The Southern Ontario Vintage Bicycle Show, one of the few such shows in the region, was held at the home of Mark and Cori McGuire on Concession 6 North last Sunday. It was the tenth annual show with the McGuire’s barn and yard featuring classic bicycles and related antiques.
An antique sale was also part of the day’s attractions.
It was classified as a “buy, sell, trade and display event.” Mark said bicycle collectors and participants from all over southern Ontario came out.
“We’ve got guys from all over southern Ontario,” he said. “They are from all over the place like usual.”
Some came to Amherstburg from as far as Peterborough and Elmira, he said.
Early morning rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits as crowds came out to view McGuire’s antique bicycle display and the collections of others. Everything from a paratrooper’s bicycle to toy tractors and more were featured as part of the show.
“We do the show annually, always the weekend before Labour Day,” he said.
The collection is a hobby for the McGuires.
“I’ve been collecting for about 15 years,” said Mark, with the on site museum being there for over five years.
The show draws a crowd because “everyone can relate to a bike.”
“Everyone has a bike story,” added Cori.
Cori said she toured a person through the museum last Sunday and it inspired him to go home and look for his own bike. He also recalled delivering newspapers on a bike similar to one that was in the McGuire collection.
“He was just fascinated by it,” she said.
The McGuire collection stretches from 1880 to 1960. One brand they feature is CCM, including providing historical information on the brand. They also have antique hockey equipment made by the company such as skates and gloves. Mark added the company also once built a car, such as one called the Russell, but couldn’t compete in the end with Henry Ford.
The museum is open by appointment in the spring, summer and fall with people able to contact Mark at mark.mcguire64@gmail.com. The Questers are coming in September for a tour with other groups such as the LaSalle Rotary Club being among the others that have come through.
Mark added there is no other antique bicycle show in Essex County or south of Woodstock.
Southern Ontario Vintage Bicycle Show displays two-wheeled history
By Ron Giofu
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