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It's All About Bikes, Baby.
(Midland Center for the Arts Presents
'Designs Through Time')
By Lauren Davis The Midland Center for the Arts has proven, yet again, that it is far more hip than one might think, with the new exhibit entitled "Designs Through Time: Motorcycles Past, Present and Future".
"Hip" is an understatement. In at
atmosphere that one might mistake as conventionally staid, there is a
tangible excitement in the air. A.P. Dow Museum Director Bruce
Winslow seems to have a bit more spring in his step. There is a
twinkle in his eye, reminiscent of your average kid in a candy shop, as
he walks me through a display of hundreds of vintage, and not-so-vintage
cycles.
Imagine a breed of bike, and he somehow
transports you to it before you are aware you've taken a step. Bruce is
animated and knowledgeable. He is thrilled, and rightfully proud, to
share an exhibit that covers the entire history of the motorcycle
industry. It spans from what he calls "bicycles with engines", to the
new Triumph that talks 0-60 in under three seconds, with a
formidable 2,300cc engine that can walk the walk.
The exhibit is a literal high-step through
time. Covering the expanse of the entire 2nd floor of the museum, it
smoothly integrates the culture, subcultures, and physical evolution of
life on two wheels. I'm astounded. Bikes are here from all over the
country, with an impressive number of contributions drawn directly from
Michigan. I'm led on a tangible journey through what was an infinitely
more dramatic, competitive struggle than I had ever imagined. Bruce
seems to relish in my response, leading me from one display to another,
knowing that there are many great surprises in store. I feel like a kid
myself. I'm so excited at the display, I hardly realize that I am
learning something.
The Designs Through Time
exhibit lacks something incessantly present at every bike show I've been
to: Segregation. Favoritism. Brand specificity. Something I often refer
to as "Harley-itus". Not that there is anything wrong with Harley, mind
you. Let's just say I'm a little more Neopolotin where bikes are
concerned. I like a little of everything. At too many bike exhibits,
it's all vanilla. It's all Harley.
This walk-through is anything but.
Integrating artwork that
reflects the culture of bike enthusiasts throughout the industry's
history, and the marketing campaigns built around them ("You Meet the
Nicest People on a Honda!"), the presentation is breathtaking. Yes,
there are bikes, but who knew that they could tell such a story?
Event Producer and former Michigander
Dick Daily had a story in his mind when he put together this exhibit
four years ago. Reserved and smiling, he quietly joins the tour and
explains his mission: "Hopefully," he says, "people will not come here
looking for one specific brand." Rather, he'd like to see them leave
with an appreciation of the battle among various manufacturers. "The
Rise and fall of various lines of cycles, from the lowest to the highest
tech, are fully explored here." he says.
The fall of industry giants (Norton),
the surprising return of some (Triumph), and the neck and neck
struggle between two huge contenders (Indian/Harley), are
prominently featured. It is clear that in this exhibit, there are no
favorites. Indian bikes that did long ago damage to Harley sales are
parked across the aisle from the very bikes they outsold. "At one point"
he says, "there were over 150 manufacturers competing against one
another. There was bloodshed. There was drama. There was a heck of a
story here".
The exhibit also points to some of Harley's
latest innovations, and potential new competitive threats, including the
new Arlen Ness designed "Victory" line from Polaris.
Local dealers hail this bike as the newest Harley contender. A
representative from Steven's Cycle, an event sponsor,
directs me to a bike I immediately fall in love with. It grabs my
attention in its simplicity; with smooth, clean lines, and a seeming
return to form over flash. "This line is something to watch in the
coming years." he says.
Many bike enthusiasts enjoy a good show,
but seldom does one see a collection of bikes so appreciated by their
owners. Frankly, I like to imagine myself on the bikes I see. I tire of
seeing custom bikes that, while pretty cool, are clearly impossible to
ride. Dick Daily admits this is his impetus. The cycles in this exhibit
are real and ride-able, and each has a story to tell.
"This is not just a showcase of shiny
bikes" he says. "These are bikes that are still avidly used by their
owners, so you're going to see the little scratches and dents you might
not see at your average bike show." This seems to amuse him, as he
smiles and points to another end of the exhibit. "Matter of fact," he
says, "some of the dirt bikes on display still have sand in the
crevices." He goes on to show me various rides he is certain, he says,
still partake in vintage racing, and the ones that will leave the
exhibit to bring many more miles to dedicated owners.
Now that's what I call a bike show.
Bikes on display include domestic and
foreign models from 1906 to present, representing BSA, Norton, Moto
Guzzi, Ducati, MV Augusta, Indian, Griffon, Harley-Davidson, Triumph,
Honda and BMW. Other showstoppers include the handmade
Italian Bimota SB6. Bruce Winslow happily points out the speedometer
that goes to 200mph, and the 1995 price tag that tops twenty six
thousand dollars. "It is one of two in the state. Only two hundred were
sold in the U.S."
Other rarities on display include the
renowned Ron Fitch "Loophole" custom chopper, something Daily
describes as "Rolling sculpture", and a formidable collection of British
bikes, including a well preserved Norton 750 Commando, similar to
one that my husband saw me fall from the back of at second gear.
"You hear a lot of that when you do these
shows" laughs Dick Daily. "Anyone who has ever owned a bike will have a
story about one of the models we showcase here. There is a real
emotional connection to a lot of these bikes. That's why the exhibit is
such a big hit with families. Dad can show his son the very bike that he
rode when he was younger."
Dad can do more than that. Parents can
bring their children to the Midland Center for the Arts to enjoy
the biggest bike exhibit Mid-Michigan has hosted, as well as the
biggest T-Rex ever discovered nearly intact. Construction has already
begun on "A T-Rex Named Sue", a not-to-be-missed dinosaur
exhibit is that is scheduled to begin January 28, and will run along
side the bike exhibit.
The Designs Through Time: Motorcycles
Past, Present and Future" will be on display now through
Sunday, April 2. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students;
ABDM members are admitted free.
Special rates are available for admission to "A T.-Rex Named SUE", which will run simultaneously.
For additional or feature ticket
information, contact the Midland Center for the Arts at
www.mcfta.org
Or call the box office at 989-637-8250.   The 1966 Matchless and 1948 Indian Chief are two of a glistening array of bikes from 1906 to present on display at the Midland Center for the Arts.
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