Antik bike Europe Tour 2025
Day 1 - From Prague through Austria to Italy
It looks easy. Get in the car and go. Preparations and planning, arranging and organizing private collections, and the varied museum opening hours have kept us busy. We can go. Breakfast was stylish - in Český Krumlov and right in one of the oldest buildings - the Krumlov Mill, which also houses the motorcycle museum.
Museum of historical motorcycles, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Motorcycles of various Czech and foreign brands can be seen in the museum in the premises of the ancient Krumlov mill. Among other things, you can admire other objects related to the history of motoring and several bicycles.
An integral part of the Museum of Vintage Motorcycles is also a sales gallery displaying antique furniture, clocks and antique decorations. Tower clocks are also on display in museum.
The Museum is located in the ancient building of the Krumlov Mill, which is situated on the banks of the Vltava River under the Český Krumlov Castle and is one of the oldest buildings in Český Krumlov. It served as a town mill for many centuries.
Address: Široká 80, 381 01 Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
Contact: https://www.krumlovskymlyn.cz
319/A - Motorcycle museum Český Krumlov
Krumlov mill
A beautiful town, one of the oldest and most beautiful houses in Český Krumlov, right in the heart of the old town - museum, antique shop, sales gallery, restaurants and accommodation. All in an absolutely wonderful atmosphere.
STOP 1: Das Salvator – Porsche museum, St.Salvator, Austria
We are still looking for Porsche bikes, whether they were just used for advertising or were directly designed or manufactured by Porsche technicians.
The Gerhard Porsche Museum, a unique collection that you might not expect to find behind the facade of the Das Salvator - Iris Porsche Landhotel. Right next to the hotel, car enthusiasts, car historians and even those who are not particularly interested in motorsport will be amazed. In a lovingly restored barn, which is directly connected to the hotel, there is a car museum with exhibits from the very beginnings of automotive history to the present day of motorsport.
Address: Markplatz 6, 9361 St.Salvador, Austria
Contact: https://www.das-salvator.at/automuseum/
85/A - Das Salvator – Porsche museum part 1
Many more automotive beauties have been on display in the new wing of the building since 2016. You can look forward to up to 20 historical agricultural machines that offer a glimpse into the agricultural practices of yesteryear. The museum also offers 15 new racing and sports cars, the most famous of which is the unique Porsche 904. The real attractions include the Red Bull Formula 1 car and Jochen Rindt's original Porsche 906 racing car.
85/B - Das Salvator – Porsche museum - Part 2
The Porsche company is known above all for top cars. But we cannot overlook her experiments with the bicycle.
Evening Italy welcomed us with its hospitality and there were plenty of experiences for the first day.
Day 2 - Two large private collections and the smell of gasoline in Brescia in the evening
STOP 2: Expo 2025 "PEDALANDO NELLA STORIA", Cittadella – Italy
The exhibition "PEDALANDO NELLA STORIA" with bicycles from collection Dorina eánd Gianfranco Trevisian was prepared and it was opened on June 2025 in the Church of Torresino in Cittadella along the "Via dei Carraresi". Many bicycles belonging to past and present champions between 1894 and 2021 are on display to admire.
Address: S.M del Torresino, Via G. Garibaldi 54, 35013 Cittadella (PD) Itálie
Contact: https://viadeicarraresi.it
Contact Gianfranco Trevisan: https://www.facebook.com/gianfranco.trevisan
416/B - Expo 2025 "PEDALANDO NELLA STORIA"
Gianfranco Trevisan as a racer and collector
A two-part book with detailed photographs of the essential bicycles from Gianfranco Trevisan's collection. Beautiful photographs and lots of useful information.
416/D - Bicycle collection of Gianfranco Trevisan
We saved a small snack at the Citadella and the bad weather for a trip to the unique BICICLERIA bicycle collection in Vicenza.
STOP 3: BICICLERIA - Museo della Bicicletta Italiana, Vicenza – Italy
The collection of Mario Cionfoli & Rigon Stefano
Fantastic collection of mainly sports bikes. The museum has a legitimately large number of Italian machines. Many of them are associated with the history of riders and famous racers. The vast majority of the bikes on display are in authentic condition - an absolute treat for collectors!
Visiting the museum must be arranged in advance.
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/Bicicleria
Address: Strada Marosticanna, 509/A, 36100 Vicenza - Italy
430 - BICICLERIA - Museo della Bicicletta Italiana
Evening Brescia welcomed us with the smell of gasoline and the ubiquitous car veterans.
Day 3 - Race Mille Miglia and Museo Mille Miglia in Brescia
STOP 4: Museo Mille Miglia, Brescia – Italy
Museo Mille Miglia and historic bikes
The historic bicycles you won't find in the museum. If you're lucky, there are also events for historic bikes here several times a year. The photo gallery is from 2024.
Museum
The museum is dedicated to the "Red Arrow" race and its creation was brought to life thanks to the Mille Miglia Museum Association. It was founded in December 1996 by a group of Brescia businessmen known as the "Friends of the Mille Miglia". The association now has 50 shareholders. The new museum was opened to the public on 10 November 2004. Part of this project was the restoration of the Sant'Eufemia monastery complex, which is owned by the municipality of Brescia. The building has enormous archaeological, historical and architectural value and has been in constant decline for some time.
Contact: https://www.museomillemiglia.it/it
Adresa: Viale della Bornata, 123, 25135 Sant'Eufemia (Bs), Italy
STOP 5: Race Mille Miglia 2025 Brescia
The Mille Miglia race is still held today, but it is a very prestigious veteran rally. In its original form, the Mille Miglia has been held since 1927 and over the course of three decades has gone down in history as one of the toughest races in the world. The name of the race means "a thousand miles" in Italian, so the route has always been approximately 1,600 km and has led in various modifications from the city of Brescia to Rome and back again.
433/C - Race Mille Miglia 2025
STOP 6: Exhibition 2025: Heart of the Race
"Kahane heart of the race" refers to an art project by Elizabeth Ann Kahane, which documents the mechanics and their dedication in the Mille Miglia classic car race in Brescia, Italy. Kahane's project, titled "HEART OF THE RACE, Master Mechanics of the Mille Miglia," involved creating portraits of the mechanics and documenting their work both before and during the race. The project culminated in an exhibition at the Museo Mille Miglia.
Day 4 - All day in Milan and surroundings
Vigorelli velodrom - cult place!
Address: Via Arona, 19, 20149 Milano MI, Itálie
The 397m-long outdoor velodrome was built in 1935 and is now a protected building as the area is filled with skyscrapers, offices and new apartments. It was bombed during World War II but hosted Fausto Coppi’s Hour Record attempt in 1942. A total of 150 records have been set on the boards, with Jacques Anquetil (1956), Ercole Baldini (1956) and Roger Riviere (1957 and 1958) among the riders to break the Hour Record on the track. In 1986, Francesco Moser set a sea-level Hour Record on a disc-wheel aerobike, having set a new outright record in Mexico two years previously.
Legendary Italian track sprinter Antonio Maspes trained on the Vigorelli and was apparently the only rider able to hold a track stand on the steep 45° banking.
The Vigorelli has hosted 23 Giro d’Italia stage finishes and the finish of Il Lombardia until 1985, when Sean Kelly won
STOP 7: Antik shops in Milano
We spent a large part of the day browsing through shops with necessary treasures and eating good food.
STOP 8: La Chiesetta delle Biciclette, Limbiate - Italy
The Chiesetta delle Biciclette - a unique museum dedicated to the history of the bicycle has found its place in a stunning building. The original church - the first ever built in Limbiate - has now become a place where the past and the present merge through a passion for culture, history and innovation.
The collection focuses on bicycles manufactured between the mid-19th and mid-20th centuries, a period that could be described as the "golden age of the bicycle". During this period, the bicycle underwent an extraordinary evolution, from a means of public transport to a symbol of freedom and modernity.
The small church houses almost 100 historical bicycles from different parts of Europe, which have been carefully collected and restored; many more are still being restored and will be exhibited at a later date. The fantastic and friendly atmosphere of the founder Adriano Vettorato and his friends made our visit a fantastic experience.
Address: Via Mazzini 5,208 12 Limbiate (MB), Itálie
Contact: lachiesettadellebiciclette@gmail.com
Visits to the museum must be arranged individually.
426 - La Chiesetta delle Biciclette, Limbiate
It was an inconspicuous building – an old church. We got a recommendation from friends and I probably never experienced what awaited us. A very nice and human meeting, lots of friends, we talked a lot – we had a great time. Thank you friends.
And in the evening: classic Italy and in a bar with local guys from a small village. That also had its charm, even though the restaurant didn’t even have cutlery and the chef advised us to order food from a delivery service!
Day 5- A quick morning prayer and off to Switzerland
Waking up in the morning suggests another beautiful day. We have bought the wine and are leaving Italy and heading respectfully to Monaco and are ready to travel further in France.
We come to the Principality of Monaco and Monte Carlo with great respect, when the area of the state is only 2,02 km2. Parking a scooter or motorcycle is a great art here, we managed to do it with our van right in the places where the biggest yachts are moored and opposite the museum where we are heading.
STOP 12: Private Cars Collection of HSH Prince of Monaco
The path of lovers of automobiles and later racing cars very often leads through bicycles and motorcycles. It was no different in Monaco.
361/A - Albert I Honoré Charles Grimaldi
At the end of the 1950s, the car enthusiast Prince Rainier III began collecting old cars. His collection gradually grew over the years as he acquired more and more models, and the garage at the Prince's Palace soon emerged as too small to contain this collection of around a hundred stunning streamlined and sporty cars, from majestic body work to gleaming hoods and regal radiator grills!
In 1993, Prince Rainier III therefore decided to open his precious collection to the public. Many of the cars in the museum are cars used directly by the royal family.
361/B - Collection de Voitures
Address: 54 Rte de la Piscine, Monte Carlo, 98 000 Monaco, Monaco
361/C -Monaco's Car Collection
Expo: Ferrari F1 A´ Monaco - Histoire et victoires
We were lucky during our visit and arrived at the time of the summer exhibition "Ferrari F1 in Monaco - History and Victory."
361/D - Expo: Ferarri F1 A´ Monaco
From the world of luxury back to reality. There is a reason for the stopover in Nice.
Stop 13: Café du Cycliste, Nice
So here you don't know exactly if you are in a cafe, a shop, a club room, a service and bike rental or a museum. But you know immediately from the door that you feel good here and that there is a great atmosphere.
Address: 16 Quai des Docks, 06300 Nice, Francie
Contact: https://www.cafeducycliste.com/fr_fr/la-gazette/nice-store/
Stop 14: Privátní sbírka - Hyeres Coté D´azur
Really nice meeting. Thank you Gilles for the detailed presentation of the collection. Very rare uniques with a huge sense of preservation. We were joined by our old friend Bruno Guasconi - founder and operator of the most professional online platform for lovers of vintage bikes www.tontonvelo.com
Privat collection - Hyeres Coté D'azur
Day 6 - Wandering along the Cote d´Azur ended in Spain
There is nothing wrong with breakfast in Marseille accompanied by military music. In the morning, a completely different city than when we arrived at night.
Stop 15: Musée de la Moto - Marseille, France
The quality and often the uniqueness of bicycles and especially motorcycles has allowed the Motorcycle Museum in Marseille to make a good name in the world of historians. Very helpful and pleasant owner and other staff. Three floors full of bikes and motorcycles. In addition, the archive on the ground floor is open to the public.
Address: 18 Traverse, Trav. Saint-Paul, 13013 Marseille, Francie
Contact: https://musees.marseille.fr/collection-permanente-du-musee-de-la-moto
310/B - Musée de la Moto - Marseille
Less is sometimes more. We are waiting for the opening of the museum, we are not far from the Canal du Midi and we went for lunch together with the local truck drivers right at the crossroads. Everything was great and we haven't had such delicious food in a long time.
Stop 16: Monpelier MUSEE DE L’AUTO " LE TACOT", Aigues-Mortes - France
The Aigues-Mortes Automobile Museum, also known as the Tacot Museum, exhibits the collection of Albert, a longtime car and vintage enthusiast. The cars are restored and maintained by the owner, a professional coachbuilder and saddler, and his mechanic brother. The owner is a former very successful athlete - bodybuilder. Traces of his career can be found almost everywhere.
Address: 332 Av. Pont de Provence, 30220 Aigues-Mortes, France
Contact: https://automobile-museums.com/musee-de-lauto-aigues-mortes/
363 - MUSEE DE L’AUTO " LE TACOT"
Stop 17: Tata Bike shop, Girona, Spain
300 km in car and Immediatelly when we got out of the car in Girona, we saw the Tata Bikes bicycle shop. The first person we talk to here is the shop owner. Terribly lovely. Great for us: magical spaces, brands we don't know here and a collection of clothes from Wild Briant, a very popular designer here.
Contact: https://www.tatabikes.com
To jump to Catalonia. We immediately found a nice shop window https://www.velodrom.cc and also a business with local cuisine. Clear TIP for history lovers. Center of Girona.
Day 7 - We got a taste of Spain and we are heading to the "great unknown", to Andorra through the Pyrenees
Stop 18: Collecccio d´Automobils Salvador Cleret, Girona, Spain
The Salvador Claret Automobile Collection, has its beginnings in 1950 when Mr. Claret purchased a Ford Model T of 1923, which, once restored, he used to ride. Gradually, the collection grew into a large museum full of technical interesting things.
Address: A2 Autovía del Nordeste, 697, 17410 Sils, Girona, Španělsko
Contact: https://automuseums.info/spain/salvador-claret-automobile-collection
365 - Collecció d'Automòbils Salvador Claret
Arriving in Andorra, one of the smallest countries in Europe, suggested interesting things. We are tired but very satisfied. Passing through the Pyrenees was very interesting and Andorra is specific, beautiful, green and relaxed.
Stop 19: National Automobile Museum of Andorra, Encamp, Andorra
Discover the origins and evolution of automobiles, from the 1885 steam engine to the sports cars of the 1980s. Three floors filled to capacity. We also find motorcycles and several bicycles. There are almost 150 historical machines in the museum deposit.
Address: Av. de Joan Martí, 64, AD200 Encamp, Andorra
Contact: https://automuseums.info/spain/salvador-claret-automobile-collection
366 - National Automobile Museum of Andorra
Spending the evening in Andorra was a very nice and new experience for us. Luxurious buildings, great service, nice people and everywhere you look everything is cheap. So they do it somehow well!
Day 8 - We stay in Andorra and the day is short for what awaits us
Stop 20: Canillo Motorcycle museum, Canillo - Andorra
A large collection and cross-section of the entire history of motorcycle development. There are also historical bikes. This private collection, displayed in a large cable car station, is accessible all year round.
Address: Telecabina de Canillo, AD 100 Canillo, Andora
Contact: https://museus.ad/en/museums/motorcycle-museum
367 - Canillo Motorcycle museum
Stop 21: Bici Lab Andorra. Bicycle Museum, Andorra la Vella, Andorra
It is not only a place for cycling and cycling culture enthusiasts, it is above all a space for reflection to explore the potential of the bicycle as an agile, efficient and sustainable mobility tool in densely urbanized networks like Andorra. Discover all this and more amidst one of the world’s finest collections of classic bikes, boldly combined with the most advanced technology. A space of 1,700 m² in the center of Andorra la Vella, where temporary and permanent exhibitions place the bicycle at the center of a story that will never be the same.
Address: Carrer Prat de la Creu, 68-70, AD500 Andorra la Vella, Andorra
Contact: https://www.bicilabandorra.com/en/
Temporary exhibition
The exhibits in the BLA will be replaced over time, creating new stories that will shape temporary and ephemeral exhibitions, and the bikes in the permanent exhibition will be changed regularly to generate new experiences with each visit.
Stop 22: Museum depository of Bici Lab Andorra - Andorra
Founded in 1960, the private collection today contains over 360 vintage bicycles, is constantly expanding and has ambitions to be the largest and most comprehensive collection of bicycles in the world.
We leave Andorra and how else but with a touch of cycling. This year, the Mountain Bike World Championship is being held here, and we are once again heading to an altitude of over two thousand meters, passing the bike park and descending to France via the Pas de la Casa.
The area between Toulouse and Auch in southern France is very austere in places. Arriving at our accommodation, when the road was getting smaller and smaller, made us a little unsure. The old farm where the owner hosted us, however, completely disarmed us in the end.
Chambres d´hotes Lieu-dit-Laura
Day 9 - We are going back to France
Stop 23: Notre Dame des Cyclist, Labatiste-d´ Armagnac, France
The Chapel of Notre Dame des Cyclistes becomes a mandatory stop for most cyclists and cycling enthusiasts, sometimes even at the cost of a long detour.
The chapel building is early Romanesque (late 9th century) and later served the Templars. In 1959, it was dedicated to Our Lady of Cycling. The clergyman who organized all this was an avid cyclist and collector of cycling trophies, which you will find on display here. Even part of the interior decoration is made of bicycle parts (for example, candlesticks). Here you will also find prayers to Our Lady of Cycling in various world languages. In 1966, a cycling wedding took place here. The portal of the chapel is decorated with a French inscription, which, translated, reads: "Let the sun shine above us."
Address: 40240 Labatiste-d´ Armagnac, Francie
Contact: https://artsandculture.google.com/story/the-chapel-of-our-lady-of-the-cyclists/JwXRjPtfOV99Ig
Stop 24: Labatiste-d´ Armagnac
These are not movie sets. Relita, we have to have a drink and coffee here! The fortress of Labastide D'Armagnac (Labastýd Darmaňak) was founded in 1281 by the Duke of Armagnac so that he could more easily control the area around Mont de Marsan. The town is a typical example of a bastide fortress from the end of the 13th century with a rectangular square with arcades.
Stop 25 - 27: Friends, three private collections and many surprises
The south of France is always a big magnet for us. Many friends, many new information, many bikes, systems and brands. Perhaps every time we visit someone here, we are very surprised at what we managed to discover. Often things and patents we didn't even know about. France - the cradle of cycling and the bicycle! Most of what we saw cannot be published publicly, so if you are interested, you must travel with us next time.
Day 10 - We are traveling in France
Stop 28: Musée du Velo du Haut Limousin, Francie
Very nice and very dignified premises for a cycling museum. Sensitively edited. A private museum open to the public. The museum includes two exhibition spaces, a part dedicated to racing cycling and personalities. The second space presents the history of bicycles since 1817. Temporary exhibition of professional bicycles in the summer season of 2024.
We visited larger museums and exhibitions where there were more unique machines. But the atmosphere in Arnac-la-Poste, the owner's welcome, interpretation and passion for the cause is more than any TOP exhibit. Absolutely great mood and love for cycling is felt from the first moment.
Address: 2 Rue de la Piscine, 87160 Arnac-la-Poste, Francie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Musée-du-Vélo-du-Haut-Limousin-100084251950503/
370 - Musée du Velo du Haut Limousin
Stop 29: Brocante... we are stoping again and again....
Trips in France are difficult to plan exactly on time. As soon as you see the sign "BROCANTE" it must be sealed immediately. You will see rows of stupid things but we know... we almost never leave empty handed.
Day 11 - Switzerland suprised us a lot
Stop 30: Expo: VELO ÉQUILIBRES EN MOUVEMENT, Museum RATH, Geneve - Switzerland
The Musée Rath is a showcase for discovery, with several major temporary exhibitions each year. Opened to the public in 1826 thanks to the generosity of the Rath sisters, it was Switzerland's first fine arts museum, designed from the outset as a "museum temple" to house and exhibit works of art.
From June 6 to October 13, 2024
The exhibition VELO ÉQUILIBRES EN MOUVEMENT (balance in motion) was created in co-production with the museum (MHN), and invites the public to explore the bicycle from its technical, historical, sociological and artistic aspects. In addition to its apparent simplicity, the bicycle turns out to be a revolutionary invention. From its origins in the 19th century to its social impact and technical innovation today, this iconic machine is being reinvented as a means of transportation, but also as a source of inspiration, freedom and adventure.
Address: Pl. de Neuve 1, 1204 Genève, Švýcarsko
Contact: https://www.mahmah.ch/propos/musee-rath
Velo EXPO: https://www.mahmah.ch/expositions/velo
A fantastically detailed catalog of the exhibition
Stop 31: VELODROM Geneva
Literally a few hundred meters from the museum is an indoor velodrome. I raced it years ago. Although a boxing tournament was taking place in the middle of the oval, the organizers were friendly and let us see the wooden track.
Stop 32: Rehetobel Velomuseum - Switzerland
The newly renovated premises of the Rehetobel Velomuseum already provide a beautiful environment for bicycle exhibitions and social events for the 2024 season. A tour of the exhibition documents the history of the bicycle in detail and offers a comprehensive view of its technical development, from the velocipede to tricycles and tall bikes to the modern bicycle.
The infrastructure for the presentation of objects is provided by the VEREIN VELOMUSEUM REHETOBEL. It is organized as a patronage association and has around 60 members. They support the operation of the exposition and participate in events, trips and national or international meetings of historic bikes. A private collecting community with a handful of members contributes objects, designs the display, maintains the machines and looks after the visitors.
Address: Heidenerstrasse 4, 9038 Rehetobel, Švýcarsko
Contact: https://www.velomuseum-rehetobel.ch
Leo Estermann was a famous framebuilder from Zurich, Switzerland. Part of the exhibition is dedicated to his racing bikes.
More info of Leo Esterman: https://veloaficionado.com/blog/leo-estermann-zurich-frame-builder-track-pursuit-funny-bike-1981
The museum deposit also serves as a workshop for members of the association who take care of the running of the museum. It was here that we discovered some very interesting machines.
Stop 33: Rehetobel Velomuseum „Karl Reichmuth collection“– Switzerland
The association of museum administrators in Rehetobel took over the racing bike collection "Karl Reichmuth collection" in 2018. A unique collection of mainly Swiss racers who have won titles at world championships. These are authentic and actually used bikes. The modifications on the machines are authentic and the whole collection is absolutely unique.
Thank you Daniel Bartholdi (Präsident Genossenschaft „Kultur im Sprötzehuus“) for detailed interpretation and presentation.
Address: Heidenerstrasse 4, 9038 Rehetobel, Švýcarsko
Contact: https://www.velomuseum-rehetobel.ch
236/A - Karl Reichmuth collection
Thomas Molk in Stanz near Lucerne was a frame manufacturer and later known as a Colnago frame repair and painting service center. The famous Swiss rider Urs Freuler was a pioneer of new technical directions (for example, he was the first to ride a straight front fork on a daza). These novelties were produced in the workshops of the Molk company. Our guide Daniel's question: "It is said that there was a Czech working there, could you find out something about it?" the answer was simple: "Yes, it was me, I worked there for three years and I was personally involved in this frame..." so it was a really nice coincidence and that's how at least the photo with the bike was created. The pleasure was on all sides. This geometry, with a raised head tube and frame reinforcement, was later adopted by Colnago.
236/B - Karl Reichmuth collection
Urs Freuler, Moustache World Champion
Go home
We are really tired, wine drunk, wine bought, many books received, many bought, we loaded great material, nice bikes and scrap metal. Just the final. The bike expedition is behind us. Completed. Like the biggest book I've seen weighing over 59 kg about a single rider. Oscar Plattner. I dare say that we have left a significant mark on our journey. We brought a huge amount of information, photos and various materials. They started cooperation with Italian collectors, arranged important cooperation in the museum in Geneva, laid the foundation stone for holding the ICHC conference in the Principality of Andorra, spread awareness and well promoted the Czech velocipedist Club ČKV 1880, which they were interested in almost everywhere, made a good name for Czech collectors, museum owners, researchers , riders and replica manufacturers. Considering the places where we moved, we can claim that the whole Czech Republic has a good name!
