Window Shopping – I went to the Norton Owners of Chicago’s Vintage Motorcycle Show earlier today. It was held in the parking lot at MCC in Villa Park – Triumph, Ducati & KTM dealer. The blog posts next week will cover the exhibited offerings; but in the meanwhile I had a gander at the newer motorcycles neatly lined up in the showroom. This is a T120R Bonneville.. quite splendid.
August 20, 2017
On Reflection…
August 14, 2017
A Right Pair
’69 & ’72 – the two Bonnie’s looked good at The Lake Cafe in Antioch yesterday. For a nearly combined age of a hundred years they’re holding their own on the highways.
August 3, 2017
‘shop scene
Morrie’s Place – the busy workshop at Ed Zenders place is a hive of activity. With all four workstands taken up with motorcycles under repair, a workbench full of engines, parts, tools; and more bikes awaiting attention, there’s a healthy dose of work in this great vintage ‘shop. Overhead the old signs herald days past when more local garages kept owners rides roadworthy.
August 1, 2017
Roof Crossing
Covered Bridge – a quick stop on the ride was to see this older creek crossing located at Long Grove just off Old McHenry Road. Steel plated tire tracks and a few roofing shingles missing, I had seen better days. It is a metal half-hip pin-connected Pratt pony truss. Built in 1925.
July 31, 2017
Tuning Fork
Fazer Shadow – when picking up some new spark plugs and coils for the Mini I spied this 80’s Yamaha in the lot. It belonged to one of the auto parts store sale people. It’s basically a baby V-Max. In-line 4 700cc. A cool looking roadster.
July 16, 2017
Hoofer
Wet Roads – tried to get a short ride in this morning but unforecast rains dampened procedings. So we had a coffee at Bob’s Pantry in Braeside. The new blacktop roads aren’t too goo in wet weather – not like the grippy UK roads which are constructed and surfaced for the more common damp conditions. Nevertheless a good chat over a cuppa is good too. Here Dean kicks over his Bonnie.
July 15, 2017
Custard Pie
They say you should stare at something yellow for 30 seconds every morning to start your day off on a positive note. Well here’s a modern Royal Enfield parked in downtown Chicago. Over easy I’d say.
June 29, 2017
Uccello Mandello del Lario
Flying Car – a beautiful red Moto Guzzi Falcone combination outfit from last weekend. It gleamed in the sunlight like a cherry. #Motoblot #MotoGuzzi
June 26, 2017
Rattus norvegicus
Brown Rat – the proud owner sits lazily by his conglomeration of odd and ends that create a unique truck and bike. Every item that added curious character was a found object. From the snap-on wrench door handle to repurposed tire tread rear fender. A 650 twin Yamaha was the donor Moto under its patina’d skin. #Motoblot #Ratbike
June 25, 2017
Three for Thee
Six Cylinders Three point Six liters- a bevy of Triumphs big parallel twins were spied at the show yesterday. Each 1200cc has its own particular character: from the bespoke Bobber, the sophisticated Bonneville and the speed fed Thruxton. I still think that solver grey faired Thruxton looks the best.
June 24, 2017
Motoblot 2017
Bikes etc. – the annual gathering of the ‘alternate’ motorcycle scene on Fulton Street was enjoyed with plenty to look at. Here’s a taster in a four panel collage. The Kawasaki KZ was in more-than immaculate condition. A bobbed Triumph in ratty patina had a fun tank badge and leopard motif. A 1912 Indian with oily rag wipe down appearance. And a latter-day Royal Enfield looking the part for twisty secondary roads. More to come!
June 1, 2017
St Mary’s Road
Vanishing Point – Look ahead: the future converges at a distance yet to be reached. Keep an eye on where you’re at, with the odd glance on where you’ve been. But mostly keep a butcher’s on the approaching road; it’ll be upon you before you know it.
May 29, 2017
Food Mart
Ed & Erv’s – just shuttered up in the last couple of years this local Chicago convenience store has a timeless mid-20th Century vibe going on. So when I saw this Harley Davidson standing lazily outside I had to get a photo. A hint of vintage filter to sharpen the shadows and an evocative scene is created.
May 28, 2017
Hoop Dreams
Wheels Shadow – another snap from yesterday’s ride. Atmospheric blur of speed along a leaf dappled road.
May 27, 2017
Green Sunlit Roads
Woodland Light – terrific weather today for a more than decent ride. Kept going up Old Green Bay Road into Wisconsin where some lovely back roads are found. The recent cool and wet weather has greened everything up to a verdant lushness. Cut grass smells hint an the coming heat of summer.
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