Back in the Fall of 2007 I embarked upon a memorable ride from Wisconsin to Birmingham, Alabama for a visit to the Barber Museum and its fledgling Vintage Motorcycle Festival.
My route took me on a bucket list ride down the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway in autumn colors and perfect weather. One of my more memorable stops was at the Wheels Through Time motorcycle museum in little Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
Antique American iron may not be my passion but I had to see this amazing collection amassed by the museum's founder, Dale Walksler. As I strolled through the place, almost alone, I spied Dale himself futzing with a display. My regret is that I didn't stop to say "hi."
Dale passed away on February 3d at age 68. I first heard of Dale through Tom Cotter's book, "The Vincent In The Barn" and later on the TV shows "What's In The Barn" and "Chasing Classic Cars." Dale's life-long passion was motorcycles, beginning at age 18 when he started a H-D parts business, then at 22 becoming the youngest H-D dealer in the U.S. In 2002 he opened Wheels Through Time and in 2019 the AMA recognized his contributions to the sport by inducting him into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
By all accounts Dale lived his dream with conviction, fairness and good humor, while instilling his passion in son Matt, who will hopefully continue his dad's legacy. Dale was truly one of the good guys of our sport…I just wish I would have paused to chat on that beautiful October day.
My route took me on a bucket list ride down the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway in autumn colors and perfect weather. One of my more memorable stops was at the Wheels Through Time motorcycle museum in little Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
Antique American iron may not be my passion but I had to see this amazing collection amassed by the museum's founder, Dale Walksler. As I strolled through the place, almost alone, I spied Dale himself futzing with a display. My regret is that I didn't stop to say "hi."
Dale passed away on February 3d at age 68. I first heard of Dale through Tom Cotter's book, "The Vincent In The Barn" and later on the TV shows "What's In The Barn" and "Chasing Classic Cars." Dale's life-long passion was motorcycles, beginning at age 18 when he started a H-D parts business, then at 22 becoming the youngest H-D dealer in the U.S. In 2002 he opened Wheels Through Time and in 2019 the AMA recognized his contributions to the sport by inducting him into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
By all accounts Dale lived his dream with conviction, fairness and good humor, while instilling his passion in son Matt, who will hopefully continue his dad's legacy. Dale was truly one of the good guys of our sport…I just wish I would have paused to chat on that beautiful October day.
RSS Feed