Gunstock Hillclimb Back At Progressive Laconia Motorcycle Week. Hillclimb Returns To The 70 Meter, Original Ski Jump

After an absence of several years, and a successful return last year, the AMA-sanctioned Pro/Am Gunstock Hillclimb is back for this year’s Laconia Motorcycle Week, Wednesday, June 13, 2018.

Long a signature feature of America’s oldest Motorcycle Rally, the Hillclimb 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. Spectators can watch the excitement of both amateur and AMA professional riders gun the throttle and try to reach the top, with thrills (and sometimes, spills) along the way. 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 the competition. New this year, there will be halftime entertainment as well as on-site beverage and souvenir sales. Gates open at 8am, opening ceremony begins at 9am and the competition starts at 10am.

Says Charlie St. Clair, Rally Executive Director, “We’re thrilled to have the Hillclimb return to the 95th Laconia Motorcycle Week. I hope everyone comes to help me cheer on these pro and amateur climbers. Having participated in the event myself, it’s loud, it’s very exciting, satisfying . . . and a heap of fun.”