Yesterday I washed all the windows in the house and got the screens up. We awakened this morning to fresh air, birdsong, and the muffled roar of many, many motorcycles. It is Laconia Motorcycle Week, known simply as bike week in these parts. For the past week, thousands upon thousands of bikers have been roaring in and around our town.
Residents plan for this week the same way we did for hurricanes when we lived on the shore of Massachusetts. We stock up on groceries and batten down the hatches, and leave the house only if absolutely necessary.
On the upside, it gives the local economy a huge jolt of income and when you do venture out, the parade of bikes and riders can be very entertaining (and divert you from the fact that you are stuck in traffic). Biker culture includes people from all walks of life, and from a stylistic perspective, tends to be more expressive than the garden variety tourists in these parts. Tattoos and black leather abound, as do flowing beards and hair (much of it gray). Helmets are not required in New Hampshire, where the state motto is live free or die, but when worn, they may be decorated as well: much like the modern day Viking in the photo above, who is holding our daughter Jemesii’s hand several summers ago. Jem and our friend Sadie, who took the picture, spent the day at Weirs Beach, really the hub of bike week, shooting photos.
I’d love to go check out the wildlife myself, but I’m afraid it is the sort of gathering where many people will be smoking, so I’ll have to pass. Should the no smoking signs ever go up (in the land of live free or die, I don’t think so), I’m there.
life and breath: outliving lung cancer 
Hi Linnea!
I’m so glad things are slowing down for you in your lungs. I just had my first scan after 8 weeks on a clinical trial with Dr. Shaw (Her2 mutation). We received the news on Tuesday that the cancer had decreased by 25%!!! Since my diagnoses in Dec. 08 I have not seen my cancer decrease at all. It has shown ‘no progression’ or progressed slowly but never has it decreased. As one starting out on the clinical trial path it is good to hear that you are able to continue with your drug for a bit longer. Thank you for leading the way.
Sherri
Sheri, congratulations! Decreased is EXCELLENT. You are in good hands with Dr. Shaw, and my experience with the clinical trial team has been fantastic as well–suddenly you have so many people watching your back. I wish you continued good results! Linnea
Linnea, I love this photograph. Often, the local Harley group does a ride together and the number of bikes that pass our house seems to go for miles and miles.
I have been following your blog for only a while and I wanted to tell you how inspired I am by you.
Susanne, I checked out your blog and profile and discovered that you are a cancer researcher–definitely one of my heroes! Sounds like we hang out in the same neighborhood in bean town as well. Thanks so much for checking out my blog and for your comment (and yes, the parade of motorcycles does indeed go on for miles and miles). Linnea
Not a hero, you are a hero! This morning I read more posts about your experience on the Pfizer trial – what wonderful news!
The best part about the motorcycle parade here is seeing the lead-off guy dressed like Santa Claus. No matter how warm it is, each year he wears his costume. So fun to watch!