FAIRFAX, Calif. (BRAIN) — The Marin Museum of Bicycling will open to the public on Saturday, June 6, with a grand opening celebration from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in front of the museum, located at 1966 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in downtown Fairfax.
"The Marin Museum of Bicycling features bicycles representing nearly 200 years of cycling history," said Museum board president Marc Vendetti. "Our exhibits include an 1868 Michaux velocipede, part of the museum's Igler Collection, on long-term loan from David Igler. To illustrate bicycle ancestry we'll show a replica of an 1820 'boneshaker.' And during our opening month, we'll be displaying the Specialized Tarmac that Vincenzo Nibali rode into Paris to win the 2014 Tour de France."
The museum houses the Igler Collection of 19th Century Cycles, showcasing the key steps in bicycle evolution from the velocipede to the modern bicycle. It is also the new home of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame, which had been located in Crested Butte, Colo., since 1988.
Marin Museum of Bicycling curator Joe Breeze said, "The Igler Collection includes examples from the bicycle's 'Golden Age,' when the sharpest minds of the day were focused on perfecting the most efficient form of personal transport ever devised. We've expanded the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame exhibit to show key developments in the evolution of the mountain bike. We're also building a collection of mid-20th century road-racing and touring bikes and everyday bikes for transportation."
The museum has been in development for over two years, run by an all-volunteer board, which has performed extensive design and construction work. Numerous community volunteers have been involved in the effort.
Outside the Museum, food and drink will be available for purchase during the opening celebration. Also outside will be face painting, trick riders, a giant bicycle sculpture and more. Live music will be by Fenton Coolfoot's "The Right Time" and the Drake High Jazz Band.
Fairfax Town Councilmember Renee Goddard will lead the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. to officially open the museum. Many mountain bike pioneers are expected to be on hand.
More information: mmbhof.org.
