During nearly 130 years since Daimler and Maybach built the first wooden-framed gasoline-powered two-wheeler, the motorcycle has evolved into a mechanized workhorse that, like cars and trucks, provides essential transportation in even the most remote regions of the globe. In Tryon’s part of the Blue Ridge, the motorcycle is more likely to be used for recreation. Who hasn’t encountered a large group of weekend Harley-Davidson cruisers enjoying the fall colors and camaraderie of their international motorcycle sub-culture?

Less obvious to the motoring public are the sports motorcyclists who ride singly and in pairs while testing their own physical prowess and bike’s handling capabilities as they attack the “twisties” in our region. Indeed, the southern Appalachian Mountains have become a kind of Mecca for serious recreational riders. And their motorcycles’ artful design and engineering have now reached the level of the most sophisticated contemporary sports cars. Examples of some fine cruiser and sports motorcycles will be exhibited at Rolling Art on Nov. 8.

Several local riders also compete in vintage motorcycle racing and against the clock at road racing courses throughout the southeast.  Champion vintage motorcycle racer from Greenville, SC, Brad Phillips’s competition motorcycles have been highlights of the past two Rolling Arts shows. This year, in addition to Phillips’s motorcycles, Jim Wright’s Yamaha race bike, along with its specially-designed fairing and parts, will be showcased inside Thompson’s Garden Gallery and Outdoor Living. Show visitors will see a variety of visually and technically appealing motorcycles, including Linda Haynes’s 2009 Buell Lightning, Cory Thompson’s Ducati 1098, Roland Linder’s 1984 Triumph Bonneville, Andy Haynes’s 1975 Honda CB550F (that he has owned since new), and Warren Board’s Ducati Monster.  The beauty of the motorcycles on exhibit rivals that of the cars and trucks.

Tryon Rolling Art will be held from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 8the same day as the Tryon Beer Fest on Palmer Street, next to Thompson’s Garden Gallery and Outdoor Living, in Tryon.  The car, motorcycle and truck show is free to the public as well as to exhibitors.

If you have a car, motorcycle or truck you would like to exhibit, call 828-859-3185 or email rollingarttryon@gmail.com and provide the year, make and model of your vehicle along with your contact information.  Everyone is welcome.

-article submitted by Warren Board