Staff Writer

LACONIA — The City Council’s Public Safety Committee voted Friday to recommend holding Vintage Bike Races downtown this summer. The full City Council is scheduled to take up the issue on Monday.

The committee made their decision after Kinney O’Rourke, co-owner of the Black Cat Cafe, and a supporter of the plan, promised to alleviate cost concerns, provide a crew to set up and dismantle the event, and cover all licensing and insurance issues.

"It presents a great opportunity to bring Motorcycle Week to downtown Laconia," O’Rourke said about the five-heat race, which is usually scheduled on the first Sunday of Bike Week and has formerly been held at Gunstock Ski Area.

Gunstock cited logistical challenges and poor attendance in past years as reasons they could not hold the event there this year. O’Rourke pointed out that the ski area has hosted these races for the last six years very close to the site where the earliest races were held on an old dirt track.

He later mentioned that Gunstock may donate all the snow fencing for the event to help cordon off the downtown race track. As of Friday night, O’Rourke had not heard back from Gunstock General Manager Greg Goddard regarding the fencing, but he said that race organizers would try to secure the materials.

O’Rourke continued his presentation by outlining the proposed course. He listed portions of Beacon Street West, Beacon Street East, Pleasant Street, and Veteran’s Square as areas he would like closed for the racetrack and spectators.

Police Chief Tom Oetinger expressed concern about snarling traffic with detours and trying to muster up a force to work the event, because many officers are scheduled for a day off that first Sunday of Bike Week.

Chief Oetinger pointed out that the Indy Car Races held in the downtown area in past years had "lawn-mower engines" and traveled a "much smaller loop." He said there was one race, it was short, and there was no need for fencing. While he said he supports the idea of having the races downtown at some point, he argued he has no time to plan and no funds to appropriate for the event.

"If we had a little more time and we could’ve looked at this a little longer, we could do something," said the chief, hinting that next year would be a better time to stage the vintage cycle showcase downtown.

DPW Director Doug Sargent was also displeased with the plan.

"I’m pushing a red line on the budget," said Sargent, "I don’t know how we’re going to pay for it." He also pointed out the logistical difficulty of getting Jersey Barriers for the event in place and then back out to Weirs Beach for Monday morning.

Sargent also said he liked the concept of races downtown, but not the time frame.

O’Rourke insisted that there will be five million dollars in insurance for the event, he will secure all the hay bails required to make up the track, and he will assemble a volunteer crew to set up for the event and clean up after the crowd leaves. He also insisted he can minimize the fiscal impact on the town.

Ward Four Councillor Jim Cowan raised concerns about the lack of backing.

"I don’t see it happening without commercial sponsors," Cowan said, "I think the councilors would like to see it break even at best."

Charlie St. Clair, of the Laconia Rally and Race Association, accentuated the simplicity of the event.

"It’s five hours long," he said, "It’s small." He went on to explain the rewards. He said that NESN has offered to film the event, there will be a great opportunity for publicity, and downtown businesses could benefit.

"We don’t need ‘em," he said about Jersey Barriers, pointing out the motorcycles will not be going that fast, the cyclists know how to "professionally put down a motorcycle," and organizers could also put on a speed limit. O’Rourke said the highest class of motorcycles would be under 500-ccs.

Michael Foote, a resident of Roller Coaster Road, voiced support for the vintage motorcycle event, saying his grandfather was one of the original people who brought the races to Gunstock.

"To be able to go out and see them run on the course is pretty exciting," said Foote, "You get to see some very delightful examples of motorcycle history there."

"You’re not going to see them going through town at 100 miles-per-hour," he continued. Foote also later pointed out that the vintage races and the Hill Climb event at Gunstock are the most locally attended events of Bike Week.

While Cowan raised cost concerns, Ward 2 Councillor Bob Luther wanted the committee to voice it’s full support for the project openly. He made an amendment asking them to "endorse their support of the event." When Cowan argued their vote will indicate their support, Luther argued that the vote is "too subtle" and the motion to have the council offer its support was passed unanimously.

Ward Six Councillor Armand Bolduc only approved of the plan, "as long as they take care of the cost." However, Cowan cautioned that the conversation would have to continue.

"These discussions will continue because of all the improbables," he said.