Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

[AZ Tee Jay]

I think we should create our own Sturgis!
Okay, it's true, most of our wives should probably keep their shirts ON but maybe we could invite some of models depicted with our beloved scooter?
I've been told the Barber Motorsports museum in Birmingham, Alabama is amazing; takes about 2 days to really see everything (that would be how long my butt would need to recover after riding from Arizona). Weather is pretty nice during the winter, sping and fall months.
I'm not proficient at coordinating such an event (my baby sister sets up the Christmas party each year) but I'm willing to be someone out there could handle the details.

Any thoughts?

 

[SteveADV]

Hmmm, a location. A trip. Sounds interesting. However, while it is always sunny in AZ, up here in Ohio we already had our day of sun...back in the third week of August I think it was....So, a trip would be great but weather would be a factor from here. Good idea, though.

 

[AZ Tee Jay]

Aw c'mon. Yours has heated grips/seat doesn't it? And if you live in Ohio you must have some foul weather gear.
Never been to Alabama myself but it IS in the south so I figure it is probably warm most of the time.
In addition, due to the "overwhelming" response, it might now be until May of next year that we get this set up so I assume things will be thawed out by then?

 

[SteveADV]

Being thawed by May in northern Ohio is a definite possibility and you're right about the foul weather gear; trunk is loaded with it. I am an all season rider with the right weather window (sans the ice and snow covered roads).

 

[SteveADV]

Tee Jay,

Not sure you know of this maxi-scooter form: Early Planning

The thread talks about their 2014 meet-up

 

[AZ Tee Jay]

Okay, that looks like fun, just not my kinda fun. Packed dirt roads and cabins that have twin beds - hmm.
What would we do: fire up the stills and drink moonshine till we puke?
It's true, my idea would probably overload the local hotels and create "lines" at the entrance to the museum but it seems more in line with our love of motorized vehicles.

To each his own however and I certainly can appreciate a love of nature - maybe one day...
Thanks for the different perspective.

 

[SteveADV]

What would we do: fire up the stills and drink moonshine till we puke?

Yes. Isn't that what everyone does at those things?

Personally, I'm with you on the wilderness camping stuff, but I admit to being surprised at what a great time I've had at a few "resorts" of the type mentioned considering I'm a suburban boy born and bred. Riding out on the country roads and exploring small towns off the beaten path is a blast for me, but probably not for everyone.

That said, I think people would really enjoy the Barber Museum. My take on it would not be from the point of view of someone who can really appreciate the mechanicals behind the displays (I understand practically nothing when the it comes to discussions of variators, sliders, pulleys, and weights), but I've always been fascinated by the people that "get" that kind of stuff and stand around and talk about it.

I'm the guy in the back holding his Starbucks and nodding his head when there is general agreement on how impressive the rollers on the C600 are....not having a clue as to whether the discussion is about tires or some other part of the bike.

 

[AZ Tee Jay]

I s'pose I could do some of the research here. I'll check with some folks at the museum and find out what time of year would be best for 2 wheelers, what the median price of hotels in the area is and other such general info (like where the closest butt message can be found).

SteveADV
This is for you.

 

[SteveADV]

OK, i feel a little guilty about forcing you to do the homework, and I am willing to help, but this is a GREAT idea! C'mon gang, TJ and I should not be the only BMW 600/650 riders to show up.

OK, i know TJ's bike is cooler than mine, but with my 650 I can bring my dog, cat and ex-girlfriend along for the ride....So, who want's to make the trip?

 

[AZ Tee Jay]

This is the website: Barber : Home
Here are a couple of enticing pics

 

[AZ Tee Jay]

Oops
Here is the other pic

 

[AZ Tee Jay]

Website did not come through.
Barber : Home

 

[SteveADV]

Anybody thinking about this as a Spring trip?

 

[SteveADV]

Hey Gang,

It's not even past Christmas and we are starting to get antsy. Anyone else thinking about this trip? Its a couple days ride from the coasts and up here in the frigid north, so might require some "aggressive" logistics (Steve speak for what you gonna tell the wife about why its SO important that you go).

Anyhow, it looks like a reasonable destination for a few of us and if you think you might be interested let us know here.

 

[AZ Tee Jay]

Now is the time to take the wife someplace SHE wants to go (just took mine to Nashville) so you can earn enough "blue chips" to trade in for approval

 

[SteveADV]

Ha, you really are a scoundrel. Good thinkin'. No doubt you had a good time in Nashville also.