Wheels Through Time Special Opening -- May 14, 2009
Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.For the past several weeks, we've been working on a host of special events at the museum for this upcoming season. Things have progressing nicely with several already scheduled and many more currently in the works. Here at the museum, we've been keeping our thousands of friends and visitors in mind, and have been making strides to provide several opportunities for each and every one of them to visit the museum this year.  The first of these events -- The SmokeOut Long Road Stop at Wheels Through Time, will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009. We invite everyone to attend, and whether you're a long time museum supporter, an avid rider or would like to visit American two-wheeled history at its finest for the first time, this is the day to come. Here's why.
For ten years now, The Horse: Backstreet Choppers, one of the most popular publications in the motorcycle industry, has been holding one of the fastest growing motorcycle events in the country -- the Smoke Out Rally. Dedicated to those with the craving for home-built choppers, bobbers, and other creative customs, the Smoke Out Rally brings together a truly unique scene of custom-builders and fans alike to share and compare the lastest surrounding the custom bike scene. Each year, the Smoke Out has grown in size, expanding from a small "bike-builders show" into a nationally renowned event. This year's Smoke Out Rally promises to be one for the ages. In celebration of their 10th Anniversary, the 2009 Smoke Out will consist of two events. The first event, The Smoke Out -West in Cottonwood, Arizona will be held on May 8-9, 2009 and will bring together some of the coolest customs on the west coast. The two-day bash will also serve as the launch pad for the 2000-mile ride to the second of the events, The Smoke Out - East in Rockingham, North Carolina.  Perhaps the biggest news pertaining to these two events is what comes in between! In just four and a half days, hundreds of builders, riders, and fans alike will take part in the ride that links East and West. Called "The Long Road Ride", the ride will total over 2,000 miles beginning in Cottonwood, AZ and ending in Rockingham, NC and will unite the art of building these machines with the passion to ride. Everyone is encouraged to participate -- all you need to do is register for the ride, and you'll be set up to make the cross-country run with some of the toughest two-wheelers on the planet.
The Long Road riders will start their trek on Sunday May 10, and will average about 350-miles each day until reaching their final destination in Rockingham, NC. With pre-designated stops along the route, riders will have a chance to unwind at night after a hard days ride before picking up and doing it all over again the next day. That's where we come in! As part of The Long Road Ride, both entrants and those riding along for fun will make the their final stop at the Wheels Through Time Museum on May 14, 2009. Starting the day in Nashville, TN riders will make the 250+ mile ride to Maggie Valley, and are expected to arrive at about 3:30. Edge, the Smoke Out Rally Coordinator, and I have been working out the details for some time now, and we're both expecting a record turnout.
 The museum will be opening at 10:00a.m. that day, and will be in full operation with tours bike demonstrations going on all day, and an informal bike show in the parking lot when the Long Road riders arrive. We are estimating that over 3,000 people will be on hand as the bikes roll in, so be sure to get here early. We'll be open all the way up to 10:00 p.m., and are working with Long Road Sponsor, Full Throttle Saloon, on bringing in a band.
My son, Matt and I, have been working on all sorts of machines, lately, and should have many of them done by then. In just the past several months, we've finished 10 new machines, all of which will be on display during the opening. So whether you're a going to be a first-time museum visitor or have visited numerous time's in years past, this is the day to visit. With more customs and classics than you can handle, the Smoke Out Long Road Ride Stop at Wheels Through Time will be an event to remember. See you there!!!
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