Another Bike Week is almost upon us here in New Hampshire, and it's got me thinking.
For those readers unfamiliar with the cultural phenomenon known as "Bike Week" kindly let me explain it to you with one long, long sentence.
Thousands and thousands of Bike Enthusiasts (the term "Biker" with it's connotations of tattoos, chains, leather and surely dispositions is mostly a relic of the past and is no longer accurate as the average Bike Week attendee is an accountant from Connecticut with a Harley) descend upon the beautiful Lakes Region of the state for a week long (but who are we kidding, they get here a week early and leave just about the time the leaves turn colors) rally which features music, riding competitions, corporate sponsorship, (a relatively new feature that we'll get to in a moment) wild motorcycle designs and copious witty tee-shirts. ("Bikers Have Feelings Too" being my favorite so far)
The event has definitely evolved from its outlaw roots fifty plus years ago to the tamer, marketable event that it is today, complete with sponsorship from reputable banks, insurance agencies and beverage companies.There is however talk in the wind that the event has become perhaps a little too respectable as of late, but as a father of two little girls I say "bring it on."In fact I have a few suggestions if Bike Week really wants to target that elusive "family demographic."
It all starts with an event mascot, (a' la the Olympics or the World Cup) and for that prestigious position I suggest the Nickelodeon Channel's "Dora The Explorer."Not only would Dora's presence on Bike Week literature and advertisements entice my two young daughters to attend, but I feel that Dora represents a new breed of child hero, one who possesses an Emersonian self reliance, is given to problem solving and who is regularly seen riding a motorcycle through the jungle. Dora seems a much better choice than Barbie, (who has occasionally been seen on a motorcycle, but mostly in a pink sidecar while her pretty boy Ken drives) My Little Pony or Hannah Montana.
Next let's talk about music.The event regularly trucks in popular "motorcycle friendly" rock and roll acts such as ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steppenwolf and various and sundry Country and Western artists. These bands are indeed well chosen for the event as it now stands, but I say bring on the Wiggles.Yes, the wiggles, those well meaning, middle aged Australian gents who dress in color coded outfits (which always seem to me as if they were inspired by early Star Trek episodes) and play toddler friendly rock and roll with song titles such as "Dorothy The Dinosaur Dances With Me." These fellows would generally amp up the family friendly vibe and their thick, almost unintelligible Australian accents would endear themselves to any fan of Ozzy Osbourne.
The organizers of Bike Week should surely not make such drastic changes without much forethought and marketing research. But as a gatekeeper of the coveted family demographic (the same demographic that continues to make Pixar films highly successful) I encourage them to give these suggestions serious consideration.So, in the future, should the Budweiser Corporation ever rescind it's sponsorship of Bike Week, I ask the organizers to give me a call if they wish to get Disney's contact information.
It's on the back of every DVD in my house.
