So what’s the long face for? A gal and Triumph and a sunny paddock… what more could a gee-gee ask for?
Interesting Fact (not that we don’t have enough here!): Alan Young who played Wilbur was born Angus Young in North Shields, Northumberland not too far from where I hail from. His journey to stardom in Hollywood was via Edinburgh and Canada. Mister Ed was a Palomino called Bamboo Harvester ~ who didn’t come from North East England… (the photo is NOT Mister Ed… OR Wilbur!)
Lovely black and white photograph by Giles Clement of a very clean early seventies oil-in-frame Bonneville; this time not in the usual greasy cafe scene imagery. Fancy a dip pet!
A brief scene in the 1986 movie “Peggy Sue Got Married” shows a classic ride of the time, a pre-unit speed twin Triumph (probably). The rock ‘n’ roll age was blooming, kids were dancin’ to the tunes and the bikes were fast and cool. Kathleen Turner is P.S. and her beau is Nick Cage – later to be the fiery Ghost Rider. The inspiring music is of course the incomparable Buddy Holly.
Sometimes it just takes a different viewpoint to see something with fresh eyes; here an overhead perspective lets the elegant hourglass lines of a Bonnie be shown off to great effect. When new bikes are shown off it’s always the side views, but the rider spends most of the time astride the machine looking down from the saddle across the tank to the bars. That’s one of the prime aspects of a moto to enjoy.
Ann Margaret rides again; the original movie two-wheeled action girl. Here starring in an Italian comedy film: a guru’s groupie plans to seduce him so she can number him among her many conquests. Not sure where the goat fits. This moto looks decidedly like an appropriately selected Guzzi.
More A-M moto images; here seen riding a Triumph and Norton. The red hair flowing like Red Molly of Richard Thompsons iconic song about a Vincent Black Lightning 1952.
“Rebellion is the Only thing that keeps you Alive!”
Rebecca from The Girl on a Motorcycle (la motocyclette) – a 1968 film starring Marianne Faithful.
It’s been a year since a crazed gunman opened fire in a public space in Arizona, killing several and severely injuring Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. It’ll be along road to recovery; but she has an adventurous spirit as seen here on her many bikes over time. Racing, scootering and travelling. The open road surely beckons for this Superwoman.
A great piece of artwork by the illustrator Louise Limb of Honor Blackman; she of The Avengers and James Bond.
A young chisel jawed ‘greasy’ biker elopes with his gal at the consternation of her father. It’s obvious she wants the life of the open road, freedom of the skies and the scent of gasoline on her shoes. Ah! Young Love! Even better, it’s in full color glory by the DC comic book creators of the likes of Batman and Superman; they keep good company. Go on! “Have a Fling!”
The singer Pink loves her Triumph Bonneville; seen frequently haring around the LA boulevards duckin & diving from paparazzi. Alecia Beth Moore, as she is also known as, takes the biker look somewhat seriously; engineer boots, open-face with nannini goggles; though a nice leather jacket and at least a pair of gloves is recommended!
Rollie Free stripped down to his bathing trunks to reach 150 mph at The Salt on The Vincent; creating one of the most iconic motorcycle images. Is this a way to achieve speed on a Bonnie 750? This slim gal is assuming so.
…heres the Vincent photo…
Blonde on Blonde: slap on a vinyl LP of one of Dylans masterpiece poem/songs and lay back and soak in the words, rasping voice and the images evoked in what some regard as his masterpiece.
“…and these visions of Johanna are now all that remain.”
Bassist and lead vocalist from the punk group The Stranglers JJ Burnel is a long time motorcyclist; in particular Triumph. Mobbed by fans what better moto to be seen on than a Bonneville!
When negotiating the Matrix, Neo’s comrade in arms and love interest Trinity (Carrie Ann Moss), took every opportunity to hare around the virtual world improbably on two wheels. The later movies had her on a Ducati superbike but an earlier scene in the original had her astride a Speed Triple when chasing after Keanu Reeve’s ‘chosen one’ character.
A moody Miss Blanchett lookin’ the part ready to rip over the Downs to Brighton. The Triumph grill-badge buckle tops off a “don’t mess with me” attitude. Remember she’s played Dylan so the Triumph provenance is strong. Wotch Out you Mod Guys an’ Gals; Cafe Cate will sort you aht!
