Three One Two | The area code for Chicago and today’s date March the Twelfth. Here’s a ripper of a custom cafe by the lads at Analog Motorcycles, a small scale custom ‘shop based in Waukegan IL. The donor bike is an ’08 Thruxton and plenty of goodies were added to its capable chassis to assemble a very unique machine. It ain’t brutish, nor a wallflower, but is purposeful with a confident stance.
One Two Three – here we are in midwinter and the riding season is months away. A plan needs to be put in place to get each of my Triumph ready for their particular outing requirements. The Cub to take to some off road trails in Wisconsin; the Bonneville for some local riding and vintage shows; and the Tiger for long stretches of American highways and backwaters.
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.
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
Resolute – It is typical of the New Year for us to put on the mask of Janus and look back at what we achieved (or not) the previous year and thus look forward to the coming twelve months and make a determination of what we want to achieve. Usually in an effort to better ourselves; and, in a way, make this time we have count. Me? I’m not a big one for ‘resolutions’ but it’s fun to think of things that you would like to try and do. A list you ask? Well, here goes:
Life is a Beach – I’ve always enjoyed a trip to the seaside. Here in Illinois it’s the lakefront, which, though not as dramatic, can still have a changing mood. Next year I’ll look for a quiet stretch of sand to spin the Tiger on; whilst Lake Michigan rolls by.
Lean Left Lean Right Repeat – another photae from yesterday’s afternoon spin. Forest Way is a nice section of road that winds its way through the Forest Preserve that flanks the Skokie Lagoons.
Lakefront View – the Tiger looking fine with Lake Michigan defining a level horizon beyond. The sun sets on summer time. Clocks changed and we’re into the longer dark evenings of winter time.
Fall Roads – another photo from the weekend. Here Dean looking pensive under his balaclava as we sped along Old Green Bay Road through Lake Forest.
Fall Color – a nice autumnal half century jaunt up north on the owld gal. Both Bonnie’s were riding pretty good albeit the cooler start. Trees are magnificent right now: ruby, gold, amber, scarlet, and all other fiery displays. I must say the Tiger has spoiled me for ease and comfort. Older bikes need more input to keep a smooth progress along the road. But they’re fun in their own right.
Also, the bike will be going up onto the workstand for a winter sort through. For one the rear sets are coming off… getting too cramped for comfort!
Drone’s Eye View – a spy in the sky filmed the start of the DGR last weekend. I spotted myself turning onto Ashland from Fulton.
Indian Summer- the weather today topped out at a balmy 85 degrees so I took the feline flyer out for an evening spin. The cat eyes lit up the road well as the rosy glow of a setting sun illuminated the West.
Kustom Kulture – whilst the bikers were waiting for ‘kickstands up’ this artist was showing off his talent of freehand pinstriping on a kid. The long bristled brush is traditionally squirrel fur and the bamboo handle short and rounded for easy control of smooth lines.
I wouldn’t mind getting some on the Bonnie’s tank…
Reportage – here are a few choice photos from Sunday’s outing. As folks gathered there was a promise of sunshine, but it failed to emerge. The cool overcast sky was a good backdrop to the urban scenery. The numbers swelling to 700 plus, rumbling engines and rock music played over the tannoy. The Cobra Lounge serves a buffet breakfast and cold brew coffee took care of thirst and caffeine. The two-wheeled caravan too a direct route along Randolph into The Loop, horns pealing and bystanders waving. A loop up Lake Shore Drive gave the bikes a little more leg stretch as side lanes were blocked off from cars and trucks.
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride: Always Fun
Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – this years gathering brought many bikers together for a global-wide event now in its 5th or 6th year. Raising money and awareness for prostate cancer as men’s suicide rates it lets owners show off their togs as well as their rides. The route took the large group out through downtown to Lake Shore Drive and back to the Cobra Lounge on Ashland.
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