I am a new rider and thinking about taking my 05 Standard to bike week in Laconia. I have selected Laconia because my wifes family lives there so I have a place to stay. The down side is I don't have a lot of vacation time built up so spending the week is out of the question. It looks more like a long weekend. I live in the DC area and thought that I could maximize my weekend by having my bike shipped up. Can anyone share there shipping stories with me? I have received estimates of 600 dollars round trip. It seems a little pricey so I am interested in alternatives. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

As much as I like Laconia as a day trip, trying to make a long weekend out of it from DC is not something I'd do, especially for that amont of money.

New Hampshire has some great riding, but Laconia is the worlds largest MC traffic jam and Tee shirt sale.

Sitting in traffic there for miles in the heat is a blast. Gotta keep the bikes shut down because they will overheat.
The one and only time my water cooled jap bikes hot light came on was in Laconia.

you'd be better off driving up and walking around than trying to gamble on the weather. NH weather is unpredictable, at best.

This is typical Laconia traffic... stop and wait..move 5 feet... stop wait...

 

I like to go the first weekend or the early part of the week. There are less crowds and you can walk around as well as find a parking spot. The traffic is at a minimum and you can still have as much fun. I got caught in the rain only once. Last year it rained from tuesday on so as luck would have it I was there the "good" weekend.

Here are a few pics from last year ... I will try to keep it to a minimum but if you want to see more, just let me know.

 

More pic's are always good,lol

Nice pic's, I didnt make it last year I had just bought my EG and really wasn't to comfortable in traffic with it,it's been about 15yrs since i've been to laconia(no bike) but i'm planning on making the short trip there this year.

 

I have always loved goi to laconia. i love the area. traffic jams are a part of bike rallies

 

Thanks for the feedback. I think I will wait until April to decide if I am going. All other thoughts are helpful.

 

I agree with Springer. The first weekend and first part of the week are best if you want to avoid traffic. I live on the other side of the lake from Laconia, about 45 minutes away, so I frequent Laconia that week. It sure is nice to be able to ride over and then back home.
$600 sounds reasonable to have your bike shipped. But, I would think you can drive up from DC in a day.

YB

 

Shipping is good if you can find some one trustworthy. try U-Ship.com. That is how I shipped my bike from Ill to NH. Cost me $550. Some companies are shipping just for bike week and running deals.

 

Thanks for the info to everyone that posted. I think since I am short on time I may look at another event in 07.