A biker’s paradise opens in Burnet
This weekend marks the “soft opening” of what is hoped will be a Central Texas destination for motorcycle enthusiasts from far and wide. The Hill Country Motorheads Vintage Motorcycle Museum & Sales will begin receiving visitors ahead of its grand opening launch to coincide with the Bluebonnet Festival in Burnet on April 14.
Pat Hanlon’s love of two-wheeled transportation has resulted in a large collection of motorcycles. His wife, Janelle, has a background working with museums. The two put their heads together to come up with the concept, and have been working toward the goal for three-and-a-half years.
“It’s been my husband’s dream for years to share his motorcycles,” Janelle said. “We probably have about 80 motorcycles on display, and that’s probably about one-fourth of his collection.”
Wanting to locate in a smaller town to create a local impact as well as becoming a cruising destination, the couple has set up shop in what was originally Burnet’s Ford dealership (2001 West State Hwy 29 in Burnet). The collection focuses on vintage bikes ranging from the 60s to the 80s. In addition to showcasing the bikes themselves, each with a plaque detailing the history of the motorcycle and the company that created it. The museum also has a “Man Cave” where visitors can hang out, play pool and swap stories of the open road.
There is a special emphasis on “Motorcycles at War,” telling the story of how motorcycles were used, and how the conflicts affected the manufacturers, not only in the U.S., but in Britain, Mexico, Spain and Japan as well.
Hill Country Motorheads will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is a $7 admission (children under 12 are free), and discounts for seniors, veterans and active duty military of $5.