Customs Officer – there were some superlative one-off builds at the show. Here are a couple of period Triumph bobbers in similar style yet very different execution. One has a brushed finish, luscious tank paint, open primary case, and a Jow Hunt magneto for spark. The other was polished to a mirrored finish – nearly to the point of distraction- with a sublime red flake frame paint job. All great work though.
February 12, 2017
Showstoppers
February 11, 2017
International Motorcycle Show
On Display – plenty of new motorcycle models to ogle over, swing a leg over, and consider as real-world rides. The vast acres of Rosemont Convention Center contained the shiny, colorful products of the two-wheeled industry. Obviously Triumph was well represented, but we also enjoyed the models from Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and the Big Kawasakis. Indian Vee-Twins; Royal Enfield singles; Guzzi’s and Ducatis; and the sumptuous Teutonic BMW’s. A splendid collection of vintage cycles, as well as the usual polishes, sunglasses and patches. I’ll spend the coming week posting the show offerings (we don’t need to look at the Moto-chatchkis.)
The Thruxton is a gorgeous bike, but I think I’m a bit tall for it. The larger GS styled bikes are more my going.
Oh yeah! They had complimentary tattoo’s too.
February 4, 2017
Scarab
Bug Cub – like some emerald carapaced bug, the wee trials bike was brought out into the chill February air. I took it around a parking lot to let the engine and gearbox ‘stretch their legs’.
January 27, 2017
Drive Fast Take Chances
Busse Woods, Cook Co. IL – 80’s photo of youthful Acid Kings front woman Lori S. at her teenage hangout. Summer days (daze?) inspiring her stoner metal sensibility.
January 24, 2017
Cola in the Shade
Heartland – like some photojournalist capture from days past here sits a laden Triumph Thunderbird under a Central American sun as the owner takes respite in the shade of a roadside shack near Tamaulipas. The rider is Chicagoan Michael James, who, like some latter day Che Guevara & Alberto Granado went out to find the world; though this was in 1962 only 11 years after comrade Che’s epic travels. James went on to open the Heartland Cafe which still serves food about five blocks from us here.
“I’m working hard to keep the Triumph on the road through the flat, arid, brown, dry and desolate terrain. Its new, different, and I’m digging it, taking it all in.”
January 21, 2017
The Fairer Sex
Women’s March – today, January 21st, saw multiple gatherings, rallies and marches in cities across the country to protest against the new potus and his policies against women, minorities, LGBTQ, and liberal thought. Here are a some proud ladies and their Triumph motorcycles all enjoying their freedom of the road.
December 12, 2016
Winter is Here
Snow Days – the first white blankets of winter arrived over the weekend; perhaps I can use this ski tow as an exciting escape for seasonal fun! I’m sure the tires are spiked too!
October 29, 2016
Remembered Zion
Fall Freewheeling- for a late October day and temperatures brushing 70 degrees; with a fiery foliage backdrop, and quiet roads: it was a perfect autumn ride. Bikes running well too.
October 22, 2016
One-Two
A Right Pair – here are the two bikes in drive side profile. A little tweaking of fuel lines. Had the Cub in tight figure eights around the garage. Tomorrow is forecast as perfect autumnal weather. The Bonnie will be taken out.
On another note the Chicago Cubs just got through to the World Series.
October 20, 2016
Single Moto
Throwback Thursday- here’s an example of the wee 250 Trophy I bought when first arriving in the US back in ’98. Decent tool to scoot about the City, finding my way around, got my US drivers license on it too! About as much power as a wind-up toy; but Lake Shore Drive was mighty fun on it!
October 5, 2016
Commuter
Michigan & Van Buren – heading to a meeting in the City today I spied this well suited feller on his shiny Bonneville rumbling into the Loop and some high rise occupation. I would have just kept going and enjoyed the perfect weather.
September 30, 2016
Rocketry on Two-Wheels
Thruxton – of all the delicious motorcycles gathered together on Sunday the tastiest was the be Thruxton. It just looks superb and talking to some owners rides superb too. Someone had a British Racing Green color scheme that was sublime… But I do like the rocket-red one.
September 29, 2016
Throw Back Thursday
TBT – I know that less than a week has passed since the weekend ride, but some other people’s photos of the day are better ng published. I found a couple with me zooming by… Well that’s just neat!
September 26, 2016
Two Wheels Good
DGR – LOOP – LSD
The bikers took over the City yesterday. Nearly 400 en masses snaked through the grid aligned streets. Horn blared, engines roared and pedestrians cheered. Everyone was smiling.
September 25, 2016
Distinguished Gentlemans Ride 2016
Dapper – a great turn-out for the Chicago DGR on a warm September Sunday. Lots a great bikes with riders and many pillion dressed to the nines as a convoy of over three hundred went through The Loop, along Lake Shore Drive, had a quick stop at Holiday Club and back to the Cobra Lounge. My garb was overalls, shirt and tie, black Doc Martin brogues and white socks.
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