Peaks & Passes – I love mountains; especially high snowy ones with rugged features. Adventure riding can be had by swooping up switchback highways, punctuated my cafes or teahouses to the frigid cols where some remote monastery shines above strings of flapping prayer flags. Ride a Snow Tiger to the Hills.
Taiga Tiger – snow daubed coniferous forests and a rough road that’s more stream than trail. Wrapped up with the heated grips turned on you’re sure to encounter a grizzly.
The Ice Man Cometh – we’re heading into an arctic blast expecting temperatures down to 27 below zero Fahrenheit which, along with the winds, will plummet the windchill in Chicagoland down into the minus fifties. Wrap up folks. Put spikes on yer tires watch out for Auld Man Winter.
Half Dome – winter wonderland in Yosemite National Park for Tiger rider Ivan Hidalgo. Soaring granite above John Muir would prefer to be on foot but I’d take the Triumph any day.
Scrambling – in the Sixties the machine that dominated off road racing was the powerful twin engined Triumph. Barreling around rugged landscapes it epitomized the early scrambler Bike.
Winter Fun – I need one of these! Chopper Triumph with street sign plow blade. I’d take the Chevy truck too! We have icy conditions here in the Midwest and expect even colder weather next week… minus 15°F
A Speed Twin called Daisy and her exploits in the Highlands.
“There is no such uncertainty as a sure thing.”
Burns Night – in celebration of The Bard here are some fun photos taken by a Triumph owner back in 2002 as he rode his Amaranth Red hub sprung Triumph through the lochs and glens of Scotland. As they romp through Glencoe they stop at the layby near it’s summit where they ask the piper to pose with Daisy.
The Hill – climbing up from the historic and commercial center of Newcastle is Westgate Road. It literally was the west gate of the medieval town that following the line of the older Hadrians Wall towards the sunset. Its role as a meeting spot for travelers is therefore ingrained. For several decades it has been the popular venue for motorcycle gatherings centered around the numerous bike shops, chippy’s and cafes. I remember as a wee un coming down from North Northumberland twice a year to go to see an ophthalmologist at the General Hospital at the top of the road. My mother and I would take a bus from the City Center to the appointment and I’d look out of the window at the bikes; exciting stuff for a young lad! It’s popularity is waning but there are some stalwarts holding the flame aloft for any roaming bikers needing an excuse to gawp at new models; or enjoy a lunch at a greasy spoon washed doon wi’ a mug o’tea.
Ten Past Ten – Smiths are the clocks used on vintage British motor vehicles. Speedometers for velocity measurement and Tachometers for engine revolutions. Here’s a fine timepiece from the watchmakers at Smiths chronometers in military styling. They were a staple for British soldiers in WW2, wrapped the wrist of Sir Edmund Hillary as he summited Everest and an alternative to the Swiss Made items such as Rolex.
A detailed description of the face:
“The black dial features a somewhat traditional aviator configuration found on numerous mil-spec watches: a legible hours index with a triangle at 12, sword hands, and an outer railroad track for the minutes. Right under 12 is the “SMITHS” logo and an encircled T indicating the presence of tritium. Above 6 is the pheon (broad arrow), the official mark designating property issued by the British government dating back to the 17th century. Right below 6 along the inner perimeter of the minutes track is a proud “MADE IN ENGLAND,” a small element that differentiates the W10 from scores of other mil-spec watches.”
Swimming – I managed to get back in the pool today after a month off. Just half a mile but it’s a start. The Tiger is a machine that can take a watery paddle, long legged it’ll cross streams and shallow rivers with aplomb.
Bill’s new project – forlorn in the corner of some prefab garage sits a worse for wear Triumph chopper. Plenty of mid seventies elbow grease to revive its mechanical working from storage decrepitude… Mr Ferry, ready for a money pit?
Chopper x 2 – Sunday musings with a couple of posters of Triumph pre-unit Choppers. These are the sort of images I’d have blu-tacked to my bedroom wall.
LEGO – always a favorite for learning about building and creating. Here is a motorcycle themed set I’d never seen before. A motorbike dealership set from 1984. Complete with showroom, helmet display and office, as well as a little flower bed out front.
Swiss Miss – Triumph Tiger owner, Maike from Switzerland has a happy face after every single ride on her Tiger 800. She feels it’s her perfect companion when it comes to short rides or long journeys, riding on a highway or off-road.
With a positive attitude such as this can only inspire many more women to take up their passion for riding.
Stormtrooper- I recently scored a deal on eBay with this pair of Aerostich ‘Combat Touring Boots’. Made by the Italian firm Sidi they are now discontinued and becoming quite sought after. They’ll be ideal for the Tiger and roadward adventure yet to be. Leather is in good condition with a nice broken-in patina, buckles in good order as is the Velcro side tabs. Sold have a bit of life left in them too.
geordiebiker.com 