Originally Posted by
Bob L
If you look around the internet there are those that say they had a great time and it is fun (as I did and the 30 other people I attended with this year). We have been going for most of Americade's history (which started in 1982 not the 1960's) and is still managed by the same family and the 200 or so volunteers. We go for the roads, the people we see once a year, and yes even the events that Americade plans in its schedule.
Things change and sometimes for good sometimes (by opinion) for naught, but you will never please everyone --- and if it remained the same year after year people would complain about that as well.
Did you participate in the seminars, the shows, the speakers, the demo's, the opening ceremony, the fashion show, the riding team competition, the boat dinner cruises, the guided-unguided-or self guided rides, the open forum for discussion with national moto editors, the closing ceremonies and fire works? Or did you just look for the parade of bikes on the main drag and look at some of the roadside vendors? Maybe the trial of blocking Canada Street was to slow down the show offs that always appear? Canada Street used to be blocked off years ago for a block party, do you remember that?
As I said, change is inevitable and no matter how any event planner tries, you cannot please everyone. But I bet in 2019 another crowd will head to Lake George for Americade because they enjoy it, like the atmosphere, see old friends, and get out on the hundreds and hundreds of miles of Adirondack roads.
If it is not your cup of tea, that is OK too. There are several biker events I don't care for --- and don't attend myself throughout the northeast and elsewhere. That is why we all ride different rides, customize them our own way, and hang with the people we do. We're all individuals.
Bob