Ride to Barbers 2010, Many Pics

[LWRider]

Just back from Barbers Vintage Festival in Leeds, AL (near Birmingham) I have been looking over my log. It looks like my little 1968 CB350 averaged about 50.5 mpg over the entire ride of 1,508 miles. Fuel cost was $85.96, making it about 6 cents a mile. The bike did good other than one bad tank of gas I picked up. I had a fuel line disintegrate (ethanol sucks) but had spares on hand and my mirror vibrated loose. And of course, my chain needed tightening by the time I got to Birmingham. I had ordered a new chain before leaving, but the shop cut it too short so I had to use my old worn out stretched one.

I left Lake Wales, FL, on October 6th and rode to Valdosta. I have a friend, Julie, there who teaches at the University, and I stayed at her place for the night. The ride there, via the backroads I travelled was about 300 miles. Here's a pic at Floral City, FL; you miss roads like this riding the Interstates.

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/1987/floralcityfloridastreet.jpg

Next morning I rode down to Pinetta, FL (about 15 miles south) to meet up with Luis from H-E-LUSA, another member of the forum. Luis had invited me to ride up to Birmingham with a group of riders he had organized, along with his wife, Deb, and daughter Elizabeth, who were driving the van which towed the stuff Luis had to sell at the swap meet.

OUr group stopped at Waffle House in Thomasville, GA, fro breakfast. Here is the gang; left to right is Dave (on a Shadow 1100), Bob (on a Shadow 1100), Jill and Howard *on a H-D Narrow Glide), my CB350, Elizabeth and Luis (on a Valkyrie, Luis also had a sport bike on the trailer).

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/6418/davebobjillhowardelizab.jpg

Arriving at Barber's Motorsports Park and just inside the gates was the VJMC (Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club) area.

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/1866/vjmcbooth001.jpg

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1811/vjmcbooth002.jpg

On Saturday they started up some of the show bikes for the crowd.

http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/6319/startemupatvjmc.jpg

[LWRider]

Spectator bikes were everywhere. This line went for miles.

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/5482/afewbikes.jpg

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/5277/parkedbikes001.jpg

The swap meet area. You could find almost anything here.

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/2684/swapmeet001.jpg

Dirt bike anyone? Ten on this trailer alone.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/9454/dirtbikeanyone.jpg

A few bikes outside the museum that were interesting.

A very old Honda.

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/3771/veryoldhonda.jpg

A Cyrus; one I have never heard of before. This one is competing for most unusual against the Perilla (see the museum pics for the Perilla).

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/7754/cyrus.jpg

[LWRider]

The Bonnie I didn't win. Motorcycle Classics gave this away. It was customized by the magazine staff.

http://img710.imageshack.us/img710/4676/anotherbonnie.jpg

A different take on Cafe Racers.

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/6043/differenttakeoncaferace.jpg

Extreme bobber.

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/7251/extremebobber.jpg

Norton Commando 850; there were lots of these there all in excellent condition.

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/2662/nortoncommando850.jpg

A nice Trumpet.

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/6184/prettybonnie.jpg

Sidecar rig.

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/2575/sidecarrig.jpg

Triumph bobber.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/4163/triumphbobber.jpg

A nice Triumph triple.

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/3231/motorcycleclassicsgivea.jpg

I remember watching "Then Came Bronson" in '69-'70. This replica is as close as they get, and in my mind, epitomizes what a motorcycle is.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/2053/bronsonsportster.jpg

[LWRider]

Some views of the track. There were vintage bikes running sunup to sundown.

The wall of the museum facing the track is all glass. This view is from inside the museum.

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/8971/viewfrommuseum.jpg

Other track shots.

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/1191/trackscene003.jpg

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9950/trackscene002.jpg

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/1500/trackscene001.jpg

Sculptures at the north curve of the track.

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/5691/sculptureatnorthendoftr.jpg

[LWRider]

Here are shots inside the museum or at the entrance.

The entrance to the museum.

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/4818/museumentrance001.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/8489/museumentrance002.jpg

A couple of old-timers in front of the entrance. Museum staff had started them just a few moments before.

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/1039/museumentrance003.jpg

In the foyer of the museum. There were a few rare and exotic cars in addition to the bikes.

http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/1402/insideentrance001.jpg

A rare 1962 Honda CR93.

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8896/1962hondacr93.jpg

Not a BMW--a DSR, bike I have never heard of.

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/2458/dsrnotbmw.jpg

Suzuki GS1000S.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/5817/gs1000s.jpg

Harley-Davidson XR 750.

http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/9895/hdxr750.jpg

A rare Japanese Lilac.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9747/lilac.jpg

Lotus Mark II in a long line of Lotuses. I did not know they went back so far. The Mark I was there and looked like a aluminum Model A convertible; garage-built by hand.

http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/5028/lotusmarkii.jpg

A Morbidelli (I think).

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/4650/morbidelli.jpg

Norton Cafe Racer.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/812/nortoncaferacer.jpg

An Itlaian Perilla, from the 60s. Wild li'l' thing.

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/10/perilla.jpg

A couple Honda Runes.

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/2217/runepair.jpg

Stack o' bikes next to the elevator.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/6990/stackobikes001.jpg

Another view of one of four stack showing the scale better.

http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/3008/stackobikes002.jpg

Tree o' bikes.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2511/treeobikes002.jpg

Trumpet Trident.

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/5050/trumpettrident.jpg

Old Beemers rigged out for the long haul, as they so often were.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/517/voyagingbeemers.jpg

[LWRider]

Thunderbolts doing the airshow over the track.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9356/airshowovertrack.jpg

Saturday afternoon, Howard and Jill and I decided we wanted to check out some local roads and see what kind of twisty country roads we could find. I chatted with a local Friday night and he suggested Dunavent Mtn. Rd (aka TN 25 or "Little Tail of the Dragon"). We did a fifty or so mile loop down 25 to US231, up to Pell City, back down County Rd. 27 back to TN 25 just below the hairpin and back to the motorpark. The "tail" had not even close to as many turns as the Dragon, but there were a couple that were pretty challenging. I was returning around the hairpin when I thought I was close to dragging a peg when I felt the underside of the toe of my boot touch down first. Stayed inside the yellow all the way around, and lucky I did too as a car met me on the outside of the curve.

Here's Jill on the "Overlook" just before the hairpin.

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/2466/jillontn25.jpg

The other side of the "Overlook."

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/4498/viewfromtn25.jpg

Yours truly.

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/4070/meontopoftn25.jpg

Howard, Jill, and me at the Coosa River, off 60 at the end of TN25.

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/892/howardjillandmeatloganm.jpg

The Coosa River with interesting rocks below the Logan Martin Dam.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4928/riveratloganmartindam.jpg

Someone enjoying TN25 and about to encounter the hairpin.

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3453/riderontn25.jpg

Back at camp at Barbers.

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/9090/campingatbarbers.jpg

[LWRider]

On the way home I gave Luis's daughter, Elizabeth, the camera to take some pictures of the gang riding home. I am next to last.

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/3434/onthewayhome.jpg

On my own again, heading home. Taking a break at the Suwannee River near White Springs, FL.

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/5842/onmyownagain.jpg

"Way Down upon the Suwannee River"

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/9673/suwanneeriveratwhitespr.jpg

[Badlands-4-2]

There is only one word to describe my feelings after looking at all those pictures.
Jealous:71baldboy:

[iamjustifyd]

Awesome pics! Looks like you had a great time:)

[LWRider]

I forgot this little bike--A Morbidelli V-8!!

http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/2901/morbidelliv8.jpg

[internationalballer]

Nice looking pic's, thanks for sharing. Why didn't you take you bike out on the track?

[LWRider]

Nice looking pic's, thanks for sharing. Why didn't you take you bike out on the track?

VJMC had a parade lap I could have done, but they did not do it until Sunday about noon. I was out of there and on my way home early Sunday morning. It woudl have been cool, though.

[badinfluence63]

LWRider,

I am getting my CPU back today and will look at your pictures when I get it hooked up, can't see them for now.

Always wanted to go to the Barber Museum that and the Smithsonian I just found out has a motorcycle display too. Almosy went this past May but foolishly went to Kentucky instead.

[4Raven]

Wow that must have really been fun....great pics....love that museum!!!!:thumbsup:

[67fire]

Thanks for posting your trip in pictures for us Mike! :thumbsup:
I only wish that you had more pic's of all of those cool scooters.
There seemed to be motorcycles in abundance there. ;)
Didn't I read that Cosworth had something to do with that Morbidelli V-8?
Definitely a "must see"!

Eric :icon_cool:

[Bonsai]

Thanks for posting your trip in pictures for us Mike! :thumbsup:
I only wish that you had more pic's of all of those cool scooters.
There seemed to be motorcycles in abundance there. ;)
Didn't I read that Cosworth had something to do with that Morbidelli V-8?
Definitely a "must see"!

Eric :icon_cool:

I can help with the "scooter" pics from Barber...my wife and I were there in May....it this what you want? :D

[Bonsai]

LWRider...GREAT pics and looks like a bonus on the Vintage weekend with all the other bikes there. I have a couple of friends that want to go after they saw our pics, might have to aim for this time next year.

[LWRider]

It was an incredible experience; I highly recommend it, no matter what kind of bike you like be it H-D, crotch rockets, adventure sports, UJM classics, modern cruisers; you name it.

I could have filled many 2gb camera cards and not gotten shots of all the bikes. I missed the dirt racing completely! I just read that there were 45,000 in attendance.

And to make things even better, the ride was fantastic, with good people, and a nice mix for me of group and solo riding. The weather was beautiful--chilly in the night and warm (ok-hot) in the day. The Saturday afternoon side trip was the highlight for me and I would love to explore more around the area.

Only bad was Birmingham traffic; I have never seen such a mess. Through a navigation error we ended up taking the Interstate the last few miles into the city. Hours in stop and go traffic, holding the clutch in and moving in first gear while inhaling exhaust fumes was no fun and a bit scary. If you go, skirt the city on your way in.

[badinfluence63]

very cool! I can see them now. The Barber museum looks like a must do.

Thanks for sharing.

[RydonLanks]

Awesome ride, looks like it was a gooder anyway

Cheers thanks for sharing and making the rest of us jealous!

[Dodsfall]

That museum looks more impressive than the HD museum in Milwaukee from the pictures.

[robow]

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/3771/veryoldhonda.jpg

I think this is the coolest looking bike I have ever seen, does anyone know anything else about it.

[LWRider]

I think that is the original "Dream" model from the 50s.

[iamjustifyd]

Not meaning to hijack but I went to Barber this past June. Here are some pics for ya'll:)

http://s1008.photobucket.com/albums/af206/iamjustifyd2/

[internationalballer]

Not meaning to hijack but I went to Barber this past June. Here are some pics for ya'll:)

http://s1008.photobucket.com/albums/af206/iamjustifyd2/

I love the paint on this busa.

http://i1008.photobucket.com/albums/af206/iamjustifyd2/P5290094.jpg

[C. Bank]

looks like thats the place to be

[LWRider]

Not meaning to hijack but I went to Barber this past June. Here are some pics for ya'll:)

http://s1008.photobucket.com/albums/af206/iamjustifyd2/

There are a ton of bikes in those pics I did not see. They must rotate bikes in every so often. The complete collection must be enormous. Cool Pics, Sherry.

[ScrumDown]

I've got a friend who lives in Huntsville, Al. Maybe when I get my bike running I can talk the with into going to there place for a bit & let me bugger off for a day and take the museum in.

Your pictures defiantly got me interested.

[BikerTrash]

There are a ton of bikes in those pics I did not see. They must rotate bikes in every so often. The complete collection must be enormous. Cool Pics, Sherry.

We did the Barber pilgramage as part of a 2300 mile tour in early June--one of the workers at the Museum told us that at any one time, there are 750+ bikes on display, plus another 750 in storage--so yes, I think they do rotate.

Barber's is a must-see! :thumbsup:

[RideN]

Thanks for posting the pics. What a great look at the past. Some seriously awesome bikes. I'd love to get back east and see things like that. We took a cross country trip in the motorhome a few years ago and stayed off the interstates as much as possible. There is just so much to see in this country.

[murphyshuman]

Sherri....love the baby blue Cushman...we had two just like it when I was a kid, first bike I ever rode way back in 1974, I was 12....too cool for school!

[ralphlong]

Isn't Barber's amazing?

I think heaven is Going to be just like Barbers, except you will be able to ride all the bikes.

Did you notice the level of detail they use in displaying the bikes? They use thin wires to hold the bikes vertical. Most museums simply use the kick stands. Also, each bike is individually lit. The place is a work of art displaying works of art. Fantastic place that needs to be on every riders bucket list.

[ralphlong]

I've got a friend who lives in Huntsville, Al. Maybe when I get my bike running I can talk the with into going to there place for a bit & let me bugger off for a day and take the museum in.

Your pictures defiantly got me interested.

The ride from Huntsville to Barbers is great. A nice easy relaxing ride. Worth the trip do it.

[DarkHelmet]

AWSOME POST! This is the kind of stuff i love and why i love riding,getting to go cool places and see everything imagineable!

[BikerTrash]

Check out this youtube link (lots of Barber pics):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMNOLASEF1c&feature=player_embedded#