links the town center with town hall.

Jock · « **Reply #50 on:** June 14, 2021, 09:08:12 PM »

Now showing, the Squam River Covered Bridge.

Our next covered bridge is located on River Street spanning the Squam River from the Little Squam Lake in Ashland. It was built on 1990 and the original cost was ~ $200,000. The bridge is 61’ long with a clear span of 25’.

Jock · « **Reply #51 on:** June 14, 2021, 09:08:43 PM »

The Keniston Bridge is a historic covered bridge in Andover, New Hampshire, carrying Bridge Street over the Blackwater River. Built in 1882, it is of Town through truss construction, and is one of the few surviving 19th-century covered bridges in the state. It is also one of the only ones whose sides are not fully sheathed, exposing the trusses.

Jock · « **Reply #52 on:** June 14, 2021, 09:09:09 PM »

The Bog Bridge, also known as the Cilleyville Bridge, is a historic covered bridge in Andover, New Hampshire. Built in 1887 and located off New Hampshire Route 11 west of Andover center, the Town lattice truss bridge is one of New Hampshire's few surviving 19th-century covered bridges, and is relatively little altered since its construction, having had its roof replaced and an abutment reconstructed.

By the way, Happy Flag Day! This one is for my friend Marty!

Jock · « **Reply #53 on:** June 14, 2021, 09:09:35 PM »

The Dalton Covered Bridge is a historic covered bridge that carries Joppa Road over the Warner River in Warner, New Hampshire. Its name refers to a nearby resident (first "Mrs. Dalton", then "Widow Dalton") at the time of its construction. The bridge was built in 1853 by Joshua Sanborn, and its original abutments were built by local residents. The bridge has a span of 76 feet, with a total bridge length of 84 feet.

Jock · « **Reply #54 on:** June 14, 2021, 09:12:35 PM »

The forecast for tomorrow – YUCK!

TN · « **Reply #55 on:** June 15, 2021, 10:03:37 PM »

Quote from: Jock on June 13, 2021, 08:32:46 PM

Your one to talk Mr. TN / NC and all points in-between! A little bird told me you were a surprise to some NC folk recently!

I'm sure you did and most of it was prolly true. I'll fill you in on a few details that I'm sure was left out.

Carry on

Jock · « **Reply #56 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:13:19 AM »

Day Five Scooter Putin’ Around ~ 300 miles

Give the expected weather conditions, I planned my travel to obtain the least amount of rain as possible. In addition, I continued my Bridges of ~~Madison County~~ New Hampshire tour.

Hopkinton Railroad Covered Bridge, for the town of Hopkinton, New Hampshire, in which the village of Contoocook is located. Built in the 19th century, it is the oldest extant covered railroad bridge in the United States and served rail traffic until 1960.

Jock · « **Reply #57 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:13:53 AM »

On next stop would be the Waterloo Covered Bridge. The structure was completely rebuilt in 1857 by Dutton Woods of Contoocook. It was rebuilt a second time in 1970, at a cost of $16,300. Try doing that today with the price of lumber!

Jock · « **Reply #58 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:14:47 AM »

The Bement Covered Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge on Center Road over the Warner River in Bradford, New Hampshire. A long truss bridge, it was built in 1854, and is one of New Hampshire's small number of surviving 19th-century covered bridges. And besides it made me think of hdbrad when I saw the name!

The bridge was just re-opened the day I was there and I was provided an overview of the reconstruction by a local resident. Quite informed and interesting. Cost to rebuilt? Over $1M and they used some of the original materials.

Jock · « **Reply #59 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:15:14 AM »

The Corbin Covered Bridge is located over the North Branch of the Sugar River on Corbin Road, approximately 1 mile west of NH 10 in Newport. The state suggested closing the bridge in May 1979, but the town reduced the posted weight limit from six to three tons. It was rehabilitated by the state in 1980 at a cost of $43,000. A fire destroyed the bridge in the early hours of May 25, 1993.

Jock · « **Reply #60 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:15:42 AM »

The Pier Bridge is in Newport, New Hampshire. Originally built in 1907 to carry the Boston and Maine Railroad across the Sugar River, it now carries the multi-use Sugar River Trail, which was built on the abandoned right-of-way. This is the longest surviving covered railroad bridge.

Jock · « **Reply #61 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:16:08 AM »

Time to gitty up down the dirt road, we got more to see…

Jock · « **Reply #62 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:16:31 AM »

Past right by this one located in the woods. Did not catch the name but looked interesting through the brush.

Jock · « **Reply #63 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:16:55 AM »

The Dingleton Hill Covered Bridge, also known as the Cornish Mills Bridge, is on Root Hill Road over Mill Brook in Cornish Mills, New Hampshire. The bridge was built in 1882 by James Tasker, a local builder, at a cost to the town of $812. It was assembled in a schoolyard and then transported to the site. The farmers who used it would occasionally repair it.

Jock · « **Reply #64 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:17:30 AM »

The Blacksmith Shop Bridge was used by only one family and given its name because of its close proximity to a local blacksmith shop that once stood in an area known as Slab City. Milton Graton repaired and restored the bridge in 1963. The bridge was reopened to pedestrian traffic only and dedicated on September 18, 1983. The cost of repairing the bridge, in combination with the Dingleton Hill covered bridge, was $30,000.

Jock · « **Reply #65 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:18:01 AM »

The Cornish–Windsor Covered Bridge is a 155-year-old, two-span, timber Town lattice-truss, interstate, covered bridge that crosses the Connecticut River between Cornish, New Hampshire, and Windsor, Vermont. The original cost of construction was a mere $9,000. The bridge is 449'5" long and consists of two spans of 204'0" and 203'0". It has an overall width of 24'0"., a roadway width of 19'6", and a maximum vertical clearance of 12'9". It is posted for ten tons.

Until 2008, when the Smolen–Gulf Bridge opened in Ohio, it had been the longest covered bridge (still standing) in the United States.

Jock · « **Reply #66 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:18:35 AM »

The Blow-Me-Down Covered Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge carrying Lang Road over Blow-Me-Down Brook in the town of Cornish, near its northern border with Plainfield, New Hampshire. Built in 1877, the kingpost structure is one of the state's few surviving 19th-century covered bridges. The original cost of construction was….wait for it….$528! The bridge is 85'9" long with a clear span of 74'6". It has an overall width of 16'4" with a roadway width of 13'8" and a maximum vertical clearance of 9'11". This would be one of many bridges I converted my HD to a Dual Purpose Bike to gain access to.

Jock · « **Reply #67 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:19:20 AM »

The Meriden Bridge is in the Meriden area of Plainfield, New Hampshire. The bridge is a single span which carries Colby Hill Road over Bloods Brook, just west of a junction with Main Street and Willow Brook Road. Built about 1880 at a cost of $685, The bridge is 80'0' long with clear spans of 36'9" and 29'3". It has an overall width of 16'7" with a roadway width of 13'3", and a maximum vertical clearance of 13'3".

Jock · « **Reply #68 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:19:44 AM »

Welcome to Vermont!

Jock · « **Reply #69 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:20:13 AM »

The Willard Covered Bridge is carrying Mill Street across the Ottauquechee River in Hartland, Vermont. It is the eastern of two covered bridges on the road, which are connected via a small island in the river; the western bridge was built in 2001.

Jock · « **Reply #70 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:20:41 AM »

Oh SelectMen! Bernie is on-duty! Don’t Do It! Don’t Jump!

Jock · « **Reply #71 on:** June 16, 2021, 06:21:19 AM »

The Quechee Covered Bridge is actually a steel bridge, constructed in 1970 as a 70 foot span over the Ottauquechee River in Quechee VT. This bridge is a two-lane bridge complete with a pedestrian walkway alongside. The rocky gorge to the east is pretty impressive! Not to mention serves as Vermont’s Beach!

Jock · « **Reply #72 on:** June 16, 2021, 08:03:50 PM »

Day Six Scooter Putin’ Around ~ 200 miles

My journey today would take me to the land of the Indians…

Jock · « **Reply #73 on:** June 16, 2021, 08:04:13 PM »

On my way I would stop at my first H-D dealership…

Jock · « **Reply #74 on:** June 16, 2021, 08:04:36 PM »

I have seen these signs for the past several days but no sightin’ at this point.

Here I begin my travel on the Kancamagus Highway which stretches across the White Mountains for ~ 34 miles from Conway to Lincoln.

Jock · « **Reply #75 on:** June 16, 2021, 08:05:16 PM »

The Albany Covered Bridge can be found right off the highway.

Jock · « **Reply #76 on:** June 16, 2021, 08:05:43 PM »

Lower Falls is the most popular destination on the Kancamagus Highway. It is a beautiful spot where the Swift River drops many feet over smooth granite rocks into a large pool.

Jock · « **Reply #77 on:** June 16, 2021, 08:06:13 PM »

Rocky Gorge Trailhead

Jock · « **Reply #78 on:** June 16, 2021, 08:07:15 PM »

The water is nice and clear but COLD!

Jock · « **Reply #79 on:** June 16, 2021, 08:07:53 PM »

Plenty of nice views along the highway…

Jock · « **Reply #80 on:** June 16, 2021, 08:08:25 PM »

I had to come see my name sake and tribute!

Jock · « **Reply #81 on:** June 16, 2021, 08:08:56 PM »

On the way back I stopped by Weir’s Beach and the crowd is formin’…

porthole · « **Reply #82 on:** June 17, 2021, 11:22:20 AM »

Quote from: Jock on June 13, 2021, 08:33:51 PM

Day Two Aberdeen, MD – Shrewsbury, MA ~ 400 miles

My day would take me through the home state of our current prez…

You went through the skinniest part with the worst highways

Should have come up the scenic route - would have driven right by us.

Jock · « **Reply #83 on:** June 18, 2021, 08:35:18 PM »

Quote from: porthole on June 17, 2021, 11:22:20 AM

You went through the skinniest part with the worst highways

Should have come up the scenic route - would have driven right by us.

Dang! I did take a few detours along the way but do not know the road numbers. I forgot you moved! Hope you are enjoying the area.

DCFIREMANN · « **Reply #84 on:** June 20, 2021, 06:14:32 AM »

I absolutely enjoy riding in New Hampshire. My first time was the Northeast Hog Rally many years ago. There is a small place to eat in Vermont called Tuttle's Diner. It's a must stop for breakfast. It's in Wells River Vermont just off of I-91. It is worth the trip I promise.

Be Safe

THE DAWG

phato1 · « **Reply #85 on:** June 20, 2021, 05:22:59 PM »

If only we had known.... Just got back today after a 12 day trip to New England to see family and friends, the trip included 5 days hanging out in the Laconia area for bike week. Rode the Kanc, went to Bently's in Maine and did a leisurely loop around the big lake with a stop for Ice Cream at a little place we know of.

Jock · « **Reply #86 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:45:05 PM »

Quote from: phato1 on June 20, 2021, 05:22:59 PM

If only we had known.... Just got back today after a 12 day trip to New England to see family and friends, the trip included 5 days hanging out in the Laconia area for bike week. Rode the Kanc, went to Bently's in Maine and did a leisurely loop around the big lake with a stop for Ice Cream at a little place we know of.

Well Darn! It's a small world after all. Oh yeah, had my share of ice cream too!

Jock · « **Reply #87 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:49:55 PM »

Day Seven Mt. Washington Loop ~ 200 miles

I had planned a route that would take me around Mt. Washington with my first stop being…

Jock · « **Reply #88 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:50:50 PM »

The Mount Washington Cog Railway, also known as the Cog, is the world's first mountain-climbing cog railway (rack-and-pinion railway).

Jock · « **Reply #89 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:51:14 PM »

It is the second steepest rack railway in the world with an average grade of over 25% and a maximum grade of 37%. The railway is approximately 3 miles long and ascends Mount Washington's western slope, beginning at an elevation of approximately 2,700 feet above sea level and ending just short of the mountain's summit peak of 6,288 feet. The train ascends the mountain at 2.8 miles per hour and descends at 4.6 mph. Steam locomotives take approximately 65 minutes to ascend and 40 minutes to descend.

Jock · « **Reply #90 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:51:43 PM »

Choo Choo Baby!

Jock · « **Reply #91 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:52:08 PM »

After leaving the COG Railway, it was time to circle around the mountain to the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Ride up or take a bus?

Jock · « **Reply #92 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:52:33 PM »

The Mount Washington Auto Road is a 7.6 mi toll road in southern Coos County, New Hampshire that extends from New Hampshire Route 16 in Green's Grant.

Jock · « **Reply #93 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:53:05 PM »

Here we go…

Jock · « **Reply #94 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:53:31 PM »

The road climbs 4,618 ft from an altitude of 1,527 ft at the bottom to 6,145 ft at the top, an average gradient of 11.6%.

Jock · « **Reply #95 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:53:57 PM »

The Appalachian Trail crosses this area too.

I had a customer who sold his business and walked the entire trail starting from Georgia. What makes this unique is, he never hiked before and his age at the time of the journey. RESPECT!

Jock · « **Reply #96 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:54:31 PM »

For the weak hearted, beware there are parts of the road that are unpaved and fairly packed gravel. ~ 1.2 miles

Jock · « **Reply #97 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:55:01 PM »

The fact that there is a sign suggests that there has been this behavior in the past…My guess, hikers attempting to get back to the bottom?

Jock · « **Reply #98 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:55:25 PM »

And we made it!

Jock · « **Reply #99 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:55:52 PM »

Plenty of trails to choose from and folks taking advantage of them…

Jock · « **Reply #100 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:56:27 PM »

Sounds like a strip club name…

Jock · « **Reply #101 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:56:49 PM »

Remember that COG Railway? It’s here!

Jock · « **Reply #102 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:57:12 PM »

Jock · « **Reply #103 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:58:22 PM »

And yes you could feel every bit of it up here!

Jock · « **Reply #104 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:58:51 PM »

Time to go back down the wood hill!

Jock · « **Reply #105 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:59:21 PM »

And it would be here I made my oh chit mistake! You can’t tell it in the picture but the lean angle on the bike as I parked it was way past my strength for the day.

I had pulled over in a remote location for the image. Tried several times to pick the bike up but no luck. Just way to far for my abilities. Had to get two young men that finally showed up to assist. God Bless’em!

As my father would say, Keep Smilin’

Jock · « **Reply #106 on:** June 20, 2021, 07:59:52 PM »

The Mt. Washington Road was fun and if you are in the area, take the opportunity to go up it!

Along the route, I came across Jackson Covered Bridge also known as the Rockport Covered Bridge is located in the 'forgotten town' of Rockport.

Jock · « **Reply #107 on:** June 20, 2021, 08:00:28 PM »

One of the many Bays around this great lake area…

Jock · « **Reply #108 on:** June 20, 2021, 08:00:55 PM »

Omni Mount Washington Resort

Jock · « **Reply #109 on:** June 20, 2021, 08:32:00 PM »

It was a good day on and around Mt. Washington

JCZ · « **Reply #110 on:** June 20, 2021, 08:51:17 PM »

Beautiful! Looking forward to visiting the area.

OBB · « **Reply #111 on:** June 20, 2021, 10:13:57 PM »

Thanks for bringing back some memories. We rode there in '14. The road up and down the mountain can be interesting for sure. That gravel for a stretch was fine unless there were cars coming down that thought you only need about 18" of road on a bike. The 90* turn towards the top can be a bit unnerving depending on the fog at any given time.

Deb was fine on the back seat until we got above the tree line then she had her face buried in my left shoulder while at the same time had her right arm extended snapping pix with a point and shoot camera. Lots of weird pix and angles came off that memory card. Lol

sent using Tapatalk

mark · « **Reply #112 on:** June 21, 2021, 08:33:49 AM »

I’m taking a bike trip to New England in September and planned on riding up Mt. Washington. How bad was it navigating the mile of unpaved road on a bagger?

9 1/2 Beers · « **Reply #113 on:** June 21, 2021, 09:03:42 AM »

Beautiful Trip, i hope to ride there someday.

Thank you so much for thinking of me

Post #'s 53, 89, 22

Save travels my brather

Jock · « **Reply #114 on:** June 21, 2021, 12:17:36 PM »

Quote from: JCZ on June 20, 2021, 08:51:17 PM

Beautiful! Looking forward to visiting the area.

It's our kinda place!

Jock · « **Reply #115 on:** June 21, 2021, 12:18:20 PM »

Quote from: OBB on June 20, 2021, 10:13:57 PM

Thanks for bringing back some memories. We rode there in '14. The road up and down the mountain can be interesting for sure. That gravel for a stretch was fine unless there were cars coming down that thought you only need about 18" of road on a bike. The 90* turn towards the top can be a bit unnerving depending on the fog at any given time.

Deb was fine on the back seat until we got above the tree line then she had her face buried in my left shoulder while at the same time had her right arm extended snapping pix with a point and shoot camera. Lots of weird pix and angles came off that memory card. Lol

sent using Tapatalk

Those are the best!

Jock · « **Reply #116 on:** June 21, 2021, 12:19:22 PM »

Quote from: Mark on June 21, 2021, 08:33:49 AM

I’m taking a bike trip to New England in September and planned on riding up Mt. Washington. How bad was it navigating the mile of unpaved road on a bagger?

No issues. You will be fine.

Jock · « **Reply #117 on:** June 21, 2021, 12:19:56 PM »

Quote from: 110 Mofo on June 21, 2021, 09:03:42 AM

Beautiful Trip, i hope to ride there someday.

Thank you so much for thinking of me

Post #'s 53, 89, 22

Save travels my brather

Anything for a brother!

Now get on that bike and ride there!

Jock · « **Reply #118 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:35:03 PM »

Day Eight Just Use The Compass ~ 250 miles

So, the night before I had laid out a plan and by the morning the plan had changed. I decided to let my compass be my guide for the day and go with the flow…

Surrounded by the lakes in the am…

Jock · « **Reply #119 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:35:28 PM »

And plenty of nice lake housing and boats…

Jock · « **Reply #120 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:36:24 PM »

Tuff life…

Jock · « **Reply #121 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:37:07 PM »

Ultimately, I ended up in Maine and ate at a place I have eaten before, Bob’s Clam Hut

Jock · « **Reply #122 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:37:34 PM »

And then onto a place Neal, Sue and Steve turned me on to….YUM! If they don’t have it, you can’t eat it.

Jock · « **Reply #123 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:38:05 PM »

Bentley’s Saloon is a popular place for bikers and no exception for Bike Week! Catch the sign!

Jock · « **Reply #124 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:38:52 PM »

The place was beginning to see some action

Jock · « **Reply #125 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:39:18 PM »

Places to sit and watch

Jock · « **Reply #126 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:39:41 PM »

Few vendors

Jock · « **Reply #127 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:40:09 PM »

But today was not the day for the Pin Up Contest and it was getting’ late in the afternoon…back to the Beach

Jock · « **Reply #128 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:40:33 PM »

It’s Friday afternoon and the crowd is gatherin’ now

Jock · « **Reply #129 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:41:16 PM »

All of a sudden, the 5-0 come through…

Jock · « **Reply #130 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:41:46 PM »

A Veterans Parade! A VERY long one too!

Jock · « **Reply #131 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:42:30 PM »

And finally, a VET with a BIG SMILE on his face and having FUN!

Jock · « **Reply #132 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:42:56 PM »

The first and only one that came through….did not see very many of these oddities here.

Jock · « **Reply #133 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:43:18 PM »

Thank God the Super Heroes were in town.

Jock · « **Reply #134 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:45:47 PM »

Another thing you did not see very many of, female riders.

Jock · « **Reply #135 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:46:36 PM »

So, Sucker Punch Sally’s really sucker punched me! They claimed to have a Wet T-Shirt contest everyday at 4pm. There was not a single one during my visit! Very sad.

Jock · « **Reply #136 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:47:06 PM »

After being Sucker Punched on Friday, I decided that was enough as I was going to go to Bentley’s on Saturday. They were scheduled to have a Pin-Up Contest but I did not chance it. In addition, the weather did not look real good and it was going to be very poor on Sunday and Monday on the ride back.

With that being said, it was time to cut the trip short and say good-bye to Laconia.

Jock · « **Reply #137 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:47:35 PM »

Day Nine Laconia, NH – Roanoke Rapids, NC ~ 790 miles

Got an early start in an attempt to beat the traffic in NYC and DC! Not to mention the rain! NOT!

NYC was a mess and I weaved all over that place to get out and in the rain too! Bumper to bumper traffic all the way to DC! DC was a disaster too! Took over 3-1/2 hours going all over the place. Was using Waze and Google Maps for best routes but just crazy! Hard to make any time! Folks are just ready to travel now and they are! Didn’t they heard that COVID was still out there and to stay home! Guess Not! HA!

Jock · « **Reply #138 on:** June 23, 2021, 08:47:57 PM »

Day Ten Roanoke Rapids – Savannah, GA ~ 400 miles

More rain and the traffic in the early am was reasonable but by lunch time I-95 was a slow go. Finally made it back!

In summary, it had been a long time since I had attended Laconia Bike Week. The event is different than Daytona and Sturgis. Really different which had its advantages and disadvantages.

One matter was certain, I enjoyed the roads, the cooler weather, the lake surroundings and plenty of other things like my first trip to the Covid Café.

Glad I was blessed to take the trip. New England is a great place to ride in the summer.

Mr. Warlock · « **Reply #139 on:** June 24, 2021, 04:33:56 AM »

Great pics and narrative as always, thanks for posting all and taking us along on your trips!!!

blacktop · « **Reply #140 on:** June 24, 2021, 08:12:03 AM »

Great pics, enjoyed them immensely.

naitram · « **Reply #141 on:** June 24, 2021, 08:48:19 AM »

glad we got to see you on the ride up

08glide · « **Reply #142 on:** June 25, 2021, 11:22:25 AM »

Jock, as always, I enjoy the pics. next time you're in Va give me a shout & I can always get you on some less traveled, less traffic, routes. (OTR driver for almost 40 yrs) & could always do a meal together & even offer a place to stay.

Author Topic: 2021 Laconia Bike Week (Read 8380 times)