Season opener at the Westerwald Museum for Motorcycles and Technology

In keeping with tradition, the Westerwald Museum of Motorcycles and Technology in Steinebach will kick off the new season on May Day, Labor Day. “Together with classic car fans of all ages, we will be getting the open-air season off to a powerful start on Thursday, May 1,” announces museum director Gerhard Weller, full of anticipation.

From 10 a.m., when the first engines are running and there is bubbling, smoking and rattling all around the halls, visitors are expected from pretty much all directions.

But it's not just guests with their own vehicles who are welcome. After all, after the long winter break, there are now numerous new products on various topics to discover in the large collection. This applies, for example, to the newly sorted vehicle spare parts area, where classic car fans on the hunt for a bargain or two will find what they are looking for. And in general, tinkerers and collectors present the results of their often rusty winter hobby work with a healthy dose of pride, which is why May Day has its significance as a day of work in Steinebach. It makes no difference whether someone has a passion for nostalgic cars, motorcycles, tractors or even bicycles. Incidentally, stationary engines, factory equipment, work machines from the old days and a wide range of accessories have long since become very popular with technology fans. Technology from the old days, as it was used in the Westerwald in the past, comes alive anyway when you walk through the museum. The individual areas and themes, such as the historic police station, old store counters, shoemaker's workshop and school desk, are all on display.

And of course the museum team will make sure that no one goes hungry or thirsty on May 1st. The first plans for tours and meetings are of course already being made in the rustic atmosphere of the museum tavern. Incidentally, visitors from pretty much all backgrounds and interest groups can look forward to a special daytime interlude under the heading “News”: young talents will be giving an insight into the sport of trial riding on special electric motorcycles in the museum's outdoor area. Tolgay Karadeniz and Peter Linker and their junior team as Malberg will demonstrate how a skilled rider can overcome obstacles such as tree trunks, wooden pallets, rocks or embankments with a well thought-out strategy almost effortlessly. Siblings Elias (11) and Ella (6), who have even achieved championship honors in trials, will demonstrate their driving skills in the presence of an ADAC representative and in front of the guests. The trick is to master the tasks with skill, composure and control and without touching the ground with your feet. Speed plays only a subordinate role, if at all. This sport teaches children in particular to concentrate on the moment and block out distracting trivialities. “All in all,” say museum owners Agnes and Gerhard Weller confidently, “this innovation fits perfectly into our overall concept of a hearty, eventful May Day.”