Bike Week 2020 - Opening Scene

[XCR-700]

Originally Posted by Hillcountry

Yup...now a “boutique” event for families and T-shirt buyers...gone are the crazy days of Laconia...and I’ll never call it “bike week” as it was always simply, Laconia...and that’s okay because I experienced it from a commandeered camp alongside 106 and will cherish the memories, good and bad.

Sorry I had to laugh; never did I think I would hear Laconia Bike week called "Boutique" but you are probably right about your description by comparison to what we had 25+ years ago.

[TiltonBB]

The State Liquor Commission and the city of Laconia enacted strict guidelines for establishments serving liquor with heavy enforcement planned during Bike Week. They had meetings with local business owners and warned them of the consequences if there were any violations.

There is the threat of loss of the liquor license and a cost of many thousand dollars to get it back if there is a violation.

Because there will be no beer tents and no vendors the only place left that may have been a gathering spot is The Broken Spoke. With the overwhelming scrutiny of authorities in mind the Broken Spoke will close for Bike Week rather than risk being cited for a violation.

So, I guess any bikers that do show up will pass through without hitting the brakes. Too bad, the revenue for businesses and the meals taxes would have helped the cause.

Live Free or Die?

[Descant]

In the past, Laconia used revenue from vendor licenses to offset police overtime and other expenses. Now they've given up the revenue and promise strict enforcement of harder to enforce rules. Now, the people who made August reservations will find lots of closed restaurants, and people hanging around with "nothing to do". A perfect set-up for the city council to eliminate Bike Week 2021, which is what they have really wanted for many, many years.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Descant

In the past, Laconia used revenue from vendor licenses to offset police overtime and other expenses. Now they've given up the revenue and promise strict enforcement of harder to enforce rules. Now, the people who made August reservations will find lots of closed restaurants, and people hanging around with "nothing to do". A perfect set-up for the city council to eliminate Bike Week 2021, which is what they have really wanted for many, many years.

I don't believe that the majority of the City Council wants to eliminate Bike Week. They are aware that the early season cash infusion helps many Weirs area businesses get through the summer.

In a traditional year, the June Bike Week patrons fill motels and restaurants when many businesses need the revenue badly. As Bike Week attendance has declined over the past 15 years the impact on full time residents has declined substantially. The positives such as increased rooms and meal taxes and all of the money that comes in to the area and the whole state during Bike Week help the economic picture.

[SAMIAM]

Let's see....no beer tents,no bands,no concessions,no events such as hill climb etc.
Add enhanced enforcement which allows inspectors to close down a business,impose a $1,000 fine or even enter your home unannounced for such violations as standing at a bar or not wearing face masks.
Should be interesting

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Let's see....no beer tents,no bands,no concessions,no events such as hill climb etc.
Add enhanced enforcement which allows inspectors to close down a business,impose a $1,000 fine or even enter your home unannounced for such violations as standing at a bar or not wearing face masks.
Should be interesting

I agreed they're likely headed for a downer of a party, and that this could reduce attendance in the future. But why do you say an inspector could "enter your home unannounced for...standing at a bar or not wearing face masks."?

[SAMIAM]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

I agreed they're likely headed for a downer of a party, and that this could reduce attendance in the future. But why do you say an inspector could "enter your home unannounced for...standing at a bar or not wearing face masks."?

Emergency order from Gov Sununu....giving health officials,local and state police as well as NHLC agents power to fine violators or even close them for serious violation

https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/...y-order-65.pdf

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by SAMIAM

Emergency order from Gov Sununu....giving health officials,local and state police as well as NHLC agents power to fine violators or even close them for serious violation

https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/...y-order-65.pdf

Thanks. I see, it's not masks at the bar that relates to homes.

As I read it--if you have a party for 100 people at your house, and it does not appear that people are socially distanced, they can shut you down. Sadly, that seems appropriate to me. Similar to loud music at 2am

[VitaBene]

They effectively cancelled bike week without saying it. Spoke and Bob House closed for the week. Roads will be clear for riding.

[Newbiesaukee]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

They effectively cancelled bike week without saying it. Spoke and Bob House closed for the week. Roads will be clear for riding.

It’s a little like politics used to be...if no one is happy with the legislation, then it probably hit the “sweet spot.”

[Formula260SS]

My crew and I are happy to ride all day and relax on the Island with the BBQ going. Maybe a dinner by boat incognito with shorts and sandals, we'll call it undercover bike week. For us it's more about getting some riding in and enjoying some time away from the grind.