Two New Books that'll keep you reading, and reading, and reading........As a true motorcycle enthusiast, I'm always looking for great new reads about old motorcycles and the people who have ridden, raced, restored and collected them. Over the past several decades, I've read literally hundreds of motorcycle-related books, each of which have fueled my interests, sparked my motivation, and taught me something new. As you can guess, I'm a big history fan, and books that look backwards at our two-wheeled history seem to move me the most. Today, I'd like to tell you about two new books that have just hit the shelves. Each are outstanding works, highlighting aspects of the old motorcycle world that are often overlooked, forgotten, or never told. Each are "must reads" for any true motorcycle fan, and I am proud to say that they're two of the best published motorcycle works that I've ever had the pleasure of reading.  The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900 to 1950
by Cristine Sommer Simmons
Cristine Sommer-Simmons is outstanding asset to the history of American motorcycles. Through her passion to recognize and progress the role of women in the historically male-dominated world of motorcycling, Cris has become not only a recognized figure in the motorcycle industry, but one of the premier motorcycle authors and journalists of her time. "The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900-1950" highlights a history that has been overlooked from the very beginnings of our motorcycle heritage: Women and motorcycles. A large format, 240-page hardcover, this fantastic book was published in June of 2009. Covering the first 50 years of the 20th century, "The American Motorcycle Girls" combines hundreds of photographs, first-hand stories, interviews, and commentary by Cris herself in a beautiful layout out that will keep you reading from start to finish. From the minute I opened my copy in the mail, I knew it was something special (It's got a great photo of a attractive young woman on a period-modified '37 Knucklehead!). Before long, I was immersed in the countless pictures and stories, eagerly flipping pages to see what was next. From cover to cover, this book will keep you enthralled, and is sure to teach you something you didn't about women in motorcycling that you didn't know. Learn more at The American Motorcycle Girls Official Website
 The Vincent in the Barn
By Tom Cotter
I met Tom Cotter about a year ago, and from the first time we spoke, I knew that he was a unique individual. Tom had written several books that I was familiar with, including "The Hemi in the Barn", a book that highlights great stories about rare and interesting automotive finds. During his first visit, we had a great time touring the museum and sharing stories of how many of the machines at WTT came to be. When Tom contacted me about his upcoming book, "The Vincent in the Barn", I was fascinated with the idea. He mentioned that, similar to "The Hemi in the Barn", his new book would highlight many great stories of rare and significant motorcycle treasures found over the years. As there are hundreds of great stories housed here at the museum, Tom asked if I would be willing to share a few of those for the book. I was honored, and told him I would be more than willing to help in any way I could. A year later, I received the finished, published work in the mail (autographed by Tom), and immediately began tearing into the package to see this collection of great stories. The book is fantastic....a 256-page hardcopy that is an instant classic. In "The Vincent in the Barn", Tom shares some of the most outstanding stories on great motorcycle finds, the people who found them, and the circumstances under which they were found. A true cover to cover read, the book is filled with first hand accounts, told by Tom, about many of the rarest motorcycles in existence. With tales such as "The Race Engine in the Trailer House", "The Hyperterrestrial Hopper", and "Easy Russ, Junky Joe, One-Eye Roy, and the Snoop", this book is sure to peek your interest if you love hearing how barn finds came to be. Countless stories on uncovering many of the rare machines at Wheels Through Time are highlighted, ranging from hillclimbers and boardtrack racers, to prototypes and production models. I, myself, still get excited reading Toms translation of machines I found 25, even 30, years ago. To get a copy, click here. So if you're looking for great reading, maybe a good holiday gift for family or friends, or a way to unwind delve deeper into motorcycle history at its finest, be sure to pick up a copy of Tom Cotters "Vincent in the Barn" and Cris Sommer Simmons "The American Motorcycle Girls: 1900-1950". These are two reads that you certainly won't regret, and will cherish over and over for years to come!
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