AUGUST 22nd
Tour Images |
The group (less Bob & Suzanne) prior to departure from the Starbucks in Burtonsville. |
Some of the bikes and a nice BMW Z5 Coupe parked at Bob's garage. |
Most of the group chatting and
enjoying Bob's garage. |
The official Garage Tour group photo. |
Bob is a lucky man. He has a few good friends who share his passion for collecting special motorcycles, desirable automobiles, memorabilia and other related artifacts that celebrate combustion engine powered dreams. For years Bob and his friends have enjoyed sharing these hidden collections with each other, but rarely have these "miniature museums" been opened up to a larger family of vehicle enthusiasts. Well, that’s about to change. Bob has already held 3 exciting motorcycle rides and tours. And he's saved the best for last so don't miss out! Join us Sunday, September 12th! Yes, for a very limited time, YOU can be among a small number of exclusive insiders allowed to peer into these normally very private collections.
In arranging to have his friends' private garage museums open to you, Bob's intent is, of course, that you'll have some serious FUN, but also that he gets to do some fundraising for his favorite good cause, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF)*.
Bob has been to each of these private enclaves of motoring history several times, but because the vehicles, memorabilia and displays are constantly changing, each visit brings with it new surprises and discoveries of things unseen on previous trips. And here's an interesting bonus: At the insistence of Bob's staff, he’ll be opening the doors to his own garage/museum/workshop. When the work is done, when the ride is over, and when he's not spending time with his family, this is the private place where Bob goes to escape.
In order to respect the privacy requests of the owners - just as you would want if we were about to visit your private cave - we will not be identifying them or their locations in advance. We can tell you that they are all within easy riding or driving distance from Bob’s BMW. Each tour will take up only part of the day so you'll still have much of your Sunday left for other things.
Those participating will meet at a Starbucks** in Burtonsville, MD, with a full tank of fuel. You’ll have time to enjoy a cup of coffee and kick tires while we wait for everyone to arrive. At 10:30 AM the group will leave and follow Bob on a 90 minute ride, taking back roads as much as possible. Upon arrival at each garage museum we’ll be greeted by our host and provided with a nice lunch. You’ll then have plenty of time to eat and enjoy browsing through the collections that each of these motorsports enthusiasts has gathered over the years. The teaser image shown above is from one of the locations and gives you just a small glimpse of the kind of "toys" you might see on the tours.
The dates of the tours are listed below. Each ride and Garage Tour with lunch included costs ONLY $50 (click HERE to buy ONLINE) - truly a bargain to see all this cool stuff that's hidden away in our region, and to be able to meet those who have collected it as well. All but the actual cost of lunch will be donated to the PBTF and will count towards the total fundraising Bob and Bob’s BMW does each year. You may register and pay for one specific date or all three at any time, but advance paid reservations are required as food is being prepared based on the number attending.
The maximum number for each Bob's Garage Tour is just 20 people and no more than 20 motorcycles. Garage Tours will be held RAIN OR SHINE. If you have signed up in advance and the weather turns bad, feel free to drive a car. You can simply follow the group and still have all the fun. No refunds will be offered for weather or no-shows. This is about having some fun while raising money for a worthy cause.
Bob has already secured the locations for June, July and August and is working on a location for the September date. He's also working on dates in 2011 because, as he began to put this concept together, a few more individuals came forward and stated that they’d be pleased to share their treasures for a good cause.
Testimonials from our first tour held on June 20th
 Henry: Just an additional “thank you” for today’s ride. It was great. That garage is spectacular.
Jim: Bob, what a great event! Thanks so much for putting that on. As soon as I went through the pictures, I decided it was time for some commitment, so I ordered a ticket for each of the other events.
Scott: Hi Bob: I just wanted to say thank you again for making it a memorable Fathers Day for my dad & I.
Andrew: My son, Ian and I had a terrific time today. The ride up to the museum was well done, the museum and our host, George, were both exceptional. I hope that we are able to join you on another garage ride later in the season. Thanks again for a great Fathers Day ride.
(Click on the image above for a high-res version) |
Bob’s Garage Tour Schedule
September 12
You can RSVP to anyone at the dealership by phone or just stop by. Just tell them you wish to buy your advance ticket to one of the Garage Tours and they’ll take care of you. You can always call or email Bob if you have a very specific question.
The part numbers are GTOUR620, GTOUR725, GTOUR822 and GTOUR912 and each one is $50 per person of which $40 is a legitimate tax deduction.
* The PBTF is a Federally registered 501c3 non-profit of the highest standing. You can get additional details at www.pbtfus.org and for the record if you have the really good time Bob is always glad to accept additional donation checks payable to the PBTF at the conclusion of any Garage Tour and consider joining Bob and hundreds of other motorcyclists at the 2010 Ride for Kids on September 26; info at http://www.pbtfus.org/rideforkids/
** Starbucks in Burtonsville is: 15707 Columbia Pike and the phone number is 301-476-7780.
From Silver Spring on Route 29 North bound towards Columbia and Baltimore
Exit at Route 198 to Burtonsville
Left on Route 198 at Traffic Light
Bear Right on to Columbia Pike just before the next Traffic light
Take the 1st Right into the Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center by the Sun
Trust Bank sign
Starbucks is straight ahead
Park there (space for 3-4 bikes in front of the patio) or close by near Taco Bell
DO NOT park in front of the Starbucks drive through EXIT!
From Baltimore or Columbia on Route 29 South bound
Exit at Route 198 to Burtonsville
Follow around the Circle continuing straight
Go through the Traffic Signal and pass the Giant Food end of the Shopping
Center on Left
Make the 2nd left turn into the Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center
Starbucks is straight ahead
Park there (space for 3-4 bikes in front of the patio) or close by near Taco Bell
DO NOT park in front of the Starbucks drive through EXIT!
Bob selected this location because there’s a casual, local, very cool, very well attended car show every Sunday morning from about 8-10 AM so it’ll be a lot more fun to arrive early if one is inclined to get coffee and hang out to start the day off with more fun. He’s been going to this spot for about 4 years now and it gets better all the time. Father’s Day generally sees a BIG turnout and one can expect everything from original teens through 1970’s antique cars to true salt lake roadsters, serious hot rods, super cars and exotic sports cars of all eras plus everything in between and often a decent assortment of cool bikes. |
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