Antique and Spanish Motorcycles Aerodrome Rhinebeck NY Aug 2003

A photojournal of 456 labeled 1280x960 digital photographs on a CD
To be viewed on your computer using your web browser and CD drive

In eastern New York halfway between NYC and Albany in nice rolling hills the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome and Museum has Saturday and Sunday airshows all summer long. They have a great collection of early aircraft to see and watch in their airshow. They have special event shows combined with their normal shows and on Saturday, August 9, they had an antique motorcycle show which was joined with a display set up by SMOG. SMOG is the Spanish Motorcycle Owners Group which is a very energetic club that attended many of the events we were at this summer. Considering that Spanish motorcycles make a relatively small but unique part of all vintage motorcycles this club is to be commended for keeping their motorcycles very active and visible. They have a newsletter that is first rate and I recommend joining even if you don't own a Bultaco or Ossa or Montesa just as good general source of vintage happenings and news.

The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome is open of 10-5 each day from May 15 until October 31. You can see the old aircraft and antique motorcycle collection any day. There is a nice collection of early American motorcycles to see. There are many large buildings where the exhibits are on display. Then weather permitting there is an airshow Saturday and Sunday from 2-4pm. Admission is $12 on Saturday and Sunday for the air show. It makes a great place to have a motorcycle event because Rhinebeck is in such a nice location to cycle to and there is a fun airshow to see at the same time. I am not sure this is a yearly event but I recommend watching for it if you live close enough to attend.

We arrived around 9am Saturday morning, August 9th. Many of the motorcycles to be exhibited had not yet arrived. The grounds are very pretty and there are lots of hangers with old working aircraft to look at. The turnout of motorcycles on display was not large but it was friendly and easy to talk with the owners. There were a couple of pretty special antique motorcyles. SMOG had a very nice display of Spanish motorcycles and there were a few cycles for sale. The weather was warm and hazy. The airshow began at 2pm and was very entertaining. A number of visitors came by motorcycle from around the area. Although I came by car from NH it would have been a very nice cycle ride.

Sample Photos

Done with this page so use your browser Back button to continue