FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Art Center proudly presents its third "Wheels of Desire" motorcycle show July 11 through August 15. This unique exhibit highlights the motorcycle as art and features a wide variety of machines from the late 1800s to present.

"It has something for everyone, young and old," said Mary Perhacs, Executive Director of the Center.

Perhacs said the past two shows drew the motorcycling public as well as people who had no previous interest in motorcycles. Enthusiasts from all over Southern California are expected to attend; many on bikes, of course.

"A visitor to our 2004 show told me he thought our show was better than the Guggenheim Museum’s ‘Art of the Motorcycle’ because he could get up close to the bikes," Perhacs said. "I actually had men lying on the floor next to the bikes with penlights!"

Thirty-five bikes will be presented including an extremely rare 1899 DeDion Trike; a 1906 Curtis; a 1917 Harley Davidson board tracker; a 1952 Vincent Black Shadow; one of the first Hondas; and some modern custom motorcycles including a 10-foot-long chopper. A motocross/supercross section sponsored by Monster Energy Drink showcases champion rider #377’s Kawasaki KX 250F and a historic overview of the sport.

Fallbrook residents proved valuable resources for the show. Local motorcycle Advertisement

[ Christ the King Lutheran Church ] collector Greg MacDonald curated the majority of the bikes. Jim Swan, a retired motorcycle dealer from the Chicago area, provided connections to early dirt bikes and Monster Energy Drink’s Supercross/Motocross Kawasaki Team.

Visitors will enjoy reading the histories of the bikes including personal anecdotes from their owners, many of whom spent years completing their restorations. The show will feature other motorcycle-related artwork and memorabilia.

The show will be open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays noon to 3 p.m. Admission is $8 (FAC members free). Fallbrook Art Center is located at 103 South Main. For more information, call (760) 728-1414 or visit www.fallbrookartcenter.org.

In addition to the "Wheels of Desire" show, the Historic Downtown Merchants Association is collaborating with the Chamber and the Art Center to create the Fallbrook Motor Festival which will happen on August 7, from 11 am to 5 pm. The festival will include a beer garden on the property of the Village News at the corner of Elder and Main, along with live bands. In the Village Square there will be wine tasting and jazz music. Cost to enter the festival will be only $5. VIP tickets will also be available for $30. Watch for more details to come.