If you are ever anywhere near Maggie Valley, NC you HAVE to visit the Wheels Through Timr Museum owned and run by my pal Dale Walksler. He's been trying to get me down there for years and I finally made it down last week.
OHMYGOD that place blew me away! I didn't count, but must have been over 200 classic American bikes on display - and every one runs. If you doubt that Dale is happy to start up any of them, even the $265,000 Crocker - which he does daily, right on the spot.
I've been in a lot of motorycle museums, and this one is the best and most fun ever.
__________________ Buzz Kanter
Editor-in-Chief, American Iron Magazine
Really cool displays and bikes. I love it there. This is the first time you've been there? I'd have guessed you were a semi- regular visitor. I've been once so far.
He doesn't just "start" that Crocker. You know that strip of rubber in the main aisle, it's been laid down by the Crocker and others- Most museums wouldn't dare, my guess is if they break something they will make the part if they have to. They have it right, motorcycles are made to ride.
Really cool displays and bikes. I love it there. This is the first time you've been there? I'd have guessed you were a semi- regular visitor. I've been once so far.
Thank goodness he is so far away from our offices in Connecticut or I'd never get any work done. Yes, it was my first visit, but it won't be my last. Dale's a good friend who's been trying to get me down there for years, shame on me for not making it more of a priority. That's changed.
__________________ Buzz Kanter
Editor-in-Chief, American Iron Magazine
Yea that place is great! Dale is a great guy and is always willing to talk to you and show you stuff. That Traub is truly a piece of engineering work (coming from an engineer). I actually got to go back and see the part of the shop where Dale does his magic. I went there with a guy named Steve Pickle who is a buddy of Dale's so my wife and I got the backstage tour. Steve Pickle owns the Olde English Tudor Inn in Gatlinburg, TN. If you are ever going down there and need a place to stay call Steve. The Olde English is one of nicest B7B's my wife and I have stayed in. After Steve cooks you breakfast he'll take you out riding on the best roads in America. Thanks to Steve and Dale for their great hospitality.
I just live across the mountain, (Cherokee, NC) from the Wheels Through Time, WHAT A PLACE!!! I would spend more time there if I could, but I have those minor annoyances like work.
Dale's Crocker is featured in the April 2008 issue of AIM. Our own Jim Babchak penned the piece, and includes the backstory on how the bike came into Dale's possession. A great read about an amazing machine.
We visited Wheels Through Time Museum a couple of years ago while on a trip up the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was so much better (and cheaper) than seeing the Biltmore mansion. Dale came out and conducted a personal tour and gave us the history of some of the bikes. My wife could have listened to him all day. He is definitely passionate about saving the history of motorcycling.... not just the machines, but the men and women who led the way.
Later in the year, we were able to talk to Dale again at the AMCA meet in Davenport. He raced a board track racer on the half mile track. He claimed the air in the tires was 80 years old.
Another trip to Maggie Valley is definitely in the future.
Anyone who likes to ride should visit if they find themselves in the area.
I love to visit the web site and hope to one day visit the musuem on person. the bikes they rafle off are sweet. check out the new one up for rafle. hope i win it this year
Wheels Through Time Muesum 
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