
Big Lad – a new Triumph is being launched right now: The 1200cc Scrambler. Desert tool, adventure proof, and grin provoking I’m sure!

Big Lad – a new Triumph is being launched right now: The 1200cc Scrambler. Desert tool, adventure proof, and grin provoking I’m sure!

Twenty Scored- today we celebrate our 20th year as a happily married couple. Here’s an old photo we reconstructed with us posing like design couple Charles & Ray Eames.

The Wild One – Johnny rides into town in this bold painting. Shiny leather wrinkles complementing the scudding cloud horizon. Surly lip curl and blue jeans offer attitude.

Lakefront Property – the sun glistened nicely off the waters at Lake Geneva as I made a sauntering lap. Rolling Wisconsin roads tinged in a golden autumn. Splendid ride.

An Eye on the Universe – today’s destination for a Fall ride was the 120 year old Yorkers Observatory, which houses the world’s largest refracting telescope. A 40″ diameter lens that provided important findings in the early years of 20th Century astrophysics. It is located at Williams Bay on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. As of October 1st is is no longer under the management of the University of Chicago and is not open to the general public.

Courier- fag stop for BSA Bantam owner along some street in The Big Smoke. A motorcycle is the best way to get around London. It lets you nip through the traffic making sure you get to your destination with a smile and on time.

Shorties get to Play too! The Tiger has quite tall legs in stock form and with the saddle set high. But it can also be fettled for those of smaller stature. As is written about in Gail Biddulph’s blog here it doesn’t lose any of the moto’s superlative characteristics. She takes it for a sporty whirl over the Snowdonian passes between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Betws-y-Coed. A familiar stomping ground from my mountaineering youth. Once I went over the Llanberis Pass on top of a mini bus, at night. Now I’d be happy scooting over on a Tiger…

Black ‘n’ White – sinew and muscle: the Tigers appearance gives the impression of a cat readying for a leap onto prey.

Decal – for night time riding safety I added a pair of ultra reflective stickers to the cases. I want to make sure drivers see my rear end as I zoom along the Interstate at speed. There is a Union Flag added to the top case for patriotic dedication.

Red Barn – another early morning photo taken just north of Madison WI. Low yellow-fresh light from the sunrise gives life to an age-worn farm. Hints of frost still highlight the bikes top box.

Early Start – the new day broke clear, though chill, with a bright low sun and temperatures in the mid twenties. The Tiger started easily and took her packs without a shred of notice. I stayed at the friendly Homestead Inn ($39.95 a night) being fed the promised fresh coffee and ginormous cinnamon buns made by the proprietress Mary. Wrapped up against the chill and a steady road home I made good progress back to Chicago. All in all 930 miles and 5 1/2 tanks of gas. Good outing with a huge variety of riding conditions.

Winter is Here – there was hints of ominous weather in the forecast; but not a wintery outlook! A couple of hundred miles on the highway back to Chicago the white stuff got the better of me. And rightly so! A good hand dryer at a rest stop to dry the gloves; full set of sturdy waterproofs from a hunting shop; to keep cozy; but the driving snow gives poor visibility. So I find a comfy “mom & pop” motel in Millston just off I-94. “The rooms open, key’s inside, just make yourself at home hon” said the friendly voice of owner Mary on the loaned ‘phone at a local gas station. Apparently the best cinnamon buns in Wisconsin are made for breakfast.
Tiger performed more than admirably… I think we’re on to the start of adventures together!

The River Road – after an early hoar frosted morning the sun finally managed to peek out. Here just south of Red Wing Minnesota overlooking the Mississippi. Leaf color a suitable backdrop to the bald eagles soaring above the bluffs. Tiger running like a Top!

The Magic Button – a chilly evening ride to Madison Wisconsin to start my weekend trip up to Minnesota. Temperatures dropping to 34 degrees Fahrenheit. The handgrip warmers were more than welcome to at least keep my paws comfortable.

Pen & Ink. I just love the quick line of this sketch. Minimal lines with a dab of color wash. Work by Tomas Pajdlhauser. More can be found about this talented guy here: http://captaintom.studio/