Americade 2008 Tours in and Out of Lake George

Once again, our region played host to the Americade Tour Expo which annually brings in over 45-50,000 motorcycle touring enthusiasts from all over the country...no... make that all over the world! This year i had the pleasure of meeting a woman who was purchasing a whole lot of yummy goodies at the Perfect Blend Cafe in Maynard Square on Canada Street--she was from the UK. One word out of her mouth confirmed it...what a lovely accent! In any case, she explained to me and the owner of the cafe, Adele that she and her husband ship their bikes here and have been coming over for the past 6 years. This was her 7th Americade and she loves it! Last year I met a lovely gentleman from Israel.

While working at the Lake George Rotary booth at the Holiday Inn on Monday and Tuesday of Americade week as a volunteer I had the pleasure of meeting people from Wisconsin, California, Texas, Connecticut, lots of folks from New Jersey (my home state-have to give that a plug) , tons of folks from Canada (they are so glad their money is worth more here now) and of course a great throng of New York folks who just love the fact that they have this beautiful region to call their own playground in the mountains.

By all accounts the event was another great year! My friends from New Jersey who have been coming for the past 6+ years and stay at the Twin Pines on Trout Lake in Diamond Point had a marvelous time once again. They spent a good part of the time in LGV, at the Americade Trade Show and then did day outings to Lake Placid and touring our beautiful mountain countrysides.

Economically, according to a SUNY Plattsburg study conducted last year, Americade Tour Rally is responsible for a $46 million dollar economic impact to our region. Some businesses in the area would not exist...or at minimum could not sustain through a rainy summer without having Americade as the lead position of opening season in the Adirondacks. Is there a downside? yes, for one week we listen to motorcycles, we stand in line at a restaurant or at a gas station ( they only take a few gallons of the precious stuff to fill their bikes), it takes a bit longer to get out of your driveway or parking lot (which as one savvy business person told me just "ka-chings" money in her mind) and the upside...besides great for business? we learn that there is a lot to be said about aging gracefully, with great spirit and the wind in your hair---many Americade participants are well into their 60's, 70's and 80's and enjoying the ride more now than when they were 20!

We would love to hear your comments about Americade!