Wheels Through Time 2.0

As promised in the previous post I'm going to share about my visit to Wheels Through Time. The story about the trip can be found through this post about coming back from Barber.

You can click on an image to see a larger view.

We didn't get to the museum until later in the afternoon. We decided to go in anyways. The museum closes at 5pm each day so plan accordingly.

The museum is quite overwhelming. It has a ton of stuff. There is just so many things to look at. The museum specializes in early American motorcycles but has a few cars too.

There are several sections with different sets. Some of them are representations of old motorcycle shops which is pretty neat.

As I'm not a huge connoisseur of early American bikes (bikes here start with a 1903 Indian) and there are a lot of early (pre-1920) bikes to look at. Some of the bikes have plaques with descriptions but most do not. The museum staff is very helpful and willing to answer any questions. I was able to capture a few panoramas to give an idea of the scope and scale of the place.

While there are a couple restored bikes the vast majority are unrestored. Also all but a small handful are in running condition. It just an impressive collection of motorcycles and motorcycling history.

If you're a fan of early motorcycles this is a must see museum. Be sure to have ample time as there is just too much to see.

Wheels Through Time website

Barber 2.0

We just got back from Barber. I wrote about the first trip I made here. This time was very similar as we took the same route (we went through the North Carolina mountains, otherwise the only other direct route is through Atlanta, yucky).

The big differences this time was that the Norton Interstate has a freshly rebuilt engine and no longer struggled to get out of it's own way. It had no problem at all in the power department. Also we came back through northern Georgia and then went to the Wheels Through Time museum (there will be a separate post on that...)

The full writeup on the trip can be found on the AccessNorton.com forum.

We spent Sunday in the museum. We had already seen the swap meet, racing pits, vendors area on Friday and Saturday and it was going to be especially warm so what better time to spend inside? While they rotate exhibits around I saw many bikes that I had seen the last time.

Museum Entrance

Stacks of bikes

More stacks of bikes

Once again if you only go to one motorcycle museum in your life this is the one to go to. The facilities are world class and the bikes are all spectacular.

Kansas Motorcycle Museum

How can not love a place that advertises "Additions have been completed to the museum including public restrooms and new display areas." Can't complain about public restrooms!

Photo courtesy GlassAnkels

There are more pictures on their website. They have over 100 motorcycles and a lot of racing memorabilia, especially from Stan Engdahl, a former flat track champion.

ksmotorcyclemuseum.org

National Motorcycle Museum, US

This one I have not been to but it appears to be pretty comprehensive. I don't know much more about the museum except for the web site.

Photos courtesy the National Motorcycle Museum

Here are some more photos from a fellow biker... apparently the museum closes early, around 5pm so plan accordingly. Hours are 9-5pm daily.

Photos courtesy Jamie Z

nationalmcmuseum.org

National Motorcycle Museum, UK

The only time I went to the National Motorcycle Museum was in 1992 and that was before the fire. It was also before digital cameras so I'd have to scan those photos. Luckily my dad just got back from a trip through Europe and went to the museum. And he took a lot of pictures. I think he was overwhelmed by the sheer number of bikes. I do need to get back over there.

Photos courtesy of Elroy Friesen

nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk

Wheels Through Time

While my brother has been to this museum a few times I've never been. I've been watching What's in the Barn on Velocity since it first aired. It's a great collection of bikes at the museum and Dale looks like quite the character.

I'll make this short post and then after I get to the museum I'll make another one with many more pics.

Photos courtesy of Wheels Through Time

wheelsthroughtime.com

Vintage Memories

From the Lone Star Museum site they have a link to Vintage Memories. It's a part time museum open by appointment only outside of Atlanta, Georgia. There's no admission fee but donations are collected for local charities. That might make a nice ride to next time I'm in North Carolina.

Photos courtesy of Vintage Memories

vintagememoriesinc.com

Lone Star Motorcycle Museum

Paul from Born Again Bikes recommends the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum and from the description I can see why.

"Great folks, and the museum is right in the heart of some of the best riding in America."

Photos courtesy of Lone Star Motorcycle Museum

The admission fee structure cracks me up.

* Children Free (under 15)
* Adults $5
* 65 and over $4
* Groups (10+) $4/head
* Active Military and spouse $3/head
* 90 and over Free
* 100 and over We pay you $5

Attached is the Ace Cafe and it looks to have a lovely selection of food. If I'm ever back to Texas I'll be sure to stop at the museum and have a bite to eat.

lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com

Le Musée de la Moto de Saint-Jean-port-joli

Here's a submission from one of my fellow Norton owners Jean:

"You can add Le Musée de la Moto de Saint-Jean-port-joli to your list of museums.  The region is something to see, nice roads with spectacular views of the Saint Lawrence.  A stop at La Roche à Veillon in Saint-Jean-Port-Joli for a typical Québecois mea lis a must.  On the way to Gaspé, another well worth it stop is at le Bistro de la Mer in Kamouraska (corner of route 132 and route de Kamouraska) where they have the best lobster bisque I have ever tasted, it goes very well with a smoked salmon or shrimp sandwich.  Route 132 from Rimouski to Gaspé is amongst the best motorcycle roads in the world, lots of twisties, up and downs right next to the Saint Lawrence river which is more like a sea than a river since the other side is a good 30 Km away.  Not motorcycle related but interesting for gearheads is the Bombardier Museum in Valcourt."

And if you're in Montreal be sure to check out Chien Rose and Le 132-Bar Vintage.

Photos courtesy Le Musée de la Moto de Saint-Jean-port-joli

Photos courtesy Jean Des Rosiers

From the eating suggestions alone I want to go! And to add to that the museums? "I'm packing my bags honey, I'll be back in a few weeks!"