OWLS HEAD – Hundreds of motorcycles of all years, makes and models are expected at the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s Maine Coast BikeFest today. Bikers from Maine, New England and beyond will rally on Runway 17 and participate in an afternoon bike (motorcycle) rodeo.
Other highlights include a motorcycle safety demonstration by Mike Mank of Motorcycles in Motion, starting at 11 a.m.; motorcycle vendors and a flea market; early aircraft demonstrations; an educational talk about the museum’s Roper Steam Motorcycle; and a “gallery tour” led by Museum Director Charles Chiarchiaro showing the 240-plus items that will be featured in the museum’s upcoming Transportation & Technology Auction on June 28.
Charles “Chuck” Feil, author of the book “MAINE: Guess Where from the Air,” will land his gyrocopter, named Rooty Kazooty, and sign copies of his book from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The bike rodeo (for motorcycles only), conducted by the Knox County Chapter of United Bikers of Maine, will include a slow race (who can maintain their balance and have the slowest time from start to finish); a balance beam competition (steering their bike along a narrow track); and cone competitions. Bleachers will be provided for seating and viewing of the rodeo, which will take place from 1 to 4 p.m.
“This is the first modern motorcycle event we’ve held here at the museum,” said Chiarchiaro. “Usually we feature the antique motorcycles, and the modern motorcycles and cruisers are parked in the parking area. This event will cast the spotlight on them.” The museum’s antique motorcycle event is scheduled for Aug. 26.
The Owls Head Transportation Museum is on Route 73 in Owls Head, just three miles south of Rockland. For more information, call 594-4418; or visit the museum’s Web site at www.owlshead.org.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
