Antique cycles at museum

Staff report

WARREN

“Seldom Seen Cycles,” the National Packard Museum’s 15th annual antique-motorcycle exhibition, opens Saturday and runs through May 30.

The show will feature 30 extremely rare American, European and Japanese motorcycles that have been tucked away in private collections and out of the public eye for decades.

Among the rarities are one-of-a-kind and sole surviving road and off-road bikes, including a 1923 Douglas Flat Twin and a 1971 Greeves Pathfinder.

The annual event at the museum, located at 1899 Mahoning Ave. NW, is recognized as one of the nation’s finest motorcycle exhibits. It has received the Antique Motorcycle Foundation’s highest honor, the Award for Excellence, along with three consecutive first-place awards in the Interpretive Exhibits Category from the National Association of Automobile Museums.

The exhibition attracts visitors from around the world. Last year, guests from 30 states and from Belgium, Canada, China, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom visited.

“The purpose of the exhibit is to educate audiences about motorcycle history and to promote the preservation, restoration and collection of antique motorcycles,” said Mary Ann Porinchak, the museum’s executive director.

It is also designed to raise awareness of the motorcycle in transportation history, she said.

In conjunction with the exhibit, the museum will once again present its Saturday lecture series. The educational one-hour programs are open to the public and free with paid admission to the museum. This year’s series schedule includes:

“Appraising Antique and Vintage Motorcycles,” Feb. 28, 11 a.m.: Dave Bayowski, a certified appraiser, is the presenter.

“Importing and Exporting Motorcycles and Parts,” March 28, 11 a.m.: John Bova, owner of Johnnie’s Vintage Motorcycle Shop in Wadsworth, is the presenter.

“The John Penton Story,” April 18: movie (time to be announced).

“Rider Safety” followed by a vintage group ride, May 16, 11 a.m.: Al Navecky and Terry Baxter of Warren are the presenters. Riders of newer bikes are also welcome to ride along.

The National Packard Museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is $8 ($5 for seniors and children 7 to 12; free for children under 7).

Cameras and flash photography are welcome. For group rates or information, go to packardmuseum.org or call 330-394-1899.