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The roar of the engine and the sheer excitement ringing through the air in New Hampshire means that the Laconia Motorcycle Week has officially begun. On June 14-22, riders and spectators from near and far migrate to witness 91 years of two-wheel riding history take place from Lake Winnipesaukee to the rugged peaks of Mount Washington.
This week long high-speed event is just one of many motorcycle rallies that put the rubber on the road across the globe. So if you're looking to pop a wheelie or simply play "whose engine is louder?" with like-minded riders, you'll want to pay the following seven motorcycle rallies a visit.
Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona Harley Days
No other hot rod tops the list like the Harley Davidson. So if you're a lover of the classic bike, you won't want to miss out on seeing every type of style set against the historic backdrop of Barcelona. From the grungy rider to the admirer, everyone's attention will be focused on the flood of Harley Davidsons dotting the streets of the city.
As the largest urban event in Europe, which will begin on July 4-6, it even comes complete with a flag parade that dances to the tune of the loud thunder of the bikes' sweet-sounding engine. There is also a hoedown and rock concerts that set the stage for the rugged atmosphere of the rally. Only true Harley Davidson fans are welcome, unless you want a pack of wild riders on your tail.
Tulsa, Oklahoma: Tougher than Hell Motorcycle Rally
By the stone cold faces hidden behind dark sunglasses and helmets of the riders here, you might not want to jeer at them. But as they whip through the paved roadways of Tulsa, a greater cause of their bike ride lies in the balance. Riders take their place on the seats of their motorcycles to raise awareness and provide donations, medical assistance, food as well as water supplies for the residents of La Gonâve, which is an island adjacent to the country of Haiti.
The Tougher than Hell Motorcycle Rally is a weekend long event that will occur in mid-July 2015. With each year, this event offers a complete thrill for all of its die-hard fans, and promises they'll experience an unparalleled riding and rallying adventure.
Philip Island, Australia: Australian Motorcycle Gran Prix
You'll want to keep your eyes on the track to witness the excitement that unfolds with every twist and turn of the skilled drivers here. The Australian Motorcycle Gran Prix is the perfect location for every rider and all thrill seekers to be as the MotoGP, Moto2, Moto3 and the 2014 National Support kick off in high gear on Oct. 17-19. As each motorcyclist burns rubber along the paved raceway, a hush falls over the crowd as intensity rises with every swerve, uphill climb and earth-defying stunt that make the world's most experienced competitors want to become the next champion.
Even dirt bike motorists get in on the action as they leave their tracks in the mud on their way to soaring in the sky. Around every corner, you'll be dazzled by the adventurous tricks during each competition. Speckled with the most colorful and modern bikes ripping through each course, the Australian Gran Prix is undeniably a biker's heaven.
San Francisco, California: Girl Power Run
If you think only the big boys can step out in their hot rods, then you haven't met these tough queens of the road. The Girl Power Run is a girls-only riding spree made up of members of the exclusive Devil Dolls.
Just in case you thought a woman's place was on the back of motorcycle, their three-hour long excursion through the streets of San Francisco proves that they can dominate the road with a fierce attitude and skillful riding techniques just as well as men. For these punks, rockers and rockabillies, girl power proudly resonates as they take the highways and byways of the city by storm, and anyone who contests their influence in the motor world may just get run over.
Spain: Cannonball Bike Run
With its 10-year anniversary quickly approaching, the Cannonball Bike Run promises this year will be unforgettable, and most importantly historic. And by bringing the world-class event along the unbeaten paths of Spain's roads, this thrill is surrounded in the beauty of nature. Hitting the road on Sept. 20, the rally has come a long way from its 25-biker race beginnings.
Now as spectators from Europe and beyond line the Cannonball Bike Run to feel the wind brush against their face as riders zoom past them effortlessly, leaving trails of dust behind, not only excite, but leave their spectators wanting more.
South Dakota: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
This list would not be complete without acknowledging the most racous, infamous gathering of outlaws, hellraisers and gearheads in the world: Sturgis. On Aug. 4-10, you'll be graced by the hard bodies of every type of bike including the custom- made, V-Twin and of course the Harley Davidson. Head-banging musicians will also take the stage, giving the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally the edgy reputation that makes its atmosphere quite impressive.
You also won't want to miss the Mayor's Ride or trail the Vanocker Canyon Road and Iron Mountain Road, which lead to remarkable attractions like Mount Rushmore National Memorial as well as Custer State Park. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally offers blocks upon blocks of sheer excitements amid the historic backdrops of the state's legendary sites.
Hamburg, Germany: Hamburg Harley Days
Once again we see the European appreciation for some classic Milwaukee steel. Commencing on July 4-6, the rhythmic beats of Jazz, pop and rock create a wild dancing frenzy but do little to drown out the distinctive potato-potato-potato roar of the engines. The Hamburg Harley Days exudes everything Harley Davidson as tens of thousands of admirers from around the world congregate in celebration of an American icon.
If you just can't get enough of the bike there is also the Hot Harley Night Parade as well as the ride-in-bike show that showcase the motorcycles in all of their glory. Only true lovers of the Harley Davidson are wanted. Plus, you won't want these fierce bikers to ride over your toes if your admiration seems fake.
Like your two-wheeled excitement at a little slower pace? Check out 10 cycle tours for the pedaling pioneer. Are you a fan of chrome and horsepower of the two- and four-wheel varieties? Check out 7 classic car shows you haven't heard of.
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