Spring is in Fashion at Seacoast Harley-Davidson

Recently spent the afternoon at a fashion show at Seacoast Harley-Davidson in North Hampton, New Hampshire....not the same as Hampton, NH. That might be obvious to most, but unfortunately, not for me...ended up at a vacant lot. Thank goodness for the gps.

We arrived at 2pm, the starting time of the show and were surprised to get the very last parking spot...well, had to make our own, really...banked the truck in a pile of snow.  We were also surprised to see the show had started right on time and had already begun. Not sure why I was surprised....I tend to run late and am always a tad shocked when events start without me. :-) In any event, it was standing room only at that point, and even then, space to see stage was tough... my problem, not theirs.  

 In the main showroom, the music was pumping and the runway was ready for the models.

  

The hosts/emcees of the event were employees of Seacoast, all decked out in H-D gear...proceeds for this show were going to the New England Walkers for Knockers, a group that particpates in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and has raised over $100,000 to help fight breast cancer. The group also holds a bike run out of Seacoast some time in the fall. More info can be found here:

http://www.ne-w4k.org/index.php

 

On to the show...there were models of both sexes, all ages and different sizes. Harley seems to be catering better towards women now, a bigger selection of fashionable hats, belts and boots...and after all...who does the majority of the spending?

A rider's staple, jeans are always in style...

A nice lightweight jacket, and short-sleeve shirt will be great for warm summer rides

Thigh high boots and skinny jeans are big this season and look hot...

In keeping with its location, Seacoast Harley has a nautical theme with a large sailboat hanging from its ceiling that was above the runway.

Back to the show...is this a typical married couple, or what? She wants to hold hands and he is ignoring her...hmmmm...I think it was more because his real wife was in the audience, but not sure.

New from H-D this season is their 'Pink Collection'. Pretty in pink and ultra-feminine. Portion of the proceeds are donated to Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization, which provides support to breast cancer patients. http://www.y-me.org/

Something for the ladies...

Think it worked for her.

That was a tough act to follow but this guy pulled it off nicely with a new short-sleeve button up for warmer weather.

After the show, the store was crowded with shoppers, even got myself a lil something. Well, a $50 lil something...Harley clothing, though I love it, is ridiculously overpriced. Captive audience, I suppose.

In addition to the fashion show, Texas Roadhouse was on site serving up some tasty BBQ.

Seacoast H-D is a great dealership. Bikes are on the top floor, which was also busy on this day. I hope people were buying bikes...get the economy pumping.

Though it was a winter day, it was sunny and a bit mild...and mild for us New Englanders is 30/40 degrees, so several road their bikes to the show.

Seacoast H-D also runs the store in Rochester, NH and has recently acquired the Boston H-D. Looking forward to exciting things from this dealer.

Contact Info:

Seacoast Harley-Davidson
17 Lafayette Road
North Hampton, NH 03862
Phone: 603-964-9959

2010 Season in Review

The days are getting pretty chilly in New England and looks like the number of days to ride are coming to a close...for me anyway.  Some friends went out yesterday when the temperature was around 40 degrees...brrrrrrrr. Some day I will have the proper gear and will join, but for now, I will be content reminiscing about the fun riding season I had.

The season was a beauty. Days were warm, with little rain and not many were stifling with heat and humidity. We took full advantage and spent our time riding through New England. We were fortunate to visit many places within Vermont, Maine, RI, NH and Mass. Hmmm...seemed to have left out Connecticut...we're coming to you next year, my little Nutmeg state.



We spent a lot of time in New Hampshire, including taking a week-long vacation in a cabin along the shores of Lake Winnepausakee. We drove around the lake many times and stopped at several bars and restaurants, a few of which I have already reviewed on this blog.

Covered bridges are not just for Vermont! Many are found around the beautiful state of New Hampshire.

Enjoyed several picnics at the many free state parks located throughout New England.  Purgatory Chasm in Sutton, Masschusetts, pictured below, is our go-to for quick picnics but we discovered Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island, with a little help from our friends. It is truly a wonderful spot to take the bikes.

One of my favorite weekends this past summer was visiting Southern Maine. We drove along the coast, ate fresh seafood (well, I did anyway) and took in some wonderful sights.  The Bush Compound in Kennebunk is a popular stop. If you are lucky (or some may say 'unlucky'), you may just bump in to one of the Bush's in a local restaurant. Our friends dined right next to President Bush, Sr. and his wife, Barbara. 

The weather cooperated so we chose to extend the trip and drive over to Laconia for a stop at one of our favorite bars. Along the way, we came across the Hawg's Pen and stopped in for a quick beverage.  A longer visit is on our to-do list for next year. It's a cool place.

And you can't ride through Laconia without a stop at the Broken Spoke, can you?

We also participated in a few charity rides.  I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie and spirit involved in tagging along on a poker run or a charity ride. Bikers are very generous and what a way to give back...doing something you love and helping out those less fortunate. Looking forward to participating in more rides next year.

A new destination for me, on the bike, is Bristol, Rhode Island. Many waterfront restaurants with beautiful views, outdoor seating and delicious food. A winter visit might be in order this year...don't think I can wait til the weather warms.

It's been a great summer, lots of riding and great times with good friends. Sad the season is just about over....road trip anyone?

Hawg Hangout in NH not far from Maine line

Stopped here on an early Sunday afternoon, on our way from Wells, Maine to Laconia. Hawg's Pen Cafe is located in Farmington , NH on Route 11, next door to a motorcycle parts and accessories store.

Although Route 11 is heavily traveled, we found the Hawg's Pen easy to get in and out of. Building is on its own lot with a large paved parking area and plenty of rooms for bikes.








We arrived on a Sunday afternoon...probably around 12:30pm. There were already plenty of bikes in the parking lot, several people inside and a band playing on the outdoor patio. Apparently, we had just missed a weekly Prime Rib Sunday Breakfast...bummer. Menu looks good, subs, sandwiches and salads, all for under $10.

Stopped at the bar for a quick beer...bar tender was super friendly.







You can see from this pic, there was plenty of activity for a Sunday afternoon.








Inside the bar is a full bar, it has eating area with booths, a separate room with two pool tables and high tops with stools. It's very roomy and bathrooms were clean.




Outside, there is another bar, a pretty cool looking firepit...old school...a stage for local performances and a large fenced in, covered area with a few tables and some benches along the fence for viewing activity in parking lot.



Would love to head back here during bike week - bet it would be lots of fun! But we definitely recommend visiting during other times. Fun place. And remember to be quiet when leaving...signs all over the place...assume a lot of police activity in the area.


Contact Info:
Haw's Pen Cafe
1114 NH Rte 11
Farmington, NH
603-755-3333
http://www.hawgspen.com/

Horny Girl Scout Anyone?

Mind out of the gutter...talking about specialty shot #25 out of sixty offered at the Looney Bin Bar & Grille in Laconia/Weirs Beach.

Located directly across from FunSpot, the Looney Bin, Laconia is a popular stop for bikers cruising the lakes region. It is a bit small inside, may even have to wait to get in during bike week, but there was plenty of room and hospitality during our July trip to the mountains.


Our recent visit found us intrigued with the list of specialty drink shots - list shown below. With names such as 'Moose Fart' and 'Bong Water', it is hard to believe but true that all are real shots pulled from the bartenders mixing guide. Anyone that tries 50 out of the 60 shots will receive a sweatshirt and a special mention on the property website. Not to worry...no one is leaving the bar having done 50 shots! Each visit, patrons are allowed a maximum of five shots and possibly less, at bartenders discretion. There is a card system used to keep track of shots and the duration of the promotion appears to be unlimited. The day we started our shots card, the bartender said it took him five years to fill his up. Basically, it amounts to a $250 sweatshirt as shots are $5 each, but it is fun and who doesn't love a bit of competition among friends. Only managed to knock off three while I was there but my card is filed away with them for my next visit to Laconia.

For those not interested in shots or hard liquor, the Looney Bin, Laconia has a wide selection of draft on tap, as well as a large selection of bottled beers. Food is very reasonably priced with everything under $10. Menu consists mainly of sandwiches, subs and appetizers. They offer many specials throughout the week, which can be found on their website. Currently, they are offering half-price appetizers on Wednesdays. Chicken wings, chicken fingers for less than $4 bucks...can't beat it.
















During warmer months, the outdoor patio is open. Has a few picnic tables and I think an area for smokers.



The Looney Bin, Laconia has easy access, directly off Route 3. Parking is paved and plentiful with an area directly outside the windows for bike parking. Hours are a bit uncertain - we were told if there were less than 5 guests they would close early, which is understandable, so calling ahead is recommended if you are heading there near closing time: 9pm on weekdays and 11pm on weeknights. They will also stay later if they are busy.

Contact Info:
The Looney Bin Bar & Grille
Route 3
Weirs Beach, NH
603-366-2300
http://looneybinbar.com/

FriendlyFind Bar Recommendation for Laconia Bike Week

LACONIA IS HERE...Don't miss the Broken Spoke..it's where it all happens!

Broken Spoke Laconia is THE place to hang during bike week. Sexy waitresses in barely-there outfits, hunky men fixin' drinks and posing for pics for the ladies...yeah!

Large crowds, lots of contests. loud bikes, plenty of vendors, ice-cold beer and plenty of good ol rock 'n roll at the Broken Spoke Laconia. Fun place.

On our way....


Broken Spoke Laconia
http://www.brokenspokesaloon.com/laconia.php
1072 Watson Road
Laconia, NH 03246-1738
(603) 366-5511

Laconia Bike Week June 12 - 20 '10

Each Spring, bikers from all over head to the New Hampshire mountains to experience the thrill of riding with their biker brothers and sisters through the scenic country roads that wind along the 69 mile Lake Winnepesaukee loop. It's the daddy of all Bike Weeks and this year Laconia is celebrating it's 87th anniversary.

The week is filled with charity runs, swap meets, bike blessings, cookouts and plenty of opportunities to mingle with fellow bikers. Local businesses and restaurants are strong supporters of bike week and invite riders in to their establishments with 'Bikers Welcome' signs.
Our favorite Biker Friendly Find and where it all happens is the Broken Spoke Saloon...live music, cold beer and good food...crowds are large and can get crazy but it makes for great people watching.

One of the best parts of bike week is checking out all the other bikes. All colors, makes and models are present, and owners proudly stand by happy to talk about their ride and what makes it special. Walking through the miles of massive of amounts of shiny chrome and painted metal, the age-old question comes to mind...does size really matter? Hmmm....

Of course, bike week would not be complete without the bevvy of beauties behind the bars...


Weather is always a hit or miss in New England in June. One year, it was about 100 and humid...nothing like sitting in stalled traffic with jeans and leather boots, felt like I was driving through hell....okay, might have been a bit hungover too, which certainly didn't help. Another year, poured on us...buckets....but being hardy New Englanders we carried on...little rain never hurt.


Best time to go? We have yet to make it during the week. I hear it is a lot better, less crowds, stalls are easier to get to and roads are not as crowded.

Maybe we'll try a weekday this year.....see you there?

FriendlyFind Restaurant Recommendation for Laconia

Leaves are sprouting, flowers are blooming and the weather is warming...where do many New England biker's thoughts turn? Laconia Bike Week, of course. Held each year in June, bikers from all over head to the mountains for a kick-ass time along the shores of Lake Winnepesaukee. While most of the action is centered in the Weirs, veterans of Laconia Bike Week know that the best part is cruising the 69 mile loop around the lake. This scenic ride winds through quaint mountain villages and offers windy, smooth pavement for optimum riding pleasure.

Located in Melvin Village, Pine Cone Cafe Tuftonboro is about 25 miles away from the Weirs. It's just about half way around the lake and makes for a convenient meeting place and quick stop for a drink or bite to eat.

On our last trip, the rustic mountain decor with knotty pine boards and crackling fireplace at the Pine Cone Cafe Tuftonboro was a warm respite from the sudden down pours. Bar tender was very friendly, sandwiches were filling and other guests were welcoming. We were very happy to find this local, biker-friendly place and would certainly recommend it. Pine Cone Cafe Tuftonboro also has some rooms to rent, with parking for bikes directly outside bedroom doors.


Contact details:
Pine Cone Cafe
427 Route 109
Melvin Village, NH
603-544-3800