Since its introduction in 1894, the motorcycle has spawned a variety of cultures and uses. As basic transportation, as leisure activity or as a die-hard lifestyle, millions of people have a love affair with Choppers, Crotch Rockets, Thumpers and all things two-wheeled.

This Saturday marks the opening of the action-packed exhibit "Let's Ride! Motorcycling the Northwest" at the Washington State History Museum. Displayed through June 2013, the exhibit - a celebration of the region's never-waning motorcycle culture - will include interactive exhibits, videos and impressive displays of machines from 1906 to the 21st century.

Exhibit highlights include a motorcycle owned by Steve McQueen, an early United Parcel Service delivery bike, the discovery of Washington's first motorcycle, the iconic Seattle Mariner machine and a look at Moses Lake's own Evel Knievel.

From beautiful winding roads, to poker and toy runs, our laid-back lifestyle and natural beauty make it an easy place for riders to love.

Indian Scout model 6-20 dating to 1920, on display at Washington State History Museum for the "Let’s Ride: Motorcycling the Northwest." Photo credit: Washington State Historical Society

1970 Hodaka "Super Rat" and 1962 Triumph Trophy, on display at Washington State History Museum for the "Let’s Ride: Motorcycling the Northwest." Photo credit: Washington State Historical Society

Olympians Jim Davies and Greg Hilchey represent a small fraction of the Northwest's population infatuated with motorcycles. They both have been riding for more than 20 years, both had a passion for bikes at a young age and both had to sneak rides out of the eye of watchful parents.  

"I always wanted a bike of my own," says Davies, who sings in the band The Dirty Birds and Resident Kings, "but out of respect for my mom, I waited until I was 21 to buy my BSA chopper."

While Davies is a chopper guy, Hilchey, who snuck rides on a friend's bike in the sandpits behind his elementary school, favors the BMW 650GS.

"I like this bike the most because it is commonly known as the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles," he says. "It can do and go just about everywhere."

History will be a part of the exhibit as well, taking a look at the community and conflict surrounding this somewhat controversial past time. 

Davies reflects on the changing culture of bikes. 

"I think the culture of motorcycle has become more popularized in the last two decades," Davies says. "We as bikers are somewhat more accepted as responsible members of society, and I also see a ton more women up on two wheels, which I think is fantastic. There was a surge of interest brought about by the plethora of chopper shows on TV, but I think that is starting to die down. So the number of newbies riding factory-built choppers and "Visa-Glides" are starting to dwindle. What we're left with is the same core of hardcore enthusiasts who live, eat, breathe, and love all things two-wheeled."

Whether a hardcore enthusiast like Davies and Hilchey, or green on the scene, this showcase that runs through June is a great place to learn about and appreciate the motorcycle culture of the great northwest. And see some damn cool bikes.

WASHINGTON STATE HISTORY MUSEUM, "LET'S RIDE! MOTORCYCLING THE NORTHWEST," SATURDAY, JAN. 26-JUNE 2013, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY, $7-$9.50, AGE 5 AND YOUNGER FREE, 1911 PACIFIC AVE., TACOMA, 888.238.4373