Americade 2025
Darren Tracy | Published on 8/17/2025
At the end of May, thousands of bikes descended upon the village of Lake George, NY for the 42nd Americade Motorcycle Rally. Lake George is a long, narrow lake, 32 miles long and 2.5 miles wide at its widest point. The maximum water depth is about 200 feet and the water is crystal clear.
"Lake George is without comparison, the most beautiful water I ever saw; formed by a contour of mountains into a basin... finely interspersed with islands, its water limpid as crystal, and the mountain sides covered with rich groves... down to the water-edge: here and there precipices of rock to checker the scene and save it from monotony."
-- Thomas Jefferson, May 31, 1791
It’s still pretty clean. The lake, surrounding mountains and network of roads provide great motorcycling.
Although the Americade is smaller in scale than decades ago, it is still well attended by thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts. Unlike some other large, well-known rallies, it is more family friendly, laidback and frankly generally caters to an older crowd.
There is plenty to do, including live music, bike shows, comedy shows, boat cruises, fireworks and most motorcycle manufacturers who offer test rides on their latest models.
AMCA was there!. Volunteer AMCA members organized and staffed the “Vintage Tent.” An eclectic mix of 25 bikes participated. Just under 1000 people took the time to vote for their favorite bike. (An estimated 2000 additional people meandered through the Vintage Tent).
Bruce Prashaw unloading his Indian Chief. This bike won the People's Choice award
Artist Makato Endo (sitting) painting an impressive representation of Bruce Prashaw's Indian Chief, with just chopsticks and ink
Makato also painted former board member, Peter MacMurray's 1977 Harley Sportster
Some rode their bikes, some trailered, and some bikes even made the trip in a van!
Visitors came from far and wide, including Bernhardt and Barbara from Austria
Scott A. purchased this beautiful 1982 CBX new as a leftover still in the crate in 1984. “I walked into the local dealership to buy a V65 and walked out with the CBX. I paid $2,750 for it and the MSRP was $5898”, Scott recalled explicitly. It’s a beauty.
Participant Doug giving the Triumph a final spit shine
Volunteers manning the Vintage Tent as enthusiasts stroll through
A member with photos in the background two of his bikes and rider were younger
There was at least one AMCA Winners Circle bike in attendance at the tent
Although Saturday was pretty much a washout, that didn't stop artist Donna from finihsing one of her psychedelic motorcycle paintings. The two painting artists contributed significantly to the atmosphere of the vintage tent.
Critical volunteer organizer Lisa texting last minute details
Motorcycles are synonymous with adventure. Old motorcycles are a physical link to our past and in a way remind us of our fleeting time in this world. Because of those factors, and probably some others, they hold our interest and are dear to our hearts.
- The end.
Saturday night fireworks over Lake George