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History of Laconia Motorcycle Week | 1946 – 1966

1946

Gypsy Tours Top the Sports Program for Motorcycling Enthusiasts (from Indian Motorcycle News, May-June, 1946 issue)

The fun and excitement … awaits motorcycle riders at Gypsy Tours all over the country….for motorcycle fans this Gypsy Tour proposition is no mere rumor…it’s the real thing. Take that event up at Laconia, New Hampshire, being planned by the New England Dealers’ Association on June 22 and 23. It’s another of those big two-day motorcycle programs dropped right in the middle of one of Nature’s real beauty spots.

Laconia could be typical of one phase of outdoor America, with an endless variety of scenic views, picturesque lowlands, ragged mountains, and inviting lakes. It’s ideal motorcycle travel country. Well-kept main roads help one cover the miles, and there are plenty of those winding, interesting roads so enjoyable on a motorcycle, where you can “bend” into a turn and come sweeping out of it to see a new panorama unfolded before you. Paugus Bay, part of Lake Winnipesaukee, sweeps up to the back door of Laconia, and from innumerable cottages around the lake there is swimming, boating, fishing, and the other tourist pleasures, such as the boardwalks at the Weirs, to lure the visitor.

Right in the middle of this setting we find a big banner, “A.M.A. Registration Booth”, being set up. The purr of an occasional motor builds up to the sound of hundreds as motorcyclists begin to arrive.

After registration, the tour calls for a field day at the Belknap Recreation Area. Field events on motorcycles and on foot, shoe scrambles, potato-grabbing contests for guys and gals, plank riding events, and stake races for the participating sportsmen, and all to the amusement of the crowd.

Saturday night, the big dance at the new Recreation Building, and awarding of trophies for the best dressed gal and the best dressed boy motorcyclist, to the girl and the boy riding a motorcycle the longest distance to attend the Tour, and to the best dressed club.

The competition riders have their meeting where final arrangements for the Championship Race are gone over, rules explained, and the all-important starting positions drawn. And at all times the echo of husky motorcycle engines bringing new riders into town, riders going here, going there, coming back, meeting old friends, and looking up the rest of the gang. It hardly ever quiets down.

Then Sunday! Some of the early birds out at the Belknap Area race course setting up their pits, taking a few laps just to get the “feel”, and checking the gear ratio and those vital brakes.

This year promises to be the biggest and best Gypsy Tour season of all, with all the gang just itching for action. More competition and bigger prizes to shoot for seems to be the keynote, and the New England event is right in line with a lusty purse of $2,5000 for the racing motorcyclist. There’s a 100-mile National Championship Road Race for Expert Riders, and for the new rider who feels he can whip his bike through the turns, up the straightaway and around the sweeping bend, and down the Belknap Hill just a little better than his buddy, there is a 25-mile Novice event in which he can win his spurs.

…And now to give that booklet about New Hampshire a good looking over. If you don’t mind a suggestion, drop a post card to the New Hampshire State Planning and Development commission, and ask them to send you a copy of the booklet and a map. You’ll be letting yourself in for the time of your life!

Captain’s Report for 1946 Gypsy Tour. The image has been edited and condensed from the original two-page form.

1947

The article below, from the May/June 1947 issue of Indian Motorcycle News, is titled “Red Letter Days for Cyclists in ’47”. As the article notes, “Each year the motorcycling calendar has seen more and more important events being scheduled, and the old standbys increasing in scope and appeal…’Where to Go’ is no longer the cyclists’ question – it’s ‘Which one will we go to’!…The increasing popularity of motorcycle events can be attributed to the interesting and varied tours planned by clubs and dealer groups, and to the exciting professional motorcycle race shows which have attracted ever increasing crowds of spectators…The New England Tour, on June 21 and 22, more familiarly known as ‘Laconia’…is famed for its vacation attractions, such as mountains, lakes and rivers, with their respective sport possibilities, and you can always find something to do. Just riding your cycle around the excellent roads in the Laconia country is a treat that will give you a wonderful store of memories.”

1948

The May, 1959 issue of New England Cycle Sport described the aerial photo on its cover as “The World Famous One Mile Road Course at the Belknap Recreation Area, Laconia, NH, scene of the 1959 Gypsy Tour.” The Band Stand is in the lower left of the photo, at one of the two “hairpin” corners of the race course. Photo by Norm Brady. The 1948 official program shows the course in the opposite orientation of the photo.

A pin and a ribbon

1949

Below is an article from the May, 1949 issue of American Motorcycling, describing the Gypsy Tour. It is interesting to note how the Tour evolved in the 30 years from the 1919 concept (see above), while still retaining many of its original characteristics. The article also included a page of photos with captions as follows: “Summertime gypsy tours usually begin with an organized road run from the city to the country — that is, from the point where the riders first gather to the spot chosen for the day’s activities. The usual road run is 75 miles long, and may cover scenic territory…Rules of formation are observed on the run.” After arriving at the spot, “Club parades feature flying banners and flags as clubs and solo riders enter the rally area. Then everyone lines up for the uniformed club contest. Also popular are neatest appearing rider contests and awards for cleanest motors. Then games include the plank ride, slow race, backwards push, stop or lose race. Refreshments, picnic style, top the day.”

1950

A July, 1950 article in Motorcycling Digest described the 1950 N.E. Gypsy Tour as the greatest in the United States. It was the “biggest such event held anywhere in the United States…Registrations at the AMA booth at the Belknap Recreation Area prove this…this NEMDA-sponsored big undertaking attracted a larger number of motorcyclists than any other tour in the United States or Canada.”

Governor’s message, 1950.

1951

Vol. 16, No. 8, May issue of the Motorcycling Digest, the “Official Organ of the New England Motorcycle Dealers’ Association.”

A pin

A press pass ribbon. It reads: 31st Annual N.E. Gypsy Tour and 100-Mile National Championship Motorcycle Road Race, Laconia-Gilford N.H. June 15-16-17, 1951

Head for Laconia! Scenic New Hampshire has everything you want for a swell vacation, and Laconia’s races and Gypsy Tour are TOPS. Article from a 1951 issue of American Motorcyclng.

1952

Vol. 17, No. 2, May issue of the Motorcycling Digest.

Not the official guidebook but a great cover nonetheless. The article on Laconia was titled “Cycle Vacationland Calls Throttle Twisters”.

A decal

A decal

A Harley-Davidson pennant

A list of Gypsy Tours in 1952, from the May 1952 issue of American Motorcycling, see cover above. The Black Hills Classic in Sturgis, which eventually became the largest Motorcycle rally in the USA, overtaking the Laconia rally in the 1970’s-1980’s, started in 1938 as a Gypsy Tour, 22 years after Laconia’s first Gypsy Tour. The second largest USA rally, in Daytona, which began in 1937, was always associated with racing, not a Gypsy Tour. Laconia is now the third largest rally in the USA.

Article – New England Riders Flock to Laconia

Get Set For Laconia. Article from a 1952 issue of American Motorcycling.

1953

Note: There is some disagreement between the cover of the official program and the Mayor’s proclamation on page 1 of the program whether the 1953 event lasted for just the three days of June 19-21, or for the whole week of June 15-21. The 1953 guidebook listed only 3 days of official events, but clearly, the city of Laconia sought to entice Motorcycle visitors to stay over for the whole week.

For The Time Of Your Life…. SEE LACONIA. Article from a 1953 issue of American Motorcyling.

Post-event article for the 1953 rally. “Record Crowds Witness LACONIA CLASSIC”.

A 3rd place ribbon

1954

A decal

A pennant

How To Get More Enjoyments From Your Motorcycle. Instructional booklet published by Harley-Davidson, mid-1950s.

The booklet detailed numerous games and activities over its 12-page length. Many of these games took place during the Gypsy Tours of the 1950s. To read the entire booklet, click here.

1955

In the foreword of the 1955 program, Fritzie Baer boasted, “There is no doubt in the minds of any motorcycle rider in the United States that Laconia today is synomonous with the greatest Gypsy Tour and motorcycle race to be held anyplace in the country.” Unlike today’s racing, limited only to professionals, Fritzie pointed out that “…This is a beautiful set up whereby the racing fraternity from the novice rider through the amateur and into the expert class all have an opportunity of racing on this world famous mountain track.”

Note: Once again, there was some disagreement between the cover of the official program and the Mayor’s proclamation on page 1 of the program whether the 1955 event lasted for just the three days of June 17-19, or for the whole week of June 13-19. We will go with the Mayor’s proclamation! Actually, the official guidebook tended to list only the days when actual racing was going on, even though the festivities stretched over a whole week. (In 1959, and then again in 1960, the Mayor’s official proclamation and the cover finally agreed.)

A 1955 poster.

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

Some color photos from the 1955-1956 events.

Gypsy Tour Time, 1955

LACONIA Motorcyclist’s Paradise All Set For Curtain Raiser – June 17. Article from 1955 issue of American Motorcycling.

1956

In 1956, at a cost of $16,000, the five-sided race course at Belknap was newly paved, thus providing the nationally known motorcycle racers and the AMA “a track that has no equal in the United States” -Fritzie Baer

Tour Time – Rally Round, 1956

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

A poster

Rally at Laconia June 15-17 Greater Than Ever! Article from a 1956 issue of American Motorcycling.

1957

The 1957 program featured on its front cover a poster child for the March of Dimes charity. The charity’s purpose was to raise money for polio research and to care for those suffering from the disease. The organizers of the 1957 rally hoped to raise a “Mile of Dimes”, equal to $7,392, for the charity. Even today, many charities raise funds during Motorcycle Week.

An interesting photo from this 1957 program shows a five foot chain link fence seperating spectators from racers. This, the only safety barrier between the crowds and the high speed motorcycle racing, was expanded prior to the 1957 race to extend around the entire race course, leading Fritzie Baer to exclaim, “Laconia again leads the United States in its safety precaution.”

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

A pennant

A poster

A clasp

A Harley Davidson ashtray

Vol. 22, No. 2, April 1957 issue of the Motorcycling Digest. “Gypsy Tour at Laconia Runs Solid Week in June…the greatest motorcycle show on earth…with the greatest gathering of uniform clubs ever congregated at one time…where over 100 marvelous trophies will be presented…”. Events included drags, hill climbs, and scrambles, and even non-motorcycle-related events like canoe tilting and amateur theatrical contests.

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

Laconia Plans All Set For 7 In ’57. Seven Full Days of Sparkling Activity At This Year’s Laconia — June 17-23 The Most Elaborate Cycling Reunion Ever. Article from a 1957 issue of American Motorcycling.

1958

All Roads Lead to Laconia – Cover page and article from the Enthusiast

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

A clasp

An interesting photo from the 1958 program shows hill climbers at the bottom of the Phelps ski slope. Most hill climbs have been held on the far more challenging 60 meter ski jump hill. There were no hill climbs from 1963-1992. From 1993-2006, hill climbs were held at the ski jump hill. In 2007-2008, the hill climbs were once again held at the Phelps slope. They were not successful there and were discontinued. In recent years the hill climbs have been held in Canaan, NH, about a 40 mile drive from Laconia.

Pennants

Laconia Week Marks 20th Anniversary. Article from 1958 issue of American Motorcycling. The writer is referring to the 20 years since the inaugural race in September of 1938 at the Belknap Recreation Area. However, since there were no races during the WWII years from 1942-1945, this would have actually been only the 17th race being held.

1959

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

A poster

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

The 1959 pennant came in three colors, perhaps more

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant
1955 Gypsy Tour pennant
1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

39th Annual New England Rally At Laconia Offers Full Program. Article from a 1959 issue of American Motorcycling.

1960

Not the official guidebook but a great cover nonetheless

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant
1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

Harley Davidson Motorcycle Drill Team Cycle Kings vs Belknap Rangers, at Weirs Beach. A dressing contest was always part of the schedule of events during the Rally’s earlier years. A 1940 article noted that “It’s the uniformed clubs that get the admiring glances and favorable comment as they swing down street and highway.”

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant
1955 Gypsy Tour pennant
1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

Note: an “auxiliary” is a term that has fallen out of favor in contemporary times. An auxiliary was an all-woman’s sub-group that was associated with an all-men’s main group.

Above, an undated photo, probably from the early 1950’s, showing a well-dressed motorcycle club parked on the boardwalk just outside of Irwin’s Winnipesaukee Gardens in Weirs Beach. Fritzie Baer is seen shaking the hand of a member of the club. A similar photo could not be taken today, as motorcycles are not allowed on the boardwalk.

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

A pennant

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

Promo cards

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant
1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

Laconia Calling. Article from a 1960 issue of American Motorcycling.

1960 First-place ribbon.

1961

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

Not the official guidebook but a great cover nonetheless

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant
1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

A pennant

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

41st Annual New England Tour and Rally. Article from a 1961 issue of American Motorcycling.

Letters from the Laconia Mayor, NH Governor, and Chamber President, in the 1961 issue.

so Put Your Best Wheel Forward. Photo of the planners of the 1961 rally.

1962

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant
1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

With the term Gypsy Tour falling out of official favor in the early 1960’s, this pennant, probably dating from around 1962, renames the rally as the New England Motorcycle Tour. Article below from a 1962 issue of American Motorcycling.

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

1963

Despite this being the 43rd annual rally, rally organizers called this year the Silver Anniversary, as it had been 25 years since the first National Championship road race had been held at Belknap, in 1938. However, since no racing had occurred for the four years of World War II (from 1942-1945), this was actually the 22nd edition of the race.

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

Visit Laconia June 18 to 23. Cover of American Motorcycling, June, 1963 issue.

1963 Laconia Tour and Rally Silver Anniversary. Article from the same issue.

Article from the May, 1963 issue of the Motorcycle Enthusiast, “Let’s Go To Laconia!”

1964 – 1966

Apparently, in 1964, there was no motorcycle rally, at least from an official point of view. There was definitely no motorcycle race. The 1963 guide, above, was for the 43rd annual tour, while the 1965 guide, below, was for the 44th annual tour. Perhaps the reason was the lack of a race course.

Racing had begun in 1938 at the Belknap Recreation Area with a 200-mile course. From 1939-1963, a 100-mile National Championship road race was held every year at Belknap (except during the war years from 1942-1945, when racing was suspended.) In 1965, the first motorcycle race at the Bryar Motorsports Park in Loudon, NH took place. Racing has continued at this location until the present day. In 1990, when the old Bryar racetrack was replaced by the New Hampshire International Speedway, the first professional race held at the newly opened facility was the 67th Annual Loudon Classic, held on June 17 of that year. On November 2, 2007 the track was purchased by Speedway Motorsports Inc. and renamed the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The Loudon Classic now occurs on the first Sunday of Motorcycle Week.

Little did the rally organizers know what was in store for them during 1965, the year of the infamous Weirs Beach riot. Or perhaps they did. Anticipating trouble that year, a week before the rally, two state laws were enacted. One allowed police to arrest riders loitering in groups of 3 or more, while another provided for fines up to $1000 and imprisonment up to 3 years for persons who led a disturbance or caused property damage during a riot. Also, a contingent of 200 National Guardsmen were stationed nearby the downtown Weirs Beach area. This set the stage for such a tinderbox atmosphere that perhaps the 1965 riot was inevitable.

In the UPI file photo below, dated 6/20/1965, “Laconia Police and NH State Troopers, wearing steel riot helmets and gas masks, escort arrested rioters to trucks as some 2,000 motorcycle drag race fans threw rocks, burned cars and damaged buildings during night of rioting in this resort area 6/19. More than 100 persons were arrested and more than 60 persons were treated at hospitals.”

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

The year following the riot, in 1966, the webmaster remembers there were so many National Guardsmen and so much military equipment concentrated in Weirs Beach that the area seemed like a closed military zone. In addition, on June 6, 1966, the Laconia city council passed an ordinance prohibiting drinking in public. The ordinance stated that “No person shall drink any alcoholic beverage….on any public street, or public highway, public sidewalk, municipal parking lot, or municipal park within the limits of the City of Laconia.” To get the idea across, the City made up a poster, and posted them all over downtown Weirs Beach.

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

Predictably, this killed the celebratory atmosphere that year, and the rally began a long, slow decline. (One immediate change was that the rally was cut back in duration, from an event that lasted a week, to a weekend event, hence the term “Motorcycle Weekend”.) In 1975, a law banned camping along Route 106, the highway which led to the Loudon race track, and racing was cancelled that year. In 1981, a “mini-riot” occurred, led entirely by local youths, which was handled easily by the local police.

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

Bumper sticker (year unknown) for a “Laconia 100 Mile National” race at Bryar Motorsport Park.

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

Postcard titled “Air View Bryar Motor Sport Park” (year and event unknown)

1955 Gypsy Tour pennant

The new Bryar Motorsports Park race course layout.

Laconia 1965. Article from the May, 1965 issue of American Motorcycling.