Blow Up – another frame from yesterday’s photo-shoot. This time the photographer comes into focus. Like Michaelangelo Antonioni’s masterpiece from the sixties I cropped in closer to see if a murder had taken place…
Shoot!
Nikon ready
Furious Filly – in the grounds of some manor house a glamorous gal shows off her pair of go-go boots. Her pew is the unrealized Triumph Bandit, also known as the BSA Fury, a 350 contender for a mid-sized ton-capable machine planned to go against Honda’s three fifties. Alas, not to be. Though it makes good modeling props…
Dame Rider
Half a Century ago
Fifty Years – like some scene from MadMen here’s the brochure from a New England showroom a guy and his gal out for some fresh air. Precision, Power, Performance… the cards were on the table though. Honda’s sublime 750 was on the drawing board in Japan ready for release and two-wheeled domination in ’69.
Greaser Gal
Vincent Black Lightning 1952
Said Red Molly to James that’s a fine motorbike
A girl could feel special on any such like
Said James to Red Molly, my hat’s off to you
It’s a Vincent Black Lightning, 1952
And I’ve seen you at the corners and cafes it seems
Red hair and black leather, my favourite colour scheme
And he pulled her on behind
And down to Boxhill they did ride
Said James to Red Molly, here’s a ring for your right hand
But I’ll tell you in earnest I’m a dangerous man
I’ve fought with the law since I was seventeen
I robbed many a man to get my Vincent machine
Now I’m 21 years, I might make 22
And I don’t mind dying, but for the love of you
And if fate should break my stride
Then I’ll give you my Vincent to ride
Come down, come down, Red Molly, called Sergeant McRae
For they’ve taken young James Adie for armed robbery
Shotgun blast hit his chest, left nothing inside
Oh, come down, Red Molly to his dying bedside
When she came to the hospital, there wasn’t much left
He was running out of road, he was running out of breath
But he smiled to see her cry
And said I’ll give you my Vincent to ride
Says James, in my opinion, there’s nothing in this world
Beats a 52 Vincent and a red headed girl
Now Nortons and Indians and Greeveses won’t do
They don’t have a soul like a Vincent 52
He reached for her hand and he slipped her the keys
He said I’ve got no further use for these
I see angels on Ariels in leather and chrome
Swooping down from heaven to carry me home
And he gave her one last kiss and died
And he gave her his Vincent to ride
Easter Egg
Louche Lady – I’m sitting in the car listening to the haunting sound of Elliot Smith and the fresh sunny April skies hint at the seasons awakening. Trees are budding in response to earlier rains. Grass smells of growth. Good Friday sits astride Spring from a receding chill with the promises of warmth ahead. Hope I can get out on the bike this weekend.
Bollyville
The Polka Dot Scarf
Blue Thursday – absolutely stunning ink drawing by the indomitable Alex Oxley who did some great cartoon motorcyclethemed illustrations in the fifties. His work included ‘It’s Easy on a Triumph’ ads and caricatures of racers of the day. This one captures brush ink work at its best. From the thin line of a delicate nose to a heavy line of the lid and glisten of lipstick. Superb!











