PICKERINGTON, OHIO – Master motorcycle designer and builder Arlen Ness will visit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, on July 24 to open “Awesome-Ness,” a new exhibit honoring his legendary career and featuring 11 of his custom motorcycles. Ness will be signing autographs and will personally cut the ribbon to “Awesome-Ness” at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be located in the Museum’s Hall of Legends, where motorcycling’s best-known personalities are celebrated. “Awesome-Ness” joins the just-opened “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” installation as a major Museum exhibit. At 5 p.m., immediately preceding the 6 p.m. “Awesome-Ness” ribbon-cutting, the Museum will also dedicate the photography exhibit “Red Bikes.” The “Red Bikes” installation will feature nine large photographic prints by artist and motorcycle aficionado Dawn Deppi, each vividly capturing the powerful sculptural beauty of classic bikes. The “Awesome-Ness” ribbon-cutting and “Red Bikes” dedication are open to the public. Log on to www.motorcyclemuseum.org for more details. A Weekend of Vintage Motorcycling Nirvana Once a year thousands of motorcycling enthusiasts gather in Ohio to live, breathe, race, buy, sell and celebrate all things vintage and the “Awesome-Ness” exhibit opening is the ideal way to kick-start an entire weekend of motorcycling nirvana. Following Thursday’s events at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the action moves to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (VMD) at the Mid Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, for three additional days of fun. This annual event is again expected to draw well over 40,000 enthusiasts, and the entire weekend benefits the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. The Motorhead Café tent is the Museum’s headquarters at VMD, and enthusiasts will discover a number of memorable happenings at this location. Classic bike buffs will enjoy “The Vintage Triumph Roadshow,” honoring the 2008 VMD Marque of the Year. Held July 25, 26, and 27 at 2 p.m., this unique experience features noted Triumph expert and Baxter Cycle owner, Randy Baxter. He’ll cast a sharp appraiser’s eye on privately owned classic Triumphs, perhaps uncovering hidden value or pointing out avoidable restoration faux pas. Baxter and Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Executive Director, Mark Mederski, will also discuss tips for maximizing the value of your Triumph motorcycle or memorabilia investment. Another can’t-miss event is the annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Auction, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. Attendees can bid on more than 100 special motorcycles, as well as rare memorabilia. Highlighting the auction this year is an original painting by renowned artist Tom Fritz. Fritz is a four-time winner of the Automotive Fine Arts Society’s prestigious Peter Helck Award. The painting he created for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, entitled “Knowin’ What’s What,” captures VMD Co-Grand Marshal Gene Romero in a reflective moment astride a 750cc Trackmaster/ Axtel / Romero Triumph. Fritz’ career has been focused on offering a unique interpretation of the relationship between man and machine, and his distinctive perspective is showcased in “Knowin’ What’s What.” The image has been designated as the official artwork of VMD, and will also be available on event posters, t-shirts and other memorabilia. Additionally, twelve giclee prints of “Knowin’ What’s What” will be created and sold or auctioned at various Museum events throughout the year. To preview the auction log on to ~http://www.amadirectlink.com/vmd/2008/auctionpreview/index.asp~ For more information on AMA VMD log onto ~http://www.amadirectlink.com/vmd/2008/~. About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum The goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed notably to the sport, and three major exhibition halls showcase the machines and memorabilia that have shaped motorcycling. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; and is closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult admission is $10 per person; students 12 17, $3. AMA members $5. Seniors receive a $2 discount and members of motorcycle clubs and organizations are eligible for a $1 discount per ticket. A $25 family rate and group rates are also available. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Museum’s website at www.motorcyclemuseum.org.