RONCEVERTE W.Va. (WVDN) – Have you ever noticed how a certain song can transport you to another place and time? Memories are often associated with sound, but it’s not only music that can evoke emotion. Perhaps it’s the purr of a smooth running engine on a Chevrolet Chevelle or the rumbling start of a classic Harley Davidson, both of which are subtle reminders of days gone by. “It’s funny,” says John Hirt, owner of Greenbrier Classic Cars and the soon to open Greenbrier Classic Motorcycles. “Just like old cars, old motorcycles bring back memories. It’s an opportunity to relive your youth.”
Greenbrier Classic Motorcycles, the most recent business venture for Hirt, is set to open in late May or early June. The shop will be located on Edgar Avenue in Ronceverte and will feature vintage motorcycles, including Triumph, BSA, Norton, Harley, Honda and Kawasaki. “As the name implies, we’re going to have motorcycles from the 50s, 60s and 70s,” says Hirt. “We may have some newer bikes, but we are focusing on the older bikes that we all remember.”
The 4-story building that will house Greenbrier Classic Motorcycles will feature a collection of over 40 motorcycles, along with a repair shop for working on in-house bikes. “It’s going to be a repair shop for our bikes, but not other people’s bikes,” says Hirt. “We love the building. It’s just a really cool space and for now, we’re just going to use the first floor.” In addition to motorcycles, the shop will offer accessories and outdoor activewear for men. “It should be a fun shop similar to what we’ve done on Route 219,” Hirt says. “It’s just going to be a fun place to hang out.”
For those who aren’t familiar with his established shop on Route 219, Greenbrier Classic Cars houses an impressive lineup of vintage autos. From the minute you step into the showroom, you are immersed into a world of automotive history. Each car beautifully shined and perfectly detailed inside. “We get people that come in all the time and talk about how they had a car just like one in our showroom and how if they had the chance, they’d get another one like it,” Hirt said. “That’s what this is really all about. There are better cars and motorcycles being made today, but there’s just something about the classics that people migrate toward that allows them to relive times in their lives that were good to them.”
In addition to his obvious love of classics, John Hirt admits that his inspiration to open Greenbrier Classic Motorcycles comes from a simple need. “I just needed a place to put my motorcycles,” he says. “They are taking up a lot of space in my 219 shop, so I bought this building for something fun to do. It’s all going to be oriented toward the old nostalgic style,” he says. “That’s not to say that we won’t have some new things, but we are going to focus on things appropriate for riding back in the day. We’re going for that cool, vintage vibe.”
While an official opening date is yet to be determined, Greenbrier Classic Motorcycles is expected to open in late spring. With no plans for an official grand opening, Hirt does anticipate some type of event that will coincide with other activities in town. “I’ll do something that will coordinate with the timing of an event that’s happening in the city,” Hirt reveals. “I won’t have a grand opening, but we’ll do something fun for people when there’s some type of event going on in town.”
Greenbrier Classic Motorcycles will be located on 681 Edgar Avenue in Ronceverte, West Virginia. All information, including the opening date, will be available on Hirt’s sister shop, Greenbrier Classic Cars. If you’d like to stay updated, simply follow Greenbrier Classic Cars on Facebook.
