SQUIB: a : a short humorous or satiric writing or speech; b : a short news item. (Merriam-Webster)
This Travel Squib proves you never know where you’ll find the truly amazing.
There’s doesn’t seem to be much along a lonely stretch of Route 66 in Miami, Oklahoma. But, if you keep a sharp eye out — or if you have a sixth sense that can sense classic motorcycles — you’ll find The Vintage Iron Museum.
Opening in 2006, the Museum welcomes visitors first into a large gift shop full of motorcycle clothing, souvenirs and collectibles. A simple side entrance opens into a much larger space full of a surprising collection of historic motorcycles, gear and Hollywood artifacts.
I’ve seen massive motorcycle-themed museums before — such as the iconic Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee and the Barber Vintage Racing Museum. While Vintage Iron can’t compete with those institutions in size, it keeps up with passion and attention to details. The museum includes a growing collection of bikes including more than 40 vintage motorcycles, such as a 1917 Harley Davidson, 1972 Yamaha World Record jump bike, 2004 Honda World Record jump bike, a 1949 Indian Scout alongside its modern sister and others.
The museum also houses exhibits on the entertainment side of bikes, including some Hollywood material. The joint sadly sold much of its Steve McQueen collection, including the sale of his Husqvarna for $144,000.00. Fortunately, Vintage Iron is still the active home of Evel Knievel’s history, including his fire suits, the Snake River Canyon Jump Mission Control Super Van and abandoned plans for a Las Vegas Evel Knievel Museum.
The entire institution is a literally a gift to the entire riding community because viewing all of these beautiful machines and biker history is free to the public. You might only get to it by going to it, but any rider should go.
