by Rick Doughty
The dictionary defines “mega” as large, huge, or extreme. The Mega Collection is neither large nor huge, but it is most certainly extreme. Extremely cool!
This “very private” collection has been amassed over the past couple of decades and is unique in a myriad of ways. Not least of which is its subterranean location. Yup, it is a real-life Batcave bike collection, owned by a self-made, Bruce Wayne-like character. Imagine an older, nicer, smarter, richer Bruce Wayne who doesn’t wear leotards, and you have Bob Megdal.
Bob’s immaculate collection of fully restored bikes spans the mid-70s to the mid-80s. He collects what he likes rather than what he thinks will have increased value in the future. He also displays them in a unique fashion. He commissioned metal fabricated mounts (custom to each machine) that are securely bolted to the concrete walls with the bikes secured to the mounts. Virtually everything is up off the ground and bolted in place. This allows him to go vertical with the bikes and maximize the footprint of the “Batcave.” The result is an unusual and unique visual presentation which appears very organized and very clean. Having the bikes elevated is better for the tires and much easier to keep the floor swept, mopped, and polished. His use of space and the access to various angles of the bikes is as brilliant as it is efficient. It also allows Bob to find space for both his Porsches; a beautiful 911 and a full-on race car.
Like most of us, Bob has a serious penchant for old race bikes and all the memories that go along with them. He still rides motocross and off-road on a weekly basis but has retired from his racing pursuits. One thing he will never retire from is his friendship with the late Marty Smith. Bob and Marty spent a significant amount of time together and were genuinely close friends. You can hear the mourning in his voice and see the sadness in his eyes when he recounts their time together.
Bob honors Marty with a replica of his Type II RC125 hanging from the ceiling, and a metal sculpture he had made in Mexico. His most prized possessions are Marty’s original #522 helmet and front number plate. The smile he has when he is sharing these historic items is a smile of pride and love for a friend gone much too soon.
The Mega Collection is an amazing blend of special bikes, in a special place, created by a special man.
