Wheels Through Time

[stefrrr]

Ray and I are taking a short trip through Ga/NC/VA next weekend. He's not completely convinced that the Wheels Through Time is an essential part of the trip. What say you and if it is, how long should we plan to visit?

[farmer fred]

It's a must-see.  Catch it soon, as Dale plans on moving the whole shebang to Chattanooga.

[Scratch33]

Absolutely take time out to visit it; even better if it's on a less-busy time during the week and Dale Walksler is around to talk with.  An amazing collection.

[dlrides]

Wheels Through Time is a must see, but......................... if you do not have lots of time, go back when you do ! A true moto-head can spend 4-5 hours there. A drive-by will not do the place justice.

[Yankee Dog]

I voted 1-2 hours but I really not sure it is a must see.  I would not travel to see it, but if you are in the neighborhood why not.  

Some observation from my visit last Labor Day.  
1. Dont expect it to rival Barbers.  Not even close.  
2.  95% of the bikes are Harleys.  
3. Most of the bikes are unrestored, ie; rusty and dented.  Note this is not a bad thing, just a thing.  
4.  I thought the entrace price of $12 was a little steep.  

yankee Dog

[cworley5150]

I spent about 3-4 hours there a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it.  If you are passing throught the area, it is worth a visit.  There are some old cars there as well as the bikes.  Some interesting stuff I didn't know even existed.  Some of the Harley military bikes were cool to look at.  A few really odd things there.  

[Guy]

I've been a couple of times, and strongly recommend that you go if you have the time. The first time I was there, we were wandering around and looking at old 1900's board track racers. While we were looking at one, a guide walked up, and started to explain about the history of board track racing, and then calmly fired up the bike with one kick. This bike was about 90yrs old, and ran like a champ. We then got a personal tour of the facility, including the back room where the bikes are restored to original condition. The second time I was there, the owner (Dale) started up a WW1 pigeon carrier trike, and rode out the door, and down the highway. Well worth the trip.

As far as the bikes, they are mostly Harleys, but then again, this place is  about the history of American bikes, and Harley play a significant part in the industry.

[servicerifle]

I seriously doubt that "95%" of the WTT collection is Harley...well...they do have that upstairs area that is exclusively HD...but they have so many Pierce Arrows and Exelsiors that I'm drooling long before I see a Harley.

[farmer fred]

There are a lot of Harleys.  After all, Dale was a dealer for years in IL.  But they're very interesting Harleys.

[hig4s]

There are a lot of Harleys.  After all, Dale was a dealer for years in IL.  But they're very interesting Harleys.

VERY interesting Harleys.. in the back check out the Harleys they used as dirt bikes in the 40s.. I is amazing to me that ANYONE ever successfully completed the Michigan Jackpine 500 mile Enduro on one of those.

[Scratch33]

Note:  I just read that the Wheels Through Time Museum will allegedly be closing August 1st, then relocating somewhere other than North Carolina:

http://www.aimag.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15578

Haven't seen anything about it on their website specifically, though.

[stefrrr]

That's right around the corner. I would expect them to have something on the site about it.  I searched all over & couldn't find anything.

[stefrrr]

Well, I take that back. I called and spoke with someone in the office. They are closing in August, but they don't know where they'll be moving!  

[Scratch33]

Huh.  Bummer -- looks like I'll have to schedule another visit, either to or from Eureka Springs.  My riding companion for the S-T.N meet hasn't been there yet.

[MK96xj]

It is time for me to go before they go

[Guy]

It is time for me to go before they go

+1, I actually just called my dad and told him about the closing. We are planning on going sometime in April (without bikes) just to get one last visit while they are still close.

[nantahala]

+1, I actually just called my dad and told him about the closing. We are planning on going sometime in April (without bikes) just to get one last visit while they are still close.

Ha!  same here.  It's kinda like folks who have lived in Asheville for 30 years and have never gotten around to visiting the Biltmore Estate...

[Lone_RT_rider]

VERY interesting Harleys.. in the back check out the Harleys they used as dirt bikes in the 40s.. I is amazing to me that ANYONE ever successfully completed the Michigan Jackpine 500 mile Enduro on one of those.

Yeah... when Grandpa and Aunt Dot used to tell stories of their Jack Pine runs, I was always amazed.  Running a 74 cube Harley through the woods at 50 MPH in 6 inches of sand....WITH a sidecar....freaking amazing.  

Shawn

[Uncle Leo]

OK, I'll play the spoiler. It's an utter waste of time. You'll be in the Maggie Valley / Waynesville area, with some of the best roads in the country at your beck and call. Why would you want to waste any riding time poking around a museum???

[hardluk1]

 This a must see place. This place has bikes from 60 years worth of american motorcycles. Hd's may make up 50 percent there are one off bikes there and bikes from all racing types, militaryand street. Every bike there runs, Some where pulled out from brush piles and clean inside so they run .And you can see something from say 1908 start and run around the inside of the building.  So if your near the area stop by, only a utter waste of a rider would show so little enterest as to say don't go.

[bpg]

The museum sponsored a BBQ for a bike meet I attended in August '04.  I went to the BBQ (held outside in the pavilion) but didn't pony up the cash to go in and see the museum.  Still regret it, gonna have to get there this summer..

[stefrrr]

For those of you who are still answering the original post - that was about 6 months ago. We went, we saw, and we bought the mug to prove it.  

[CafeTBird]

For those of you who are still answering the original post - that was about 6 months ago. We went, we saw, and we bought the mug to prove it.  

SO - did you find it a "must see", or an "utter waste of time"?  Tis a shame it will be moving though.  I found it a nice diversion when in the area.

[Yellowstrom]

A must see if you are even close by.  But this

http://public.fotki.com/cpope3/barber-motorcycle-museum/

was AWESOME.


I totally both and it took more than 2 hours.  Enjoy.

[Yellowstrom]

Lost my short cut to the "map" that show the states we have riden in.  Does anyone have the "Map"?  I have a few more states to add.  Thanks