Tramping | That stands for Triumph camping. Here’s the tent set up at Blandings Landing on the Illinois side of the Mississippi. Rolling farmland interspersed with shady woodland connected by clean gravel roads. Good ride across the Northern part of the state along Stagecoach Road.
Under a starry sky | Here’s a hint of what I’ll be getting up to this coming weekend… watch this space!
‘Zines | Whatever your interest there is a magazine for it. And, in the specialist topic of motorcycling, there are sub genres covering everything from custom, classic/vintage, off road, on road, Day-to-day riding, travel & adventure. We have a great magazine store in Evanston with a great selection.
Campagne brouiller | Blurred vision of rurality. As the Memorial Weekend approaches then plans can be made for trips out of the hustle and bustle of the City. Leafy roads and sleepy villages under a lofty sun.
New Boots | I finally managed to get the new tires levered on to the wheels. These are made for half road half trail use. Like having a pair of Vibram soles on the bike. They are befitting the Tiger
Big Cat | The Tiger looks good whilst traveling the highways and byways. Purposeful and raring to go in any direction and distance.
The River Road | From Madison I took the roads across heart of Dairyland to Prairie du Chien. From there I followed the Mississippi through La Crosse to Winona and on to Red Wing, Minnesota. Spotted a few eagles soaring over the tree clad bluffs. Good Roads, Good Ride.
Road Trip | A weekend venture to Minnesota. I’m staying in Madison Wisconsin tonight then will head over to the Mississippi and ride up the River Road to the Twin Cities tomorrow. Overcast so far but forecast promises brighter conditions in the morning.
‘ump Day | ‘bike is parked up; pyramid tent erected; Primus stove lit and brew on the go; time to light up and perch my’sen on this crag edge. Look up magazine advertisements for Camel Lights “It’s a whole new world” and you’ll see this adventurer getting up to all sorts in the wild corners of the world – whilst making sure his tabs are close at hand…
Countryside Pleasures | What better way to enjoy touring on a motorcycle than to end the day at a campsite in a wooded clearing by a babbling stream. Boil some water for tea and listen to the chirruping birds as they roost for the night. Then the stars come out in their bedazzle across the inky heavens.
Earth Day | What better way to go out there and explore what our planet has to offer and see how beautifully fragile our home rally is than on the back of a Tiger. For nearly a Century there have been sharp clawed Moto’s roaming the globe looking for earthly adventure.
All Points | when heading North South East or West what better mode than a kitted out Tiger for the road less travelled.
Nessun Dorma | The aria from Puccini’s opera Turandot was famously used for the BBC coverage of the World Cup in ’90. Sung in true maestro style by Pavarotti it was also used by Pirelli tire manufacturer in their late 80’s advertising campaign. Direct translation from the Italian is “None shall sleep” so using it for a tire seems appropriate. So, back to the matter at hand: these are the two tires I got for the Tiger from old new stock at Motoworks yesterday. Knobbly treads for a bit better traction on gravel. I need to go look for some back roads now! Heidenau K60 Scout up front and Continental TKC 80’s in back. This combination is meant to be a good balance for compromise between asphalt and loose dirt.
Poop-Poop | one of the great environmental books to read is Kenneth Graham’s tale from the riverbank: The Wind in the Willows. Mr Toad of Toad Hall always finds the adventurous side of life as can be seen in the latest animated offering being released this summer. In the trailer he’s haring along a country lane on a vintage motorcycle only to come a cropper.
“The Open road, the dusty highway, the heath, the common, the hedgerows, the rolling downs; Travel, change, interest, excitement! The whole world before you, and a horizon that’s always changing! ” Toad
Geologically Speaking- midweek comes around on schedule so that means there’s a hill to negotiate. Best to use a suitable two-wheeled tool to get over it.
geordiebiker.com 