Page 49 - Laconia Rally News 2020

RIDE TO THE SKY ON THE LEGENDARY MT. WASHINGTON AUTO ROAD!
The good news is that today’s motorcyclists can take all the time they want to enjoy the views on the way up— and with 99 turns there are plenty of views to take in! There are also a lot of potential weather conditions to experience as the road cruises through four climate zones from base to summit. At more than a mile in the sky (6,288 feet to be exact), it is best to be prepared for anything—as Mark Twain once said, “If you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a minute”.
Ride your motorcycle to the summit any day of the week (weather permitting)! Note: The conditions on the Auto Road may vary greatly from the conditions in Laconia – call before you ride!
Motorcyclists (and cars!) are welcome daily, all sea- son long (weather permitting), and if you’d rather leave your bike at the base, there is also a shuttle that takes visitors to the top!
The most spectacular eight miles of riding in the state can be found in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on the Mt. Washington Auto Road. This amazing ride to the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast will reveal views that have to be seen to be believed.
Join your fellow two-wheeled adventurers for what has become a kind of informal “rolling rally” on the road to the highpoint of New England. From there, spread out before you will be the Presidential Range in all its glory, along with views of five states and Canada, with the Atlantic Ocean on the horizon — unless you’re riding “among the clouds” which is an exhilarating experience in itself! Either way, you can proudly claim your bumper sticker, letting the world know that “THIS BIKE CLIMBED MT. WASHINGTON”.
When America’s first man-made attraction opened in 1861, it was known as the Mt. Washington Carriage Road and it would be 50 years before the change from real horsepower to machine made horsepower would take place.
The Mt. Washington Auto Road will be open daily from 8:00–5pm for regular operations and guided tours throughout Laconia Motorcycle Week. The cost for motorcycle and operator is $20; each additional adult is $10. Guided tours are $39 for adults and $34 for 62+ and Military. Breakfast or lunch (with the best views in New Hampshire!) can also be found at the Glen View Café at the Auto Road base lodge. Saturday, June 20th is the NEDD Mt. Washington Road Race. The Auto Road will only be open from 1:30-6pm on this day.
The first motorcycles to make the climb did so in 1905 during the second “Climb to the Clouds” race. Records show that an Indian motorcycle, driven by F.T. Kellogg set the speed record at 20 minutes
For info, contact them at (603) 466-3988 or online at
59.2 seconds, narrowly missing taking the overall speed record to Bill Hilliard, who raced his Napier to the top in 20 minutes, 58.4 seconds.
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Steel Hawk NYRC at the summit!
Loving her first ride up the mountain!
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No Small Feat!
Photo Courtesy: Nicholas Troy Photo Courtesy: Celine MacDonald
Photo Courtesy: Rhianon Wyattn
Photo Courtesy: Dave Knestrick, Jr.