Motorcycle USA traveled to Laconia Motorcycle Week for its 90th anniversary with great expectations. It’s the oldest motorcycle rally in America. While record numbers were anticipated, attendance was down compared to last year’s event due to the bad weather. But there was still plenty of fun at this year’s rally for those that braved the inclement weather.

One positive affect of the less-than-expected attendance numbers was the fact that rally goers apparently were on their best behavior. The Laconia Daily Sun reported that there were only 51 arrests at this year’s rally with the majority of those being cases of public intoxication.Traffic accidents seemed far and few between too.

Sponsored by the US Classic Racing Association, the vintage motorcycle race was a blast to watch with rustic racers dashing around New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The next day the heavens opened up and rain poured down but it didn’t stop us from riding a motorcycle in the rain to visit the Mustang Seats and tour the factory.

Mid-week was scheduled for the annual hill climbs, which is always one of the biggest events of the rally.

We started Thursday off with a little riding around Lake Winnepesaukee. Most rally events center on the lake that seems to be around every corner. Our ride ended at Weirs Beach and the Lobster Pound, where we stopped by to check out the action at the biker build-off.

And even though a slight drizzle was coming down the day of the annual Nazkini Contest, the girls braved the elements for a chance to walk home with a share of the prize money.

The day we left the 90th anniversary Laconia Motorcycle Week was the warmest, clearest day yet. But we still enjoyed the glorious sunshine on our 350-mile ride back to Lebanon, New Jersey, to return the Victory Cross Country Tour to the guys at Rollin’ Fast.

Even though the 90th fell short in attendance numbers, it meant less congestion for those who did attend, and the chance to ride around New Hampshire’s White Mountains is always a treat.