Ep 14. Need for Speed

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, the dynamic duo of American Pickers, are back for another exciting episode of their hit reality show. In season 11 episode 14, titled "Need for Speed," the pair hit the road in their trusty van to scour the countryside for more hidden treasures.

As always, Mike and Frank are on the hunt for vintage and antique items that they can buy, restore, and resell for a profit. They crisscross the country, visiting small towns and meeting interesting people along the way. From dusty barns to cluttered garages, they are always on the lookout for valuable collectibles.

In this particular episode, Mike and Frank have a need for speed - not in the sense of racing cars or motorcycles, but in the form of old-fashioned pedal power. They are on the hunt for vintage bicycles, which have become highly collectible in recent years. These classic bikes are not only cool to look at, but they also represent a bygone era when people got around on two wheels instead of four.

The first stop on their bike-picking adventure is in rural Illinois, where they meet up with a collector named Dave. Dave is an avid bike enthusiast, and he has an amazing collection of vintage bicycles, including some very rare models. Mike and Frank are like kids in a candy store as they check out Dave's impressive array of bikes, ranging from high-wheeled penny farthings to sleek 1930s racing bikes.

Next, the guys head to Wisconsin to visit a man named Ed who has an old bike that he wants to sell. But this is no ordinary bike - it's a replica of a famous bicycle that was used in the movie "Breaking Away," which was released in 1979. The movie is a classic coming-of-age story set in Bloomington, Indiana, and it tells the tale of four friends who are obsessed with cycling. The bike that Ed has is an exact replica of the one used in the movie, and Mike and Frank are eager to add it to their collection.

From Wisconsin, the pickers head to Iowa, where they meet up with a collector named Mike. Mike has an amazing collection of vintage Schwinn bicycles, which were some of the most popular bikes of the 20th century. Mike has painstakingly restored each bike to its original condition, and the guys are blown away by how great they look. They are especially impressed with a rare pink bike that was made in the 1950s - it's worth a fortune and would be a great addition to their collection.

The final stop on their bike-picking adventure takes them to Michigan, where they hope to find a bike that once belonged to a famous astronaut. They meet up with a man named Dan, who tells them that he has a bike that was once owned by astronaut Jim Lovell. Lovell was one of the pilots of the Apollo 8 mission, which was the first manned spacecraft to leave Earth's orbit and orbit the moon. Mike and Frank are thrilled to get their hands on this unique piece of history, and they eagerly make an offer to Dan to purchase the bike.

Overall, "Need for Speed" is another exciting episode of American Pickers that showcases Mike and Frank's passion for all things vintage and antique. Their quest for rare bicycles takes them on a journey through the heartland of America, where they meet up with some colorful characters and discover some amazing treasures. Whether you're a fan of bikes, history, or just great storytelling, this episode is a must-see for fans of the show.