Boldest – Friday brings a twofer where the bikes play second fiddle to the gals who pose coyly at prospective buyers of these single cylinder cycles. Starfire was the quarter liter starter machine, the Victor was more off road styling fit for gravel trails. Soft focus anyone?
In a Bottle – nighttime fun on the town. The Lightning 650, which starred under a golden rocket launching fairing in the James Bond film Thunderball, was in direct competition with Triumphs Bonneville for top dog in the motorcycle world. It’s a classic bike and deserves the bolder advertising of the day.
The Cavalry – the BSA sportsbike of the sixties sits pretty next to the horse borne regimental troops that protect Her Majesty in London & at Windsor. The 650cc Thunderbolt is akin to the ceremonial dress of the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons). The chrome tank matching the red plumed helmet and cuirass armor; the star blazed tank badge like the Order of the Garter Star.
Sadly the ladies gaze on haughtily in their leather jackets. I’d rather they sat astride the motorcycle as proud riders, like their equine companion.
Jet Setter – from Oceanside to the skyward scene. BSA’s Shooting Star makes for a snappy runway runabout between the airport lounge and the private jet. Aviator look to the rider and sixties bombshell for the wing perched gal in the leopard skin coat. The louche world of the swingin’ sixties…
Red Boots – let’s finish off this week with more pillion shenanigans. Hair ablaze and blurred spinning wheels.
Cute – the rider is intent on being fast with his pin-striped helmet, gritted teeth, leather jacket and Chuck Taylors. His gal has a surly distant look so he’s better not show off. She has teddy to keep her company and her wellies for necessary footwear.
Studies Show: Ten Reasons why couples who ride together stay together…
1 POSITIVITY
It’s difficult for riders to be negative when they are riding. Couples who have a positive attitude have a healthier marriage.
2 TOGETHERNESS
When you ride together, you are sharing focused, quality time. Couples who share their experiences have a happier marriage.
3 FRIENDSHIPS
If you ride with a group of friends or in a club, you are sharing your social circle which can be healthy for a relationship.
4 ECONOMICS
Hobbies can be expensive. But if you share the same interest you can share costs.
5 GOALS
The benefit of having common priorities can be a reinforcing bonding experience. The couple who strive together have less chance of conflict.
6 GIFTS
You will never again be at a loss for a gift to buy your partner. Just get some bike accessories or riding gear for your significant other or plan a riding vacation.
7 MEMORIES
Growing old together is about sharing memories. Motorcycling offers the journey, exploration and the destination as reward.
8 COMMUNICATION
Enjoying the open road together offers uninterrupted time together in a conducive environment to communicate. Chatting while riding and pointing out things you see as you go promotes good interpersonal discourse.
9 TALKING TOPICS
Have you ever seen the couple sitting in a restaurant, not saying anything, looking at their phones? Sharing a riding experience gives you so much more to talk about.
10 CONFIDENCE
Being a rider and pillion develops reliance on each other to maintain a settled balance to ensure a smooth journey. A couple who support each other in life never feel alone.
Excerpts from “10 reasons couples should ride together” by Mark Hinchliffe 21st August 2016 www.motorbikewriter.com
Break a Leg! Period post seventies shenanigans as singer David Essex and the late great racing driver James Hunt lad it up on a Triumph T-140. Hunt broke his leg skiing thwarting a possible comeback in 80′ with McLaren.
Belanglos reden – today we see out pal Steve and Bud in German Wehrmacht grey uniforms on some alpen meadow discussing tactics for the infamous chase scene in TGE. The Bikes are Triumph TR6’s dressed up to look like the R75 BMW’s that the Heer forces utilized.
Shootin’ the Breeze – here is Steve McQueen and what looks like Bud Ekins talking off road maneuvering whilst sitting astride a pair of Triumph desert sleds. Steve is wearing his Hilts top that he wore in The Great Escape so this is around 1963. Great photo.
Cowboy Rider – last day of vacation saw us have a visit to Denver Art Museum. Here’s a sketch by eccentric fashion illustrator Jim Howard. Plaid shirt ‘n’ Stetson are suitable attire for rounding up the cattle on a little Honda dirt bike.
High Desert Heroine – we drove across the San Juan Valley today, taking in the magnificent sight of the Great Sand Dunes, and had our itinerary rerouted due to wildfires. Took the Continental Divide Independence Pass to Aspen. I’m definitely coming back to that road on two-wheels…
Here’s Friday’s fiery locked rider taking a long sweeping corner under, what now to me looks like, golden Colorado sunshine.
Belle femme numéro cinq a Vendredi – End of the week. Finally! And we’re off on holiday! Finally too! Here’s a new Bonnie T100 with shredded jeans clad lassie looking a tad serious. Let’s get this show on the road!
Corrie Bonnie – leather clad actor and 1970’s children’s television presenter Derek Griffith is looking calm and collected perched aside this classic Triumph. The setting is Coronation Street, location of the long, long running kitchen-sink soap opera.
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