2006 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Events

January 19, 2006 7:39am

PICKERINGTON, OHIO – The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, America’s premiere showcase of motorcycling heritage and history, has announced an expanded calendar of events and activities for 2006. From its annual signature event, the October 6–7 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction and Concours d’Elegance Weekend to festivals that celebrate the lifestyle and heritage of favorite motorcycles marques, Museum visitors will discover award-winning exhibits, entertainment, education and memorable stories 365 days a year. Just minutes from Columbus, Ohio, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s exhibits and events take place in over 15,000 square feet of gallery space, surrounded by 23 scenic acres. The Museum is located next to the headquarters of the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), adjacent to Interstate 70. Check the Museum’s web site often for up-to-date event information.

Unlike some traditional museums, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum doesn’t simply present history behind glass. Every exhibit blends priceless motorcycles, memorabilia, historic images and unusual artifacts with the real stories behind the famous machines and faces. Many of the exhibits feature fully interactive elements that invite kids of all ages to touch – such as the current “Motocross America” exhibit where tomorrow’s racing stars can try on the latest motocross bikes and gear and prepare for a “photo opp” on the victory podium.

All 2006 events at the non-profit Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum are open to the public:

“Motocross America” Exhibit. See, hear and connect with the action-packed history of America’s original action sport at this expansive exhibit. More than 60 legendary motocross machines, hundreds of artifacts, and personal treasures on loan from racing and industry stars, rare original images and special interactive sections, such as a Motocross Resource Center designed to help parents and kids get involved in racing. Through December 2006.

5th Annual Penton Owners Group Day. Meet John Penton, his family, friends and Penton Owners Club (POG) members and learn more about Ohio’s very own motorcycle legend. Panel discussion, Penton bike show. POG members-only lunch. Indoor activities. February 4.

Leather & Ice Winter Party. Share an evening with fellow motorheads and make new friends at the third annual Leather & Ice winter motorcycle party. Mix formal wear with moto gear to win prizes for the best dressed guests. Door prizes, scavenger hunt, and food and drinks will whet your appetite for the spring riding season! Saturday, February 11 from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Daytona Friendraising Breakfast. Traveling to Daytona for Bike Week? Wrap up your week at this annual Museum fundraising event. The 2006 keynote speaker is racing great Mark Brelsford, the 1972 AMA Grand National Champion. Advance reservations required. Friday, March 10, Holiday Inn, DeLand, FL.

Japanese Motorcycle Saturday. Japanese sport bike, café racer, cruiser and off-road enthusiasts gather at the Museum to celebrate their favorite marques. From the rare to today’s most popular Japanese bikes, visitors are invited to bring their favorite Japanese motorcycles and enjoy the free, unjudged bike show from vintage machines to 2006 models. East coast enthusiasts will want to check out the Larz Anderson Auto Museum’s simultaneous Japanese Motorcycle Day (www.mot.org). Special guests, food vendors and more. Saturday, June 3.

British & European Motorcycle Weekend, presented by DomiRacer Distributors. From BSA to Zundapp, this two-day event is a must for any fan of British and European – especially German – bikes. Visitors have one final chance to see the exhibit “BMW: The Mastery of Speed” during a Friday evening reception. The exhibit features rare ephemera, seldom seen and historically significant sport machines from nearly every decade of BMW’s eighty years of motorcycle production. Saturday, visitors are invited to bring their favorite British and European motorcycles and enjoy an unjudged bike show for machines from vintage to 2006 models. June 9-10.

“Women & Motorcycling” Exhibit. AMA/FIM Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell. Celebrate the legendary lady riders who paved the way for today’s thousands of women motorcycle enthusiasts. The Museum’s award-winning exhibit “Women & Motorcycling” makes a special appearance at the conference. Advance registration required through the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). June 30-July 3, Athens, GA.

“SuperMann” Exhibit Dedication. Dick Mann is one of the great universal motorcyclists of the last century. Tuner, dirt tracker, road racer, motocrosser and trials rider, Mann did it all. This new exhibit pays respect to Mann, the modern-day legend. Join Dick Mann and friends for the exhibit dedication, then head to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days for the weekend. Thursday, July 27, 5 pm.

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. More than 40,000 motorcycle enthusiasts gathered at last year’s annual celebration of motorcycling heritage, making it the biggest vintage motorcycle event in America. The Museum’s Motorhead Café is a great place to hang out with your friends and meet the legends of the sport. Bid on rare classics and memorabilia at the world-class Vintage Motorcycle Auction (Saturday), watch AHRMA racing greats battle it out on four race tracks, browse the world’s largest motorcycle swap meet, try the latest motorcycles from today’s leading manufacturers, shop dozens of new gear and accessory vendors, learn at seminars. MV Agusta is the 2006 Featured Marque. July 28-30, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Lexington, OH.

Custom and Cruiser Culture Saturday. Whether box-stock, chopped or tricked-out and over-the-top, custom and cruiser motorcycles reflect the unique personalities of their owners. That fact makes these bikes some of the most visually stunning works of art on wheels. Enjoy the culture, lifestyle and craftsmanship of these popular bikes – as well as the people who design, build, tune and accessorize them at this first annual custom bike show. Demonstrations, vendors, and more. August 19.

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Weekend and Concours d’Elegance. Meet and mingle with motorcycling’s most famous names at the annual Hall of Fame Induction, plus enjoy over 100 of the nation’s rarest motorcycles at the 5th annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance (all day Saturday). The weekend includes a Friday “Evening of Stars and Legends” reception at the Museum, autograph sessions, Saturday gala Induction dinner and ceremony. October 6-7.

Motorcycle Hall of Fame Holiday Online Auction. A virtual shopping extravaganza awaits gift givers starting November 1. That’s the day the Museum “opens” the door to its annual online holiday auction. All proceeds benefit the Museum. Museum staff will accept auction donations throughout the year. www.motorcyclemuseum.org.