Well gathering with a group of fellow motorcycle enthusiasts is generally extremely enjoyable. The guided rides are great with excellent lunch stops. Expensive, Yes, but all in all everything is too expensive these days and you only live once. You have 12 months to save. Go for it-you'll meet some interesting folks. See you in 2023.
Sadly I have to agree that Americade is not what it used to be. But after going for 35+ years straight I must also admit that my greatest joy in going is visiting with the people I've met over those years and seeing the variety and creativity of the bikes being ridden and brought to the event. Like someone once said, Americade is the greatest collection of friends you haven't met yet. Take care!
From what I've been told by volunteers and attendees of Americade, the 2023 event celebrating the 40th anniversary may very well be the last Americade.
Hi, Greg, been going there for 26 years... here's my view. 1. We have been staying at O'Sullivans for 26 years, cheapest in Town... check them out... tell Matt, the owner, Tim sent you. 2. As we know, food has gone up everywhere. Truckers pay more for hauling food, and all the other reasons we have experienced. We go to Marios across from O'Sullivans, great food, not bad on the price. 3. I have written to the Mayor about parking... I told him I spend tons of money, while here for a week down Town, get a life, Mayor! 4. As far as vendors... I remember one bike seat company told me they pay 14K for the week just to be there... that was on the beach at that time. Mmm, can you make up 14K selling seats in a week? I know Dutchers was paying 50K for the spot for a week to rent out to vendors. I too looked for J&M, called them right there from the parking lot... they said, "we skipped it, will be at Laconia" ...as far as the 10.00 to see the vendors, yes, 5 would be ok... I buy a day pass for 20.00... I can then go to the vendors, and where you can test the bikes, which I test road 3 different companies.... now, that's not bad. As far as Americade out of the middle of know were... so is Sturgis... people drive 100s of miles for that. Bottom line...I like my hotel being right on the strip, walking into Town at night, dinner, watch people, look at bikes, boat cruise, after a long ride every day, be it into VT., love rt 22-A into Rt 17, or Rt 2 down thru the Islands... 2 different boat ferries... plus many hidden spots I have found in 26 years. I must admit, the vendors were much, much better on the beach.
O'Sullivans is a great location. One year I was able to stay down the street at the Courtyard Marriott. Got a really good rate that year. However, those days are gone. I loved staying on the strip. Nice just to park the bike at the hotel and then just walk around. I hope that they can get some of the vendors back. Even if they don't I will still attend as I love the riding in the area. Thanks for watching and ride safe!
I live an hour forty five minutes South of there and prefer to visit and ride when the rally isn't around, mostly because you have to pay for vendor area and they don't have anything more than a bunch of t-shirt/ leather/ patch vendors it seems. I was looking to plunk down some cash for a suspension upgrade, but it looks like I'd have to ride a long way to find a rally offering that this year. Too bad.
Yes. It would have been nice if you were able to get more mechanical work done at the rally, but many of the vendors that are present now are non-motorcycle specific.
Non of these rallies are for me. They're one big money grab and way to crowded with everyone and their mother selling crap you don't need. Everything you want to do is a wait. You won't see me at any of these rallies. If I want to visit Lake George I'll do it another time.
Thanx for the video and the info. I was thinking of attending it in 2024 now for the 1st time but it sounds like a person needs a special bank account to afford it. I will go elsewhere. I have ridden the area and a few 100 miles in every direction from there during non-Americade times.
I went this year for the first time and won’t be going back. Price, I think in any event everything is going to be priceir. Yes, they charge $20 for parking and $10. To enter the vendor’s section which had very minimal vendors. At night was a bit better . The crowd was out and many bikes parked on both sides or the street to look at or more than likely it was the few drinks I had that made it better, but anyhow no more Americade for me.
....also, hotels only have a few months to make money... so they charge accordingly... unlike Conway, NH area, were I live... summers are rockin, and the skiing is rockin... they do well all 12 months here....
Hey Craig...We've only been to one Americade and planned on attending in 2022 but forgot that it was switched back to June. We had already booked a family vacation to TX. Anyway we really liked Americade. This year everything is more expensive and I would guess all the other rallies will be the same. But paying to get into the vender area is crazy, especially if you don't purchase anything. And without the big venders it tends to look like a flea market. The greatest thing is about Americade (at least for us) was the hanging out with you, and the riding in the area is fantastic. Despite all the things you listed, we may attend next year.
Definitely missed both of you this year. It was great hanging out and riding with you. I will attend next year, the area is so beautiful (especially when you get into Vermont). It is just a bit of a disappointment when it comes to the vendors. Naturally, I will have a video out shortly indicating why you should come to Americade! That's what us motorvloggers do. LOL. Have fun and ride safe.
Boy oh boy, with no more Wingding I was thinking Americade was going to be the goto rally but it sounds like it's on the downhill slope as well. Thanks for the vid Craig.
Yeah I live 20 minutes away and I don't go to Americade anymore. It's not what it used to be like it was many years ago. I don't like having to pay to get in. I just came across your channel. Nice video 👍
I was last there in 2015. Didn't pay for street parking or entry to the vendor area. The Surfside was $800 for 4 nights. Food was reasonable. Vendors were doing work and there were plenty of them. This year the Surfside wanted over $1800 for 4 nights! 😂😂😂 Plus the nickel-and-diming? No thanks. I see no reason to go back to Americade, ever. Don't need a rally week to ride the area.
Hi Craig, even though this was Lori and I first time going to Americade we agree with your five points. We love the riding and will consider going the Lake George on a non rally date as there is more to see and do. Another great point was being able to meet up with you and chat with you and your lovely wife. Hope to see you again, cheers Dave and Lorilei.
It was great meeting you and your wife in person as well. Definitely one of the highlights of the week. Let's try to get to Niagara on the Lake before the summer is over!
I totally agree with you, I've been going to Americade for 30 straight years and it has changed and not for the better. My plan was to spend some serious cash at Goldstrike, nope they weren't there, actually went to Laconia and had the work done on my WIng. Iooked at 2 vendors, California heat and Gryphon clothing as it was real motorcycle stuff. I was in and out of Tour Expo in an hour. I'd rate it overall at two 👎 👎 down. Next year could be my last year!!
I am a huge Americade fan but if I am honest it has definitely gone down over the years. The riding and seeing the other bikes and bikers is what keeps me coming back. Thanks for watching. Ride safe!
Goldstrike/Ciro chose not to attend this yr. I was surprised as every year they’ve been there they seemed to be packed. Their decision saved me a lot of money as the lights/cell charger I was going to have them install on my new wing I installed myself. The lack of vendors this yr stunned me. I think COVID factored into this. I disagree about the parking complaint. Buy the parking pass & you can park for the week. I buy my pass on Tuesday & have no issue parking all week. They’ve always charged to get into the vendor area, unless you buy a day pass or the week long pass.
All good points made. I was personally disappointed that Ciro was not there..mainly because I was looking at getting some extra saddlebag lights for the wing. I also agree there were too many vendors selling patches, leather goods etc. just felt trashy this year. Lastly after going for the past 4 years I feel a bit burned out from Americade snd would rather just take a road trip without a rally. Good meeting you by the way! Hope you made it home without incident. 👍🏻
It was great meeting you. Thank so much. I really hope they can bring some of the major vendors back. Made it home safe. Hopefully all was well with you. Ride safe!
I’ve missed the past decade of Americade due to timing and much prefer to ride that area when a rally isn’t going on. Really wanted to make this one but my youngest grandson had a birthday party in Florida. Besides the older I get the less of a hassle I want to put up with.
I still have to make the ride on the Wing down to Florida. That would be a great trip. The nice thing about the Adirondacks is that we are close enough that you can take a run up there anytime. I have been without the rally and it was just as nice. Ride safe
Wing Ding is interesting to me. They have never really had the major motorcycle vendors like a traditional rally. Your going to get your vendors selling pots and pans. Jewelry cleaner. Necklaces..etc. Because I know that in advance my expectations for wing ding is lower. For me it comes down to does the area have great riding. We will see what Shreveport has. Thanks for watching
I been to a lot of rally you right about the pricing but the riding is what it all about 😮 Daytona is not all that either but the being around all bikes that makes it awesome
What rally doesn’t inflate the prices during rally week? This is nothing new. I was at the first Americade, back in 1983. Itttt used to be called the Aspecade. The rally was in the last of May, and a lot of the locals weren’t open till June 1. After a couple of years, they saw they were missing out on some biker bux, so they started coming back earlier, and opening up for the rally. Eventually they move the dates up to June, to get maximum money from rally goers. Even Harley had demo trucks their back in the beginning. Willie Davidson Jr. was running the demo rides.
