OHTM Events - Vintage Motorcycle Meet 2011

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ue and vintage motorcycles take center stage at the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s annual Vintage Motorcycle Meet and Antique Aeroplane Show on Saturday and Sunday, September 3 & 4. Owners of any pre-1991 motorcycles are encouraged to exhibit and will be admitted free of charge. The Vintage Motorcycle Meet attracts antique custom and racing bikes from all over northern New England.

"This has always been one of our more popular events," said museum executive director Charles Chiarchiaro. "For that reason, we have expanded it into a two-day event."

A special area will be set aside for a MOTORCYCLE CORRAL & FLEA MARKET where individuals may sell motorcycles—both antique or modern—and related items. A modest vendor fee of $25 per day or $40 for the weekend will be charged to sellers. The fee covers up to three motorcycles for sale (any vintage) and admission for two adults.

The Museum will showcase its collection of motorcycles, which includes an 1868 Roper Steam Velocipede; 1901 Steffey Motorbike; 1919 Harley Davidson J; 1922 Royal Enfield; 1924 Harley Davidson 2-25 Motorcycle; 1930 Henderson Streamline Motorcycle; 1931 Indian Four; 1932 Harley Davidson V Motorcycle; 1938 Indian Scout; 1941 Harley Davidson Motorcycle with sidecar; and 1946 Whizzer Motorbike.

Museum Curator Ethan Yankura will hold educational talks about the Museum’s1868 Roper Steam Velocipede, a reproduction of the first true motorcycle, invented by New England inventor Sylvester Roper.

Also on hand will be Dave Sleeper of Bangor who recently rode his Kawasaki Ninja at just under 190 miles an hour at the Loring Timing Association's Land Speed races. Oh, and did we mention? He is 74-years-old.

Owners of pre-1991 vehicles are also welcome to exhibit at this and all other Museum (non-auction) events at no charge. Visitors are encouraged to come early to guarantee seeing the highest concentration of exhibiting vehicles.

Vote for your favorite vintage motorcycle. All attendees will have the opportunity to cast a ballot for either the People’s Choice or Kid’s Choice awards.

Again this year, the Museum will set aside an area for children to exhibit their “wheels” (i.e. bicycles, tricycles, scooters, etc.) near its popular "Kids Corral" pedal car area.

As part of each day’s activities the Museum will actively demonstrate a few of its turn-of-the-century automobiles as well as give free rides in Ford Model Ts. Special children’s activities and Museum tours are planned. There will be plenty of fun for the whole family. Young children can practice their driving skills in the Kids Corral area, which features pedal cars and pedal planes.

The antique aeroplane show will begin at 9:30 a.m., weather permitting. Aircraft conservator Karl Erickson and a team of volunteers have been working tirelessly on getting the Museum's fleet of of World War I-era biplanes ready to take to the skies. Back on the flight line will be the 1917 Curtiss JN-4 or "Jenny" made popular by barnstormers of the 1920s. Also seeing action will be the 1917 Nieuport 28C.1 and 1916 Sopwith Pup, among others. An open flightline will allow visitors to get an up close look at the planes as well as talk to the pilots.

Coastal plane rides aboard the Museum's 1941 Stearman and 1933 Waco biplanes and 1978 Piper Super Cub may be purchased by Musuem members at any time through the Museum store. Rides are sold to members only, however. Ride certificates do not expire and are transferable. The Super Cub and Stearman carry one passenger. The price is $95 and $200 respectively. The Waco carries two passengers and costs $350.

Rain or shine, visitors will have access to the Museum's indoor collection of dozens of antique cars and pioneer aeroplanes. The Museum will showcase its newest exhibit, “MGs & Microcars-Small, Practical and Elegant” featuring rare and classic examples from the 1920s through the 1950s.

Event admission is $12 for adults. Children under 18 are free. The Museum's expanded Museum Store will be open showcasing a large inventory of motorcycle-related items, books, diecast models, children's items and more.

Gates open at 9:30 am. Food and refreshments will be provided by French & Brawn at the Caboose, the Museum's outdoor concession stand. Pets are not allowed in the Museum or outdoor exhibit area.

Open daily, year round, the Owls Head Transportation Museum is located at 117 Museum Street (off Rt. 73) in Owls Head, two miles south of Rockland, Maine. For more information call 594-4418 or visit the museum online at www.owlshead.org.