I remember when I was a kid and the 1975-1976 American Freedom Train was on its national tour to commemorate the United States Bicentennial. I got my chance to jump on board to see all the displays on January 5, 1976, when it stationed in Long Beach, Ca.

Wow, what an experience it was when history conveniently rolls to your region, and your family takes you there to experience a moment of history, culture, pride, and respect for freedom.

There’s a new tour in town

The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is currently on a national tour at the San Diego Automotive Museum located at Balboa Park showcasing the history of motocross for audiences in Southern California. The exhibit runs through September 25.

Road trip with the kiddies

With gas prices what they are now, and families canceling out of state vacation trips, a regional car pool field trip from participating motorcycle dealerships and their customers is being planned for Saturday, July 19, as an extracurricular activity with the Moto X Kidz racing series, and volunteer moto-parents. The public is invited and welcome to join us where we meet.

This field trip announcement is sponsored by the Valley News and the Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News.

How are we day tripping it?

We can meet at the closest participating dealerships (to be announced) on the path of travel to this first-of-its-kind museum field trip. Load up a few motor homes with friendly faces, give a few bucks to the driver for the tank, and enjoy the unique company of our racing buddies, parents, and meet new kids.

If we can organize the chaos of races for our kids, then we can organize this special day of memorable history for our families.

When we are done with the museum tour(s) we can head back to the dealerships that we came from to pick up our vehicles and preordered parts for MXK Sunday race. Then head to Lake Elsinore MX Park for Saturday night camping and enjoy a free showing of "On Any Sunday" as part of our regular MXK movie night.

More on the exhibit

Motocross America: The Early Years exhibit launched in early April of this year, and features a "Hall of Heroes" which pays tribute to decades of American racing champions.

The Motocross America exhibit is proudly curated by Tom White, the founder of White Brothers Performance and The Early Years of Motocross Museum based in Villa Park. Other sponsors include San Diego BMW Motorcycles, Cycle Visions, the Owen Collection, and John Lefevre c/o Vintage Husky.

Motocross America, which traces the complete evolution of motocross and features over sixty memorable off-road machines owned and raced by legends of the Advertisement

Shriners Hospital for Children sport, is concluding a successful three-year run at The Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pinkerington, Ohio.

I think we’ll save on some gas money by not driving to Ohio to see this exhibit?

Tom White on a telephone interview said, "The kids have got to see this exhibit while they have the chance. Organizing a field trip to the museum is absolutely an all out effort after my own heart. I love the idea."

White then donated an additional $100.00 on behalf of The Early Years of Motocross Museum to the Motocross America exhibit to set the motion for dealerships to also make a participating tax-deductible contribution as seed money for an event flyer and advertising of the non-profit field trip.

"Comparing the example of the American Freedom Train and Motocross America is also my exact sentiment on this phenomenal exhibit. It only happens once when it comes to town, and the kids will remember this day when they grow up." White beamed.

The exhibit celebrates personalities who launched motocross in America in the 1960s. Like Swede showman rider Torsten Hallman, and Gary Bailey the first American to beat a European in competition. Including personalities who defined early American motocross like five-time World Champion Roger De Coster and three-time American National Champion Gary Jones actual 1973 championship Honda Elsinore 250 ($50,000) Works bike is on display.

The museums view

Paula Brandes the marketing & education coordinator for the San Diego Automotive Museum (hosting the Motocross America exhibit) is thrilled that children and parents of the motocross community are very interested in visiting the exhibit.

"These kids will not be board. They will really like this vast display of bikes and gear that examine the impacts of these classic machines on the American culture. They will certainly get to experience the country’s premiere showcase of motocross heritage and history."

Money saving special

Brandes also announced that she will honor a reduced admission rate of $5 for adults, $2 for kids 16 and under, and kids 6 and under will get in for free. Only for the museumgoers recognized with this prearranged field trip. "So wear your team t-shirt or jersey."

About the San Diego Automotive Museum

Regular hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission is at 4:30 PM)

Located at 2080 Pan America Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego (619) 231-2886

Visit www.sdautomuseum.org or www.motorcyclemuseum.org for more details on Motocross America: The Early Years.

The San Diego Automotive Museum receives funding from the City of San Diego through the Commission for Arts and Culture. Private donations are gladly accepted in advance or on site.

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