To me, one of the main advantage of traveling with your own vehicle is to discover hidden gems that are hard to find otherwise.
- Sometimes you are wondering or heading somewhere and you see something that attracts your attention – like a sign, a remote road, a certain sight.
I was driving down to Avignon to see a friend last weekend when I saw a sign on the side of the road – “Musee du Velo et de la Motocyclette”.
Being the proud owners of 2 motorcycles myself (KTM950 and Ducati Sport Classic 1000), and always curious to see the special attractions of a region, I had to stop by and take a look!
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Remembering that we are France, not in the USA, I already knew I was going to see something different. And it was indeed.
The entire collection is displayed inside a large house – they refer to it as a castle but that is a bit of a stretch.
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But no flashy neon signs, no giant parking, no bus – this is not Las Vegas.
I actually got very lucky as the opening hours are quite limited…
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As soon as you step in, you are in a bit of shock.
The collection has obviously been here for a while, and everything is just parked here and there in what used to be the many rooms of the house.
The collection, as the house itself, could probably use a bit of maintenance.
The display includes the very first bicycle and tracks their evolution all the way to more modern motorcycles.
And it is all there, in a raw state, for you to enjoy…
Apparently the first all wheel drive tricycle/bicycle to feature low and high range! You can see the lever in the middle, for the rear passenger.
The front driver will use the pedals on the front wheel.
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Ever watched the South Park episode when Mr. Garrison wants to replace airplanes…?
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Another example of a 2-wheel drive bicycle. The front wheel is powered by a alternate movement of the front handle bar. Really.
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Once the engine got popular, it did not take long for someone to figure out that adding an engine to a bicycle would be much more fun.
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A full rows of antique motorcycle.
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And then, that adding an engine with 4 cylinders would be even more fun!
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Obviously, advertisements 75 years ago was targeting different “challenges” than today. For instance, a great feature of this model – a double suspension – will allow you to run over any object in your path, even a dog, while looking back at your boyfriend.
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A timeless Indian 4.
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Hybrid vehicles have been around for much longer than most people think…here is a fine example of a motorcycle powered by gas and coal.
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Fortunately for us, this concept did not stick around too long…and eventually the Japanese developed the motorcycle a step further – pushing even to create oval pistons with 2 connecting rods.
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So for those of you who finds themselves around Avignon, Provence (France) and want to do something a bit outside of the usual tourist path, I would highly suggest a visit to this place.
Chateau de Bosc
Musée de la Moto et du Vélo RN 100 30390 Domazan.
https://tourisme-gard.pagesperso-orange.fr/musee/francais/accueil.htm