The Sammy Miller Motorcycle museum surprised quite a few of our members because if you drive past the building you have no idea how extensive the museum is.
We started the visit in the cafe and some had breakfast including Len who ordered a fried egg bap which was filled with 3 fried eggs! It was amazing to watch as he swam through a river of egg yoke – he really did enjoy every mouthful!
We were greeted by a very enthusiastic lady who introduced us to the exhibits. Shortly after we were joined by Sammy Miller himself for ten minutes or so. He gave a brief talk about various elements of the collection which comprises some 450 bikes. The oldest motorcycle dates from the late 1800’s, there are bikes designed for ladies with long dresses and all types of fascinating motorcycles. Also on display is his collection of about 1750 trophies which he has won over many years.
Sammy really is an amazing man and he continues to work on bikes and buys new items to add to the collection. He kindly invited us into the workshop where we saw the refurbishment of a bike being carried out by his engineer.
While we were in the workshop he had a delivery of a very unusual bike which he had bought at an auction that was designed to transport goods or medical supplies. It had a box where the engine would normally be and the engine was mounted over the front wheel. Sammy said it normally takes them about 3 months to strip a bike down and rebuild it to concours condition.
There is so much to see and take in that it will be worth another visit.
