Stop by the National Motorcycle Museum Saturday, September 8 and check out the wide variety of sidecars ridden in for this one-day event, the 9th Annual East Central Iowa Sidecar Rally. Your National Motorcycle Museum admission will let you see the field of sidecar entrants plus take in the Museum with over 420 motorcycles, bicycles, toys and thousands of pieces of artwork. Check out the sidecar rally bike show with modern and antique classes, the vendors and sign up for raffle prizes. Add the 5:00 pm banquet for just $5 more. Call the Rally promoter at 319 846 2619 to learn more about this family event.
Sidecars have been around since the 'teens. As soon as motorcycle frames got stronger, engines more powerful and the Model T showed up as competition, motorcycle and sidecar manufacturers stepped up the pace. Today the aftermarket industry offers many options, even complete low profile chassis kits.
Museum Director, Jeff Carstensen offers, "Sidecar operators are a special breed. With the exception of a few high tech designs, sidecar rigs do not lean; they are steered around corners, and of course you don't need to remember to put down the sidestand any more. Geometry of the setup is critical. Sidecars remain uncommon so events like this Rally bring enthusiasts together, let them discuss their rigs, swap stories and learn what's new. It's a rolling classroom of sorts and we're happy to host the event at the Museum."
Also in Anamosa, Iowa:
Sunday, September 9 – The Anamosa Hillclimb just a mile down the road from the National Motorcycle Museum. The Museum opens at 9:00 am allowing you time to visit then head for the Hillclimb where action starts about noon.
Monday, September 10 – The Motorcycle Cannonball Run 2012 stops at the National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa. Riders will service their pre-1930 motorcycles Monday evening and head toward San Francisco early Tuesday morning.
Cruise into the National Motorcycle Museum located at 102 Chamber Drive in Anamosa, Iowa. Experience the extensive display of over 420 motorcycles from around the world as well as thousands of photographs, posters, motorcycle memorabilia, a collection of antique toys and bicycles, even a restored 1920's Shell gasoline station.
The Museum is open seven days a week the year around. Museum members are admitted free. Becoming a member is quick and easy. Admission is $8.00 except during special events. Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. The National Motorcycle Museum is a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. For more information, call 319 462 3925 or plan your visit to the Museum on the web at www.nationalmcmuseum.org
