Day 13 - Birmingham

Morning
Looking at a map of our route up and along the "Blues Highway" you might wonder why we diverted 200 miles south east to Birmingham, Alabama. The simple answer is this: the Barber Motorsports Museum , the #1 attraction (out of 88) in Birmingham, according to Trip Advisor, possibly the best collection of motorcycles under one roof anywhere in the world and definitely the best in the USA. Simples.

As recommended by Chris and Tracey's motorcycling buddy from Omaha, Nebraska, Jeff Malloy. It is probably a good point to thank Jeff for his recommendations for places to visit and things to do whilst on our road trip. Also, from back on the home front, friend and colleague, Martin Smith who kindly provided a list of "must do" experiences and places to visit along the way that have, so far, been absolutely spot on. Last but not least, Linda Arthur, Gillian's sister, who gave us some great pointers for New Orleans in particular. Grateful thanks, guys - we would potentially have missed some great stuff without your advice - much appreciated. You have all been with us very much in spirit.

Evening
We arrived at the Barber Motorsports Museum at 11 am and left at 5pm and pretty much had the place to ourselves. The museum really has to be seen to be believed as it is a purpose built structure over 5 floors with literally 100s of motorcycles from all eras, and a collection of Lotus racing cars, on display in light and airy surroundings and the rear of the building overlooks a purpose built 2.38 mile race track set in the most beautiful landscaped grounds - it was specifically designed to be "the Augusta" of the motor racing world.

In the morning we got chatting to the Senior Manager of Restoration and Conservation, Lee Clark, and he kindly offered us a "behind the scenes" tour (I think he liked the fact that we had travelled from England and he picked up on our evident enthusiasm for the place). He took us out on the bridge over the track itself (being used for Indy-Car testing today) and then took us around the basement of the museum, not open to the public, where all the restoration and conservation work is completed. He introduced us to Chuck Honeycutt, former motorcycle racer turned restoration engineer, and regaled us with tales of the racers and people that he had met and places that he had been all around the world for the best part of TWO HOURS! It doesn't get more special than that.

Another major highlight of our road trip and a day to be remembered, without doubt.