By ALEC O'MEARA

Staff Writer

LACONIA — Aside from a minor scuffle at Gunstock Resort on Wednesday, Motorcycle Week and law enforcement officials say things have remained relatively calm at Weirs Beach as Bike Week passes the halfway point and gears up for the three-day finale.

Wednesday’s Hill Climb at Gunstock Resort was a huge success, said Motorcycle Week Association President Rick Fink, with 12,000 showing up for the event.

"It was a great event for Gunstock; (General Manager) Greg Goddard and the rest of the crew always do an excellent job of hosting events," said Fink.

A fight did break out during the event at around 3 p.m. which involved about 20-30 local individuals, said Sheriff Dan Collis.

Alcohol was cited as a reason for the brawl, which was quickly brought under control with the assistance of Gilford Police.

Six were taken into custody on charges ranging from intoxication to assault to resisting arrest, but Collis downplayed the incident.

"Really, the most exciting part of the day was (Rally and Race Association President) Charlie St. Claire’s attempt to get up the hill," said Collis.

Fire Chief Ken Erickson said that there had yet to be any major accidents or traffic problems, and credited the responsibility of the attendees for the relatively problem free week so far. Capt. Tim Cavanaugh of Laconia Police said there were a "typical" number of arrests over Wednesday night; 16, all drug and alcohol related.

As more and more people have arrived through the course of the week, police and fire have continued to ramp up their coverage of the Weirs. Starting at 10 a.m. today, Erickson said his department would be going to quadruple shifts, which will be deployed throughout the area, and remain at that level until the end of the weekend.

Drivers not headed for the Weirs should avoid Route 3 and all roads entering and exiting the area for the rest of the weekend.

For part of the day on Thursday, a number of bikers left the Lakes Region to participate in the ‘Ride to the Sky’ up Mount Washington, said Fink. Last year 2,000 bikes went up the auto road at the mountain, a number well over their summer average of about 150 cars.

"The ride is proof that businesses outside the area can make tweaks and provide just what the bikers are looking for in order to benefit from the week," said Fink.