New Hampshire geared up for 89th annual bike week

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Businesses throughout New Hampshire are kicking off their summer season with the 89th annual Laconia Motorcycle Week.

The nine-day event based on Lake Winnipesaukee began Saturday. It features motorcycle races, live music and charity events throughout the state.

Amy Landers of the Lakes Region Tourism Association says that with 300,000 bikers expected at motorcycle week, local businesses are counting on the event to bring in revenue.

Cynthia Makris, Naswa Resort owner and president of the Laconia Motorcycle Week Association, says motorcyclists pump $200 million on average into New Hampshire's economy during bike week. She says her business yields 10 percent of its seasonal income from the event.

The Laconia Licensing Clerk's office said Friday that 160 vendor licenses had been filed for motorcycle week, with more expected.

State police say a trooper who was accompanying the motorcyclists crashed Saturday and was treated at a hospital for minor injuries.