Sixty Mini Years | Today marks the 60th Birthday of the classic small car. Designer Sir Alec Issigonis introduced the Mark I compact runabout which always seem larger on the inside. One of the most fun cars to drive.
August 25, 2019
Chi-Tri
Triathlon Triumph | What better steed to be on to offer vehicular support for the 36th Chicago Triathlon than a triple cylindered Tiger. Ten volunteer riders showed up under Lake Shore Drive at a coffee and donut fed 5am to give facility for race officials and photographers during the cycling portion of the iconic swim-bike-run endeavor. I had Ali, a Turkish photographer, as my pillion taking him around the course to memorialize the huge effort put in by the entrants. The weather was perfect (though the swim was cancelled due to unsafe lake conditions) and we all had a great time.
August 24, 2019
Five for Fighting
Pentagon | an errand in the City allowed me to drop my new panniers off to Johnny Scheff’s Motoworks to have their looks keyed to my ignition key. The new Triumphs looked splendid in the August sunshine. The current line-up are all cracking looking bikes.
August 23, 2019
Land Ahoy!
Jenny Wren | A group of smiling lasses serving as Royal Navy despatch riders in WW2.
August 22, 2019
Floppy Ear
Mans Best Friend | what other color should a chimney sweeps hound be that white?
August 21, 2019
Born to be Free
Muffler Man | frame from opening scenes to Easy Rider depict a looming Ax Man. These fiberglass behemoths advertised car mufflers in the sixties but we’re sometimes repurposed for other city symbols. Typically a silencer would be supported between the giant paws of the lantern jawed gargantua – but other items can be substituted too, such as the double headed axe that this chap is wielding.
August 19, 2019
B&W
Out ‘n’ About | A good black and white photo reminds me of countless hours in chemical scented dark rooms trying to get the optimum negative exposure from the enlarger. Developer : Stop-Bath : Fix
“Do not enter” light on the door.
August 18, 2019
Bean Been
Coffee Stop | between the summer storms we managed a brief trip north for an iced java in Highwood. An occasional fresh breeze wafted up the lakefront ravines from Lake Michigan. Very pleasant.
August 17, 2019
Key West or Bust
Wyatt & Daryl | the final episode of the first season of Ride With Reedus sees The Walking Dead actor cruising through the Everglades and down The Keys on a pair of Triumphs. Norman is like a kid in a candy store riding alongside the iconic Peter Fonda. ‘Gators, Hemingway and tales from the road.
August 15, 2019
Lock-Up
Cooper Coop | trying the garage for size before getting the bikes moved in. It’ll do nicely!
August 14, 2019
No. 9
Grunge Band HQ | just signed a lease for a garage space for the bikes. Instead of the subterranean offering which sometimes gets a tad dank I will now have an above ground secure space off an alley. It’s securely tucked away from prying eyes.
August 13, 2019
High Performance
One Hundred & Seventeen – I saw this banner draped off a wall at Motoworks last weekend.
August 12, 2019
Yellow diamond and arrowhead snake
Signs | It’s good to know where you’re going; especially when the signage depicts an interesting journey ahead. My favorite is the Pacific Coast Highway with an added plaque stating “74 Miles ahead”.
August 11, 2019
Air Conditioning
Vintage Spin | the heated Dog Days aren’t my favorite but a little roadward breeze can help cool proceedings. I took the old Bonnie out to ruffle its feathers. She can certainly put a smile on your face.
