[pasadenajim]

Amazing as it may seem, I was involved in motorcycle related activities while in Las Vegas the last few days. Of course, I visited the H/D Dealership, reported to be the largest site in the U.S. They had a V-Rod on display. And interestingly, the dealership sold Ducati's as well as Harleys/Buells. Hmmm.

The highlight of the trip, though, was visiting the Guggenheim Museum at the Venetian Casino. The Guggenheim has the usual display of van Gogh's and Picasso's, but what brought me was the traveling display entitled "The Art of the Motorcycle". The Museum has over 120 motorcycles on display, including 50 cc bikes that can go over 100 mph, a bike without a frame that can travel 165 miles per hour, motorcycles that can transport 3 to 6 persons, many one-of-a-kind bikes, and the usual assortment of early Harleys, Indians, as well as many other long-dead marques. The history of motorcycle development was dramatically presented by the display. The first Sportster was on display, as was an early Electra Glide, and the Super Glide. I even got to find out why the "chopper" was initially designed. And I found out the there were two "Captain America" bikes constructed for the movie "Easy Rider": one was destroyed in the making of the movie and the second was stolen at the end of the movie--never to be seen again. It's assumed the stolen bike was turned into parts. What a waste!!!! The display was a truly amazing assortment of some of the finest and most beautiful vehicles designed by the mind of man. If you love motorcycles, you'll love this display.

Check it out if ya' get a chance. And you can use the Guggenheim visit as your excuse for taking a quick trip to Vegas. <GGGG> You can see the bikes while your wife/husband checks out the van Goghs and Picassos. You can visit the display on line at: www.guggenheim.com
Ride safe.

 

[DPrice]

Thanks for sharing that Jim! Seems like I visit Vegas about twice a year to help pay their electricity bill.

 

[dgiese]

I probably won't make it, but I got the book. I think it was teh best gift I got this year. The bikes are kool, but some of the essays come as close to describing why I ride as any words I have found. If you can't go buy the book.

 

[FLH-GEORGE]

Thanks for the review, Jim!

My brother and I will be in Lost Wages, Nevada for a week of fun and frivolity this coming February. The Guggenheim exhibit is definitely on our agenda!

Question 1: Are cameras allowed?

Question 2: Do you have a review for Cheetah's?

 

[pasadenajim]

dgiese, we bought The Art of the Motorcycle book while we were there. Heard it was a great read! You've just confirmed that. Will enjoy reading the book on a rainy day.

George, as for the camera question, cameras are not allowed in the museum. But the pics in the book will more than make up for that.

As for a Cheetah's review, I lived in Vegas for 2 years in the mid-90's. Became pretty familiar with the place. I suggest that you skip Cheetah's, rent a car, and drive about an hour out of town to Pahrump. There are a couple interesting establishments there will provide you a museum quality experience!!!!

 

[FLH-GEORGE]

Pahrump...... There are a couple interesting establishments there will provide you a museum quality experience!!!!

Blahahahahahahaha!!!

Yes...Well...Ahem........!!! Over the years, my accountant has come up with some "creative" ways to allow the write-off of certain expenditures, but the problem I forsee, is that my WIFE usually compiles the receipts!!!

Thanks for the tip, but we had better just stick to Cheetah's or Olympic Garden or ?????

Just being in Vegas together is likely to get my brother and I in enough trouble!