Mike Barry Motorcycle Museum
We had heard about this place on a couple of occasions - once from a friend of ours and the other when we visited the little motorcycle museum in Silloth, Cumbria last year. The two places are about 25 miles apart.
We weren't actually planning to visit but as we were driving past, Mrs Kpcv noticed the sign so we decided to call in.
What a fascinating place for all sorts of reasons. We met the owner and curator, Mike Barry who talked us through quite a few of the exhibits and told us some stories - and who offered to make us a cup of tea! I was particularly interested to see a BSA Bantam D14/4S in good condition. I had one of those when I was 17 for a little while but it was in terrible condition when I got it.
Mike was particularly proud of this T Shirt brought to him by some young riders he had met previously when he was out on his MV Agusta. I don't come across many (or any?) young motorcyclists now. People I know discuss the reasons (or possible reasons) all the time. Quite a few of the guys I ride with are well into their 70s and one is over 80. And they "don't hang around", as the saying goes. Some are now having trouble getting insurance for a. their own bike, b. test rides and c. courtesy bikes when theirs are in for service or maintenance. Mike hit the nail on the head, so to speak, when he said that quite a few people are buying bikes that they had in their youth. It will be interesting to see what happens to prices and demand once this stops - or at least "tails off".
Mike was happy to pose for the shot and for me to post it on the web. He gave us a leaflet with his mobile/ cell phone number on so people can ring up in advance to check whether it is open or not! 07808 867419 if you are interested in going along. I will geotag the shot in case you want to see the location.
Mike Barry Motorcycle Museum
We had heard about this place on a couple of occasions - once from a friend of ours and the other when we visited the little motorcycle museum in Silloth, Cumbria last year. The two places are about 25 miles apart.
We weren't actually planning to visit but as we were driving past, Mrs Kpcv noticed the sign so we decided to call in.
What a fascinating place for all sorts of reasons. We met the owner and curator, Mike Barry who talked us through quite a few of the exhibits and told us some stories - and who offered to make us a cup of tea! I was particularly interested to see a BSA Bantam D14/4S in good condition. I had one of those when I was 17 for a little while but it was in terrible condition when I got it.
Mike was particularly proud of this T Shirt brought to him by some young riders he had met previously when he was out on his MV Agusta. I don't come across many (or any?) young motorcyclists now. People I know discuss the reasons (or possible reasons) all the time. Quite a few of the guys I ride with are well into their 70s and one is over 80. And they "don't hang around", as the saying goes. Some are now having trouble getting insurance for a. their own bike, b. test rides and c. courtesy bikes when theirs are in for service or maintenance. Mike hit the nail on the head, so to speak, when he said that quite a few people are buying bikes that they had in their youth. It will be interesting to see what happens to prices and demand once this stops - or at least "tails off".
Mike was happy to pose for the shot and for me to post it on the web. He gave us a leaflet with his mobile/ cell phone number on so people can ring up in advance to check whether it is open or not! 07808 867419 if you are interested in going along. I will geotag the shot in case you want to see the location.