After an absence of several years, the AMA Amateur Hill Climb is back where it belongs, at Gunstock Mountain Resort, smack in the middle of Laconia Motorcycle Week.
Long a signature feature of America’s oldest Motorcycle Rally, the Hill Climb returns to the 70 meter, original ski jump at Gunstock. Although the climb was first sanctioned in 1938 at Gunstock (then known as Belknap Mountain Recreation Area), its roots can be traced all the way back to 1917, the rally’s second year. Back then, the unofficial climb took place at the Weirs on Tower Hill Road, consisting of an informal group of riders challenging each other to get to the top of the notoriously steep road. Winners received little more than bragging rights.
Today, the event is fully sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association and, with support from Gunstock Mountain Resort, local businesses, and sponsor, Ridge Runner Promotions, it’s back with a vengeance. “Amateur” means anyone can participate, gun the throttle and try to make it to the top, providing thrilling entertainment for spectators. Over 7,000 people are expected to line the slopes of Gunstock this year, where a $20 admission fee (free for kids 10 and under) will get you front row seats to all the excitement. Gates open at 8am and the competition begins at 10am.
Says, Charlie St. Clair, Rally Executive Director, “we’re thrilled to have the Hill Climb return to the 94th Laconia Motorcycle Week. It’s a huge part of our rally and was sorely missed. I hope everyone comes to help me cheer on these amateur climbers. Having participated in the event myself, it’s loud, it’s very exciting, satisfying . . . and a heap of fun.”
Laconia Motorcycle Week® gives great appreciation to all of our sponsors, especially our Presenting Sponsors: Progressive, AMSOIL, and Hot Leathers as well as the State of New Hampshire for their large financial support of our rally each year. For more information on visiting the State of NH, check out www.visitnh.gov.
Ride Safe and Keep Away from the Centerline!
