Day 3: Bikes, bikes, and more bikes.
This was the day the trip was planned around. We took back roads towards Birmingham along the Allison-Bonnet Memorial Highway. Found a neat little family joint for breakfast that reminded us of one of our riding buddies. You know who you are GW.
After a scenic detour created by one of my famous mapping errors we reached our goal.
Barber Vintage Motorsport Museum Some photos to prove it was us that was there.
This modern art thingy is supposed to represent the freedom of cycling. A little creepy but in a cool sort of way.
The show started before we even got inside. People were arriving for the 5th Barber Vintage Motorcycle Rally and some were parked out front. This highly modified BMW was first to catch my eye. Check out the channel iron frame and the the auxiliary gas can; it's hooked up through a changeover valve. The coffin main tank was a nice touch on the beemer too.
This one was a little more along the lines of the museum.
Just inside the door we were greeted by a wall of fine bikes.
Included was this fine old Harley.
We paid our entry fee and walked into the main display room. Our jaws simultaneously hit the floor in awe. Pictures can't do the five story atrium justice. I did my best to capture the view but not possible. Should have done a video but my mind was blown.
Here's what I did capture.
Looking down from the fifth floor landing.
We heard the roar of a couple big V-twins running the track so we made our way to the back window. A great place to watch the action on the road course.
Dragonfly sculpture on the rock.
Got some video of one of the bikes.
What follows from here are the bikes I wanted to share as we wandered around the displays. Nowhere near all of them just the ones that I liked according to my tastes which run more toward street riding than racing. Occasional comments included.
Look close; that's a V8 Kawasaki.
I loved the woodwork on this sidecar.
XR750 Flat Tracker
Benelli's predecessor to the CBX.
First year Sportster. Perry had to point out the oil drops.
I didn't know Peirce made cycles as well as fire trucks.
Cool delivery hack. Love that shade of red.
Aftermarket coach. Count 'em; four wheels.
Collection of wood track racers.
And of course, from Easy Rider. You can see Big Red outside in the background.
Sport touring? CBX
Aero Buell.
A Wankel rotary.
A Cushman for you bagger fans.
Dino
It's a Harley trail bike.
'58 Impala; very nice.
Extra credit for anyone who can name the manufacturer on this cool little scoot. I know.
Skiing anyone? Tractor tire on the rear.
The Nazi BMW's were represented. Look close at the display. There are tire tracks formed in the sand. Very well done.
Here is the only one of my previous rides that I could find on display. 1974 Honda CB450. Mine was dark green instead of gold.
The lowest floor was not open to the public. It housed the shops where active restorations were in progress, a huge collection of old boat motors and several more cars.
Another V8 cycle.
A different concept for design.
And finally a world championship winning Ferrari Formula 1 racer.
More of our Day 3 adventure on the way.......