Destinations: Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, Rhinebeck N.Y.

By Jeff Alexander
Published on October 23, 2012
article image
Jeff Alexander
This classic Indian 4 is just one of the restored vintage motorcycles on display at the Rhinebeck Aerodrome.

Rhinebeck, N.Y.
What: Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome
How to Get There:  From the North, South, West: New York State Thruway Exit 19 to Rt. 209 North. Follow signs to Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge and cross the Hudson River. Right turn at the second traffic light onto Route 9G South. Next traffic light, turn left onto Route 9 North for 1/2 mile. Right onto Stone Church Road for 1-1/2 miles. Left on Norton Road.
From the East: Mass. Pike or I-84 to Taconic State Parkway. Exit at Rt. 199 Rhinebeck/Red Hook. Rt. 199 west for 6.8 miles. Left onto Orlich Road, then an almost immediate right onto Norton Road for 1-1/2 miles.
Best Kept Secrets:  Grab lunch at Red Hook’s Historic Village Diner, originally manufactured in the 1920s. 7550 North Broadway Red Hook, NY.
Enjoy the relaxing landscape of The Omega Institute. Promoting holistic and spiritual living, deeper fulfillment and healthy lifestyles. 150 Lake Drive Rhinebeck, NY 12572 (845) 266-4444.
Avoid: Heavy and slow afternoon traffic on Route 9G following Dutchess County Fairground events.
More Info:Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome relies heavily on membership and admission fees. Air shows begin June 9th. (845) 752-3200.  

Tucked away in the bucolic Hudson Valley city of Rhinebeck, N.Y. is Cole Palen’s Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Dedicated to preserving the history of flight and classic vehicles, the Rhinebeck Aerodrome has earned the distinction of ‘a living museum’, thanks to tireless efforts that keep its diverse collection of planes and motorcycles in running order. Aerodrome volunteer mechanic Kurt Muller is among the countless volunteers that work to keep the planes and bikes up and running for the Aerodrome’s famed summer air shows, featuring bikes such as a 1935 Indian 4 and a 1917 Royal Enfield. He shared his experiences restoring the museum’s 1917 Indian.

“It was sitting in the back hanger for 10 years when I saw it 18 months ago, but I realized the first time I saw it was in Cole Palen’s basement back in 1966.”

Muller said the bike initially died due to a bad coil and other challenges which were estimated at $750 to rectify.

“I modified it using a 6 volt dry cell battery hidden in the side case with the coil in the other side case. This worked fine for a short while but then the front cylinder started firing sporadically.”

Muller dedicated his efforts to bringing the Indian back to life and considers it “the coolest bike (he’s) ever seen.”

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-880-7567