Each year, Lake George kicks off the summer season with Americade Bike Week. Held annually the first week of June, Americade is the world’s largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally. This week-long event attracts more than 100,000 riders and passengers to the Lake George area, and features vendors and exhibits, fireworks and parades, charity rides, demos, contests, and much more.
Americade Bike Week Details
Americade Bike Week is scheduled for the first full week of June each year, and offers the most demos in the U.S., with demo rides available from all major motorcycle manufacturers. It also hosts the most rides of any major motorcycle rally, offering “MiniTour” group rides to various destinations throughout the Adirondacks and the Green Mountains of Vermont, as well as a massive tradeshow with tons of gear and installers.
But Americade isn’t just for bikers. In addition to being the world’s largest multi-brand motorcycle touring rally, it is also one of the most peaceful, earning a reputation as the only family-friendly motorcycle event of its kind. Throughout the week, attendees enjoy fireworks and parades, live music, rodeos, food trucks, comedy shows, boat cruises, stunt shows, and much more. Whether you’re a rider or spectator, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind event you have to see for yourself.
History of Americade
The very first Lake George motorcycle rally was held in 1983, but it wasn’t called Americade. For the first three years it was known as Aspencade East, named after the Aspencade bike rally held in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Originally founded by Til Thompson, Aspencade was named for the changing colors of the aspen trees, but when Lake George local Bill Dutcher convinced Thompson to move the rally to Lake George in 1983, the name was changed to Aspencade East for the first three years under the conditions of the agreement.
According to rally founder Bill Dutcher, the name Americade was actually suggested by his wife Gini during a Fourth of July party. Dutcher initially brushed off the idea, but later realized the name accurately reflected the fact that the rally had become a national multi-brand event. And so, Aspencade East officially became Americade in 1986.
The early rallies were headquartered at Roaring Brook Ranch in Lake George and the Tour Expo Tradeshow was held at the Glens Falls Civic Center (now, Cool Insuring Arena). As the event grew in size it was relocated to Lake George Village. Today, the Fort William Henry Conference Center in Lake George is the official Americade headquarters, and the expansive Tour Expo tradeshow is located along Beach Road and at the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons.
Founders Bill and Gini Dutcher are still involved in the event, which is now run by their son Christian, along with a handful of part-time, year-round employees and hundreds of volunteers who help staff the event each year.
Stay at One of Our Lake George Cabins for Americade Bike Week
Cramer’s Point Lake Breeze offers motorcycle-friendly lodging in Lake George, just 3 miles north of Americade headquarters. We feature a variety of Lake George cabins, motel rooms, suites and vacation home rentals, as well as a beach with lake access and two pools, one of which is heated for those early summer days. Check availability for Americade Bike Week and book online, or give us a call at (518) 668-2292.