I finally made it down to Deals Gap and The Smokies last week. Me and the wife took a vacation week and rode down on my EGC. The scenic roads down there were everything I expected and then some. But the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley NC exceeded my expectations. This place has the greatest collection of rare and vintage motorcycles on the planet. But as if that isn't enough, they actually start up some of the bikes for their visitors. While my wife and I were gaping at the military bikes the owner's son, Matt Walksler, came over to us and introduced himself. Before a few minutes had gone by we were talking like old friends. What a great guy. I asked Matt where the Steve McQueen collection was (purchased by the museum at McQueen's estate auction)&nbsp\\;and he pointed them out to me. Kind of dispersed throughout the museum. But then things got better. Matt brought us over to a 1935 Henderson four cylinder side car rig which was raced in the Jack Pine Enduro back in the 30's and 40's. He started it with one kick! I've never heard a vintage four banger motorcycle run before, but that day I heard that Henderson, and Ace, and an Indian. They actually run these things for you. While we were gaping at the Henderson, I noticed rubber marks going down the aisle the length of the museum. Looked like a friggin' drag strip. I asked Matt, what are you guys doing, having some fun after hours or something? "Oh no, he says. That's my Dad (Dale Walksler). He does burnouts from time to time during the coarse of the day on the 1936 Crocker you saw on the way in." So close to all the collection, and with visitors in the place?! "yeah, he's a little nuts that way, but....that's my Dad."
I really thought he was pulling my leg until a few minutes later, the Crocker fires up, and here goes Dale taking a lap around the museum while Matt and a few of the staff are asking people to move back away from the isle. I tell you, that old Crocker sounded like a top fuel dragster in that building and laid down a patch of rubber at least 50 feet long. Unbelievable! And he did this three times during the two hours or so that we were there!
Now if any of you have not been down to this incredible place, you had better get down there soon. Wheels Through time will be moving in November. I wish they would stay put, but as there website states, they want to take the museum in a new direction. www.wheelsthroughtime.com
You all really must see this place before they leave. You will never forget it. I won't.

 

That sounds just like my visit in March.&nbsp\\; Great place &amp\\; great people.
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Cannon

 

Glad you enjoyed the Smokies and Wheels Thru Time.
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I was down there twice last year.
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Mrs. Harley and I will be on the BRP and other roads in two weeks.
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I AM READY!!!!!

 

Mac57, you're right that's so awesome seeing a $200,000 motorcycle "briskly" ridden down the aisle between all the other valuable bikes and spectators! Here's a picture I took of Dale a couple years ago.






Then when I was sitting outside admiring the 1942 (I think) boxer motor Harley, Dale walked over and said "you want to take it for a spin?" I couldn't believe he'd let me do it but I said "sure". This pic is of me riding it back up to the showroom. You're right Mac57, if anyone is riding anywhere near the South end of the Blue Ridge Parkway stop in, you'll be glad you did. Dale is a very knowledgeable and entertaining host!

 

Ridewva, man that is awesome! I don't suppose they make that kind of an offer to visitors very often. I'm sure you felt honored. Not to mention thrilled. The Walkslers are rare people.

 

Ive known Dale for years and our two sons (Matt and Eric) used to play together at the Davenport Iowa Antique Meet. I use to help out at Dales Harley Dealership and Mueseum back in the early 90s when it was in Mt Vernon Illinois. What a great and knowledgeable guy. Ive never met anyone who had as much fun as Dale. Next time you guys visit be sure to tell him that Terry from Illinois says Howdy.

 

If I can get back there before they move I will be happy to do that Terry!
I told Matt that he has what is probably the greatest job in the world.....second only to Dale's I guess.

 

Me,wife,grandson,daughter and her sig other were there mothers day weekend this past May 2008.&nbsp\\; I let&nbsp\\;Dale take my 1998 Ultra w/ sidecar for a spin and to toss the side car.&nbsp\\; And toss it he did. He rode round and around and around with the sidecar all up in the air. He demonstrated that Crocker peel out when we were there too.&nbsp\\; He even gave my grandson a wheels thru time hat.&nbsp\\; I bought a poster,dress shirt fpr work,shot glass, stickers and wish'd there had been a dvd of the museum.&nbsp\\; I hope he makes one before he starts breaking tigs down.
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I hate it that he's breaking up the museum and relocating what an unfortunate set of circumstances.&nbsp\\; The Wheels through Time Museum is the holy land for all things and people with 2,3 and 4 wheels in some cases. Too much to really look at in one day. Maybe he'll change his mind and do a media blitz exposure for the museum.&nbsp\\; Its been there I believe 6 years but I never heard of it till I started posting here this past November.
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