That smoky, eyeshadowed stare; a cigarette drooping from his lip; the chain-draped biker jacket. As the transvestite scientist presiding over his spooky laboratory mansion, Tim Curry commanded the cult musical phenomenon of the seventies with a gloriously over-the-top performance.
His remarkable career spanned decades and an extraordinary range of roles—from a sincere and devoted butler to a chilling serial killer—yet he could make every character unmistakably his own.
Sadly, Tim Curry passed away today at the age of 80. A wonderfully distinctive performer whose presence, voice, and wicked sense of theatricality will be very much missed.
This years ride saw a good turnout of 300 or so riders. A nice gathering beforehand with coffee and pastries supplied by Motoworks. The route through the south side went along part of the historic boulevard system with a stop at the Museum of Science and Industry. A last gate back up Lake Shore Drive to finish at The Cobra Lounge.
We went to see this film tonight. Based on photography and recorded interviews from the late 60’s and early 70’s it follows a bike club in Chicago as they make their way through the Midwest on Harleys clad in oily leather jackets emblazoned with “Vandals”. Tom Hardy is leader, Austin Butler the too-cool-for-school member and Jodie Comer is marvelous at his wife. Two-Thumbs up!
Beautiful French singer François Hardy passed away yesterday. She was the epitome of gallic chic in music, film, and fashion. Regarded as an “égérie” ‘muse’ by the top French fashion designers of the time such as Chanel and YSL and later the upcoming women of fashion who rebelled against haute couture with the Yé Yé School. Well she looked good in leather with a moto nearby. François Hardy (1944-2024)
Proud youth with his ape hung, hardtailed rear, extended forked, bicycle headlighted Triumph Tiger Cub. The wooded setting sets off the red paintwork superbly. As George Hanson said whilst imbibing on a Jim Beam quart bottle “Here’s the first of the day, fellas! To old D. H. Lawrence.” The whilst flapping one arm like a chicken: “Neh! Neh! Neh! Fuh! Fuh! Fuh! Indians.”
Weather perfect? Check! Dapper dressed folk? Check! Many splendid bikes? Check! A lovely gathering in the City for a good cause. Nigh on 300 people on nearly as many Triumph’s, Ducatis, BMW’s, Guzzi’s, and many other marques took to a route through Chicago’s Loop and along Lake Shire Drive.
Fulton Street and the Cobra Lounge
Getting a good send off from Johnny & Larry before stands up and the cacophony of motorcycles head down Ashland and through the intersection lights en masse.
Through The Loop
Eastbound on Jackson (Route 66) took us to the Lake and southbound LSD. Horns honked, engines revved and onlookers smiled.
Museum of Science and Industry
Big gathering and group photo on the steps before heading back north. Grand outing had by all!
Long legged Triumph chopper lets a Seventies couple enjoy the fresh air of the open road. The S reg 245 Volvo estate in the garage dates this after ‘77. Good photo for the album!
Voiceover work from Mr Clooney for Wes Anderson’s version of the Ronald Dahl classic. In this scene he’s making scarfing noises. I’m here for the t-shirt. A great film nevertheless!
Picking up a bottle of pop I saw this chap wearing a Lucky Brand top. Emblazoned with the Lucky Vintage Motorcycle Works. I might try and pick one up to add to the wardrobe.
Hardtail chopper using a pre-unit Triumph motor is photographed like a prized possession. Bikini clad model says its two-wheeled summer fun ahead. Weather is improving here in the Midwest and a Sunday ride is planned. Pina Colada anyone?
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