Bike Week Rolls Into Gettysburg

GETTYSBURG, Pa. -- Thousands of motorcyclists are descending on Adams County this week as part of Bike Week in Gettysburg, but not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat.

This year, the event is expected to attract 20,000 bikers -- welcome news to Jennifer LeVan, of Battlefield Harley Davidson on Route 30, which is just outside Gettysburg.

"It's probably our busiest weekend of the year," she said. "We prepare for it weeks in advance."

People who attend Bike Week spend money at local stores, pouring money into the Adams County economy.

"They are shopping all over town -- it's a great event for our whole community," LeVan said.

One couple, Mike Watterson and Teresa Cadmus, of Lancaster County, said they plan to spend at least $200 because they like the atmosphere.

"The bikes -- the sounds of the bikes," responded Cadmus, when asked what she likes about Bike Week.

But not everyone is revved up about that sound.

John Pederson has a front row seat for Bike Week from his Gettysburg home, which is just a few blocks from the square.

"It would be nice if was a little quieter," he said. "It would be nice if there was maybe a curfew."

Other neighbors worry that the bikers might drive other tourists away.

"It's not what I expect in Gettysburg," said Eileen Wolf, who also complained about the noise.

Bike Week supporters say the weekend has traditionally been a slow one economically for the area, noting that's not the case anymore.