The New York chapter of the Dukes of Flatbush are hitting the road to attend the Laconia Motorcycle Rally and meet up with the New Hampshire chapter. A mostly annual event for the Dukes, we pack as many people (and dogs) into a small cabin on Lake Winnipesaukee aptly named the “Rage Hut”. Over the years, we’ve managed to sink a boat and cracked supporting beams in the cabin, but it’s all in the name of a good time.

One thing you’ll learn about the Dukes of Flatbush is that we don’t trailer bikes to motorcycle rallies. We ride to them. I swear we’ve seen someone take a bike off a trailer just outside of town and throw dirt on it to give the impression of a long ride. For shame! To that individual all we can say is you better grow a pair.

I’m riding my 1974 Moto Guzzi Eldorado Police bike up this year. I’ve never ridden it on a long trip before so I put a few hundred miles on it this past weekend. It was a real hoss on the highway - very comfortable riding position, plenty of juice, bright lights. I did manage to lose my license plate and a foot peg so I’m going over the entire bike tonight to ensure all of the nuts and bolts are securely fastened. Not looking for a yard sale across the 1,000 or so miles we’ll ride.

One thing the Motto Guzzi has been lacking is proper saddle bags. I just managed to get this pair of vintage police bags off of eBay. I cannot wait to put them on.

We’ll post a round-up after the big event, make sure to take pics of all of the great bikes and people we meet along the way. New Hampshire here we come!