From June 6 through June 11, more than 50,000 motorcycle riders and passengers will make their way to Lake George for Americade, billed as the world’s largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally.

They come for a wide range of activities, from tours, boat cruises, celebrity speakers, parades, demo rides to the Tour Expo tradeshow.

“It’s a convention of tourers, sport-tourers and cruising motorcycles enjoying a week-long festival of motorcycling, including guided tours in the beautiful Adirondack Park and Green Mountains of Vermont, two massive trade shows with nearly 250 vendors, demos and displays from nearly all the major motorcycle manufacturers,” said Bill Dutcher, the veteran motorcyclist who started Americade – then known as Aspencade East – in 1983.

Most of those attending Americade register for a full-week wristband, which gives  them access to the trade shows, the demos and displays, and Americade’s headquarters, where many events take place, said Dutcher.

Photo by Clea G. Hall

“Some people think of Americade as bikers revving their engines on Canada Street in Lake George,” said Dutcher. “In fact, chances are, the motorcycles that people heard there on Friday and Saturday nights probably aren’t even involved in Americade.  Americade is so much more than that, with the motorcycle trade shows, boat cruises, rodeos, mini-tours, dozens of activities and demo rides.”

“Americade is a gathering of friendly, fun-loving folks for whom motorcycling is a social hobby,” Dutcher added. “The Lake George area is riding heaven, with its unexcelled natural beauty, many scenic roads, pine-covered mountains, secluded lakes and ponds, and rushing rivers and streams.”

This year, Americade’s headquarters will be located at the Fort William Henry Resort and Conference Center.

“After 28 years being located at Roaring Brook Ranch, on the outskirts of Lake George, Americade is moving its social headquarters closer to its two TourExpo tradeshow locations at the Beach and the Lake George Forum,” said Dutcher.

“Many of our attendees wanted the convenience of being able to park and walk between our headquarters, the tradeshow, the boat cruises and the village shops and restaurants. This move will make that possible” said Dutcher. “Furthermore, many Americaders will be able to attend evening events at our social headquarters and walk back to their motels, or catch the regularly-scheduled village trolleys. We’ve given the matter plenty of thought over the past 28 years;we didn’t exactly rush the decision.”

According to Dutcher, Fort William Henry Resort will host  demo rides, factory displays, judging competitions, seminars, fashion shows, and most of the parties.

The entire property, including the conference center and banquet rooms, will be used by Americade.

“The hotel’s back lawn provides absolutely the best view of the lake, and will also be a great place for our get-togethers” said Christian Dutcher

Starting with 2,000 participants in 1983, Americade is now responsible for the single biggest week of business in Lake George.

In 2007, Americade and its TourExpo had a $46 million economic impact on the area, according to an Economic Impact Study by the State University of New York at Plattsburgh’s Technical Assistance Center, released in October 2007.

“This event brings significant lodging, food, attractions and shopping revenues to the greater Lake George region,” the study said. “In addition, the event provides valuable destination recognition for the area as a result of the worldwide media coverage it attracts. This exposure further benefits the region’s tourism-based economy.”

The study found that more than 66% of Americade participants stayed in either a hotel or motel, while 20 percent stayed in campgrounds or RV parks. In addition, many participants said that, due to their positive experience at Americade, they would be inclined to visit the Lake George Area in New York’s Adirondacks again.