12th Annual New England VROC Rally

Laconia Bike week was upon us once again. Against all odds, the weather looked to be great. A group of us arrived on Wednesday to set up the Kaw Pasture (Lazy River Campground--Epsom, NH). The weather was not bright and sunny, but it wasn’t raining either.

On Thursday morning, fragmented groups went for rides. Some went into Weirs Beach for the spectacle called Laconia Bike Week. Others just went on a day trip on the great NH back roads. Again, the weather was not great, but most of us didn’t get rained on. Everyone that had arrived early met up for dinner at the Longhorn Steakhouse for some good grub, or stayed at the campground for some of Famous Ray's wings. After dinner, those camping at the Kaw Pasture returned for a nice fire, drinking and catching up.

Friday is our big day. After a big breakfast at the Country Cookin’ Diner, we met at the Kaw Pasture to start our Poker Run. The weather had finally broken, and it was HOT. We had 31 bikes and 41 people playing hands. The poker route, led by Ol'Phart Joe is mostly a nice back roads ride, with the first stop about 40 miles in. It gave a good break for drinks as the temp had climbed. The last stop is about another 40 miles and ends at HK Powersports in Hooksett, NH. They are a Kawasaki dealer and have been a great supporter of our rally for many years. Once there, they had cold drinks and snacks for us, as well as offering a 20% discount on Kawasaki accessories with free shipping home. Congrats to Jon Goldman for having the high hand and Brett St.Pierre for low hand. After some much needed drinks, the crew could work their way back to the Kaw Pasture at their leisure.

The next part of our day wasn’t until 5:30, the CLAP Raffle. We had many great items donated from the VROC supporters below. Of course ROK came thru with great prizes as well. We had over 70 people there, and all were looking over the loot to see what they would pick if their numbers got called. To keep it on the up & up, Ol’Phart Joe’s granddaughter, Morgan, picked the tickets. It was a fun time, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. After the last of the prizes were given away, the next part of the evening was about to start.

The Pig Roast. Always a favorite, everyone gorged themselves on pork, chicken, baked beans, Mexican rice, and different salads. There was so much food, we had leftovers for Saturday. After everyone ate, people settled down and talked with others who we only see once a year. Some take off for home, others start a Texas Hold’em game, and many sit around the fire, talking, drinking & eating smores.

On Saturday, another breakfast. And another HOT day. There were a couple different groups that went out. One went up to Littleton, NH to Chutters. It has the world’s longest candy counter. Others did a back roads ride, while some stayed at the campground relaxing. About 30 people returned to the Kaw Pasture for a dinner of leftover pork smothered in BBQ sauce and simmered all day. We also had burgers and dogs with sides. Special thanks to Dennis "Donk" Drown for his donation of the burgers and dogs. Because of this, we were able to buy extra stuff for the raffle. Again, everyone ate to their hearts content. Afterward, smaller groups formed for cards, smores & BS’n. At the end of this night, most people said their goodbyes and see ya next year’s.

Sunday morning. Final breakdown and packing up. A very sad day. The last goodbyes are said, and promises to get together more frequently are made. I hate this part every year. As has happened everywhere else VROC has touched, we aren’t saying goodbye to friends, we are saying see ya later to family. We have met some members this year who are just getting to their first VROC rally, and they now understand why we talk as we do on the newsgroup.

Family. What else can I say, except a BIG thank you to all of our supporters and members who show up and make this rally what it really is. A family get together. Without you, this wouldn’t happen. Hope to see you next year, ride safe, be happy.

I want to thank Chris "U-Turn" for partnering this with me. I wouldn't do it without him. Also my wife, Dee, who kept me sane :). Also thanks to Ol'Phart Joe and his wife Karen for being a source of knowledge for us. And Bobcat thought he retired, but is still involved. Thanks.

Please visit the our supporters below, as they have been there for our rally for many years. Thanks to them, we always have a great rally.

Here is a link to all pictures.

Rally Supporters

Bags for Bikes (Karla Kiefer)