Wheels through time - final exhibit

[Geoff Ringle]

MAGGIE VALLEY, NC - The Wheels Through Time American Transportation Museum
in Maggie Valley, North Carolina has announced plans to open its final
exhibit at its Smoky Mountain location highlighting the history of
motorcycle police in America. The museum, which houses the world's premier
collection of rare and historic American motorcycles and unique automobiles,
will open the 60-day exhibit, Motorcops: A 100 Year Love Affair Between
Police and the Motorcycle, on September 26, 2008, just two-months before it
closes its doors in North Carolina.

for more info: http://www.wheelsthroughtime.com/

[Baytown]

Wheels Through Time

What an immense loss to the bike world Geoff.
I've been looking forward to visiting this museum for years when I had time free during my trips to the US (never any free time to date!)
I've been watching the Wheels Through Time videos on You Tube and they are fantastic, and give me the opportunity to see bikes that I would otherwise never see, let alone see running.
Why are they closing?
Best wishes.

Ken.

[Glenn]

don't know if it is true but someone told me the town was giving him trouble and would not bend on something so he decided to move

glenn

[Baytown]

Oh, move only!

Thanks for clearing this up.
I've just been to the Wheels Through Time web site, and it is FANTASTIC.
The WTT and Jay Leno web sites are a real tribute to their owners, and it amazes me that individuals spend so much time producing these for us mere mortals.
The range of bikes on Dales site are incredible.
I might start a thread asking for links to other web sites that are hosted by individuals or Museums as a reference for us all, and to allow planning re visits on future trips.

Best wishes.

Ken.

[Glenn]

originally Dale was going to have an auction and sell off 150 or so bike then move. He did sell a car or two and now is not selling the bikes. His relocation to Arizona will give those on the west coast close access. and us on the east coast a reason to travel. I have gone to the maggie valley location several times and it was great. It will be a big loss to the town they will be sorry he left.

moose

[sludge]

His relocation to Arizona will give those on the west coast close access. and us on the east coast a reason to travel.
moose

one more good reason to visit my brother in phoenix during the winter, besides getting out of the cleveland weather. any idea on the time frame for Wheels Thru Time relocation to AZ?

[Chris Haynes]

If he hasn't bought land and built a new building yet why would he close?

[Baytown]

Wheels Through Time

One thing that seems consistent while watching the WTT videos, is that Dale comes across as a really nice bloke. I've smiled at quite a few of his comments. I would do everything possible to go there on my next US trip, and would love to met him.

Best wishes fellas.

Ken.

[rousseau]

Knoxville TN.(my home) is only 85 miles from Maggie Valley NC. This weekend there is a bike ralley in neighboring Cherokee NC. So today,me and a few pals decided to ride over. Because of the ralley,WTT was packed with customers. Dale was starting one bike after another. He even fired up one of the board track racers. I not sure but I believe it was a harley. I do know it was a single cylinder and this thing made a sound I have never heard in life and was shooting blue flames a foot long from the exhaust. The guys that raced these things had to have been brave men. Needless to say I'm saddened by the fact he is moving to the other side of the country.
The reason for leaving Maggie Valley (as told to me today by a employee) The town is going to annex his property. The result would double/triple the taxes. Instead, they should be giving him a break. Maggie Valley wasn't on the map before WTT. I'm sure this tax increase wouldn't break Dale. but I have to agree with his principles.

The WTT will remain open to the puplic until the end of November. If you are on the east coast you must see dale's collection before he moves. All the you tube videos do not do it justice. I promise it will be worth your trip. You need to allow at least three hours just to see it all. We spent four hours today and I still feel we still missed a lot of stuff. ( I spent half an hour looking at the "chopper grave yard").

Dennis Rousseau
AMCA#11302

[Chris Haynes]

[QUOTE You need to allow at least three hours just to see it all. We spent four hours today and I still feel we still missed a lot of stuff. ( I spent half an hour looking at the "chopper grave yard").

Dennis Rousseau
AMCA#11302[/QUOTE]

Four hours? I was there when Dale opened the door in the morning and we were the last ones out when he closed. That still wasn't enough time. We were there on a slow day and Dale spent most of the day being our guide and showing us every nook and cranny. We pawed through his parts stash in his shop and wound up the evening with him buying our dinner.
It was the same thing when WTT was in Mount Vernon, Illinois before moving to Maggie Valley. Dale took us from his dealership and WTT to his home. Which was a three story former hospital building. It was packed with vintage cars and motorcycles. One wing of the second floor had been converted to a modern home. With indoor basket ball, tennis courts so his kids could play during the winter.
It is hard to find a man like Dale Walksler.

[jurassic]

dale

i was once a guest in that beautiful old brick building dale had in mount vernon. i also remember crawling back there at 3 a.m. with the cops hot on our trail.but once they found out we were staying with dale they escorted us right to the front door.

[Buzz Kanter]

Dale is an amazing guy and a life-long old bike enthusiast. Having visited his WTT museum several times I can assure you this is one wonderful place for us to spend as much time as we can.

Dale and his crew are world class. Wherever they end up moving the museum to should be thankful. I just wish he was moving closer to me in Connecticut, not farther away.

[74moto]

Me and mama had a great time at Dales heaven. Rusty who was in charge there at that time made our day !
It was well worth the visit.
GO THERE WHILE YOU STILL HAVE THE CHANSE .
I´m glad to hear that Dale is not splitting the collection. I hope he will find a great place to relocate his museum.