|
 Last Thursday, May 14, 2009 the Wheels Through Time Museum held its first special opening of the year as hundreds of enthusiasts from one of the nation's longest organized motorcycle rides rolled into town. Beginning in Cottonwood, AZ on May 10, The SmokeOut Long Road Ride headed east towards its final destination -- The SmokeOut East Rally in Rockingham, NC -- stopping in Maggie Valley for a special visit at the Wheels Through Time Museum along the way.
With over 60 registered riders, the Long Road Ride made its way from west to east, picking up plenty of steam along the way. With stops in Santa Rosa, NM, Oklahoma City, Clarksville, AR, and Nashville, TN, Long Road Riders saw hundreds of enthusiasts join the ride before their much anticipated stop at the museum on May 14. Meanwhile, up the road in Maggie Valley, Wheels Through Time staff and hundreds of visitors alike gathered in preparation for their arrival. "We've really been looking forward to this day for a long time," said museum curator, Dale Walksler. "Its not often that so many folks get together for a ride like this, and we were honored to provide everyone a great museum experience and a place for the riders to kick back, relax, and get some rest."  Making their way from Nashville, TN, Long Road Riders began arriving at the museum at about 4:00p.m. on Thursday, and kept on coming over the next several hours. Home-built choppers and bobbers from around the country kept visitors in awe, and the adrenaline-filled riders combined with some of America's best two-wheeled history provided a much energized atmosphere that would make the evening one to remember.
In total, over 700 visitors and Long Road Riders made there way to Maggie Valley, for a slice of motorcycle heaven...and they wouldn't be disappointed. With a full staff on hand, museum tours and demonstrations lasted well into the night. Both Dale and Matt Walksler had countless machines up and running for the event, including several newly acquired machines just recently put on display at the museum. World renowned author and photographer, Michael Lichter, was also on hand as a special guest shooting the Long Road Ride and capturing some of the great moments during the museum's special opening. Shortly after midnight, visitors, riders and museum staff would call it a day, as the last leg of the ride was fast approaching. With only 250 more miles to go, the Long Road Riders agreed that the museum provided that extra bit of inspiration that'd make their final day a breeze. Said museum staff member, Matt Walksler, about the ride, "This has certainly been a day to remember. We love to share the collection here at the museum, and perhaps the biggest part for me is being able to provide inspiration to so many like-minded enthusiasts and builders. I hope that everyone enjoyed their visit, and that we're able to do it again next year!"
|
