Mario Soler, the origin

Mario Soler (1907-1991) is the main responsible for the existence of this Museum. Born at the small village of Bassella, he always showed a great handiness and skill, which together to his inclination towards mechanic led him to build several devices: two cars with BSA engine, a micro light aircraft and a fast motorboat fitting a Harley Davidson engine...

At the end of the 20s he becomes interested in the motorbike world. Gaston Chritin was the inductor, a well known French rider that after suffering a serious accident in Arrabassada Hill Climb Race, chose the quietness of Bassella for his recovery. He managed to inoculate his passion and knowledge to the Soler family and creating a great interest for motorcycling to the whole Alt Urgell area which has been alive until today.

Gradually this inclination for the world of motorbikes turned into his real life motive. Around the 40s he decided for refurbishing. In his own little workshop, which can be admired in the Museum where all details are kept, he converted a lot of old and rusty pieces in true collector unique pieces. With the support of his two sons, Estanis (founder and director of the Museum) and Toni (1947-1998), with plenty of hard work and patience, managed to recover many pieces from motorbike history which are today in the permanent area in the Museum.

Three houses, one history

It is true that time passes by very quickly for everybody but it is also true that we all find ways to preserve the past. Mankind have their memories and buildings have the memories of the people who visited them over the years.

The first Bassella lodge, built by the Soler family in 1687, known as Cal Pauet no longer exists, forgotten by the new road which replaced the old Cami Ral.

In 1913, thanks to progress the lodge resuscitated. The family erected a new Lodge in a different place and it became a meeting point for all kind of people passing by but specially it became an outstanding building in Bassella.

Close to the third millennium, the old threat of the Rialb reservoir, came true and finally flooded the old lodge.

To respect tradition, the Soler family did not want to loose their ancestors and erected a new building in 2002 by the C-14 road. The Museum preserves some of the original walls, windows, ceilings and floors recovered from the old lodge.