Topic: Barber motorsports museum

[kerryb]

I'm going to visit the barber motorsports museum in Birmingham tomorrow, any tips that would be helpful?

[J-Rod10]

Have a full day open to stay.

[ekpent]

 Don't forget your camera !!

[754]

Keep cold beer in your vehicle.. for when you need a rest from ogling the bikes..

[MikeSimon]

Count the bikes you see that you also own one of... I do this all the time. Last time I was up to 10..

[72 yellow]

Carry a hanky or a napkin to wipe the drool off your chin. 

[Scott S]

 Plan a return trip in October for the Vintage Festival. Minds will be blown.

[J-Rod10]

Plan a return trip in October for the Vintage Festival. Minds will be blown.

Should be even better this year, with the swap being expanded to 800 vendors.

[bwaller]

Try to touch all the displays, they really like that. 

[MikeSimon]

It is very difficult, but you have to try to get on to the basement floor, where he has his car collection. He originally wanted to make a car museum but changed his plans along the way.

[vfourfreak]

Don't bring your wife / partner / other half. They simply don't understand.

Kev

[Stev-o]

Don't forget your camera !!

+1 and share the pics here.  It's on the bucket list, will make it there one day...

[Yamahawk]

Try to touch all the displays, they really like that. 

And sit on all those displays too... Only get one chance like that in a lifetime!!
Charlie

[MikeSimon]

Here are a few. I have more, if anyone is looking for something in particular...

[Stev-o]

Chow 'bout a written review of your visit for those of us that haven't been there?

[Scott S]

 The thing about Barber (the museum and the Vintage Festival) is the sheer scale of it all. You simply can't capture it in pictures.
 They are sort of like Mecca for vintage bike enthusiasts: everyone should go at least once.

[slikwilli420]

Plan a return trip in October for the Vintage Festival. Minds will be blown.

Should be even better this year, with the swap being expanded to 800 vendors.

Let's hope that helps as the swap has been pretty terrible the last few years. Lots of stuff, but mostly crap. I never leave Mid Ohio with a wad of cash, but rarely find anything interesting at Barber. The other issue is that this venue has been beyond capacity for the last few years. There simply isnt enough room to accommodate the event given its size. Even given all of that, it is the finest spectacle in vintage motorcycling in this part of the world.

[Stev-o]

Plan a return trip in October for the Vintage Festival. Minds will be blown.

Should be even better this year, with the swap being expanded to 800 vendors.

 The other issue is that this venue has been beyond capacity for the last few years.

I've never been there and dont understand this. The Park is 740 acres, obviously there is the track, museum and other facilities that take up much of the acreage, is there not enough camping area? Or just too many people??

[J-Rod10]

Plan a return trip in October for the Vintage Festival. Minds will be blown.

Should be even better this year, with the swap being expanded to 800 vendors.

 The other issue is that this venue has been beyond capacity for the last few years.

I've never been there and dont understand this. The Park is 740 acres, obviously there is the track, museum and other facilities that take up much of the acreage, is there not enough camping area? Or just too many people??

80,000+ people roll through on the weekend.

I've never had an issue with anything there. Always bring some new things home, sell a lot there. I imagine parking sucks for those just coming for the day, though. Off-site parking, with free shuttles, and parts delivery to your vehicle, and constant shuttles around the facility.

[bwaller]

Haven't been in the swap meet area since 08 and I found some cool stuff then. Just drove by this year and it seemed to overflow from what I remember.

From a racing prospective it is also packed. Many races with multiple class starts and one needs to be really good in traffic. It's a happening! 

[slikwilli420]

Plan a return trip in October for the Vintage Festival. Minds will be blown.

Should be even better this year, with the swap being expanded to 800 vendors.

 The other issue is that this venue has been beyond capacity for the last few years.

I've never been there and dont understand this. The Park is 740 acres, obviously there is the track, museum and other facilities that take up much of the acreage, is there not enough camping area? Or just too many people??

Yes to all. There isnt nearly enough camping space. Barber sells out quickly where Mid Ohio always has more space. Too many people is an understatement. I have heard from those in the know that traffic has topped 100K in the last couple years. I get why everyone wants to come, its amazing, but its getting nuts. Even the paddock is wall to wall and the chance of running someone over is far higher than any other event. We even got a special talking to about pit speeds last year due to the volume of people. Again, not complaining, just noting that the event is likely at its upper capacity. I believe it was the first year that attendance didnt increase, at least "on paper". And again again, it is the best event in the country and well worth the time and expense to attend. I know I'll be there again.

[MikeSimon]

Traffic: You MUST NOT take a car there. If you come from far away, rent a U-Haul bike trailer and tow your bike. Access is about 1/10th of the problems with a two-wheeler.

[kerryb]

Thank you all,  read many of your comments after my visit and they are spot on!
So the wife dropped me off at opening time and she went shopping for the day.  I took the guided tour which included a walk around the track viewing areas while a track day event was being held.  The walk-overs have plexiglass panels in them so you can look into the cars as they go under.  No, I wasn't quick enough to get a picture.   But I did take 250 shots in the museum, but I won't be able to upload any untill I get home.
The restoration workshops were neat but quiet because the restorers were away at some other event/show with thier most recent accomplishments  saw my first '69 cb750 since 1969 ( in the dealership).  Also enjoyed all the vintage race car stuff...I've been a lotus fan since I was a kid!
As for the Vintage festival, I think I'll take our vintage 'Bago to mid-Ohio, its much closer to Buffalo!

Pics to follow...

All part of the adventure...