Armistice- on this day One Hundred years ago saw the end of hostilities of The Great War. A global conflict whose influence ripples to this day. Tragic in outcome; it saw the loss of a generation through industrialized warfare, epidemic disease, boundary reconfiguration, and political & societal upheaval.
Chevron – we’ve arrived at the week end so here’s a Friday lass with a Triumph to cheer The World up. Dynamic framing of the subject; focal length choice for the overhead view angle; and shallow depth of field focus achieve an impeccable portrait.
Lakefront View – the Tiger looking fine with Lake Michigan defining a level horizon beyond. The sun sets on summer time. Clocks changed and we’re into the longer dark evenings of winter time.
Esses – A quick trip north to drop-in to a project job site gave me a chance to enjoy the continued color we’re experiencing this Fall. The winding part through Glencoe’s ravine is especially picturesque. Heated grips on!
Sunny Smile – someone’s girlfriend sitting astride their pride and joy. Late Thirties Triumph Speed Twin 5T with girder forks, rigid rear end and only available in the luscious amaranth red. These were in production until the 14 November 1940 when the German bombing of Coventry led to the destruction of the Triumph factory. An order of thousands of military spec 5T’s were destroyed as well as all of Triumph’s technical records, drawings and designs. Post War an updated 5T helped rebuild Triumph to become the worldwide leader for another couple of decades.
Headless Nick – All Hallow’s Eve. Watch out for ghouls, goblins and ghosts.
Fall Roads – another photo from the weekend. Here Dean looking pensive under his balaclava as we sped along Old Green Bay Road through Lake Forest.
Fall Color – a nice autumnal half century jaunt up north on the owld gal. Both Bonnie’s were riding pretty good albeit the cooler start. Trees are magnificent right now: ruby, gold, amber, scarlet, and all other fiery displays. I must say the Tiger has spoiled me for ease and comfort. Older bikes need more input to keep a smooth progress along the road. But they’re fun in their own right.
Also, the bike will be going up onto the workstand for a winter sort through. For one the rear sets are coming off… getting too cramped for comfort!
Twenty Scored- today we celebrate our 20th year as a happily married couple. Here’s an old photo we reconstructed with us posing like design couple Charles & Ray Eames.
Lakefront Property – the sun glistened nicely off the waters at Lake Geneva as I made a sauntering lap. Rolling Wisconsin roads tinged in a golden autumn. Splendid ride.
An Eye on the Universe – today’s destination for a Fall ride was the 120 year old Yorkers Observatory, which houses the world’s largest refracting telescope. A 40″ diameter lens that provided important findings in the early years of 20th Century astrophysics. It is located at Williams Bay on Lake Geneva in Wisconsin. As of October 1st is is no longer under the management of the University of Chicago and is not open to the general public.
Courier- fag stop for BSA Bantam owner along some street in The Big Smoke. A motorcycle is the best way to get around London. It lets you nip through the traffic making sure you get to your destination with a smile and on time.
Shorties get to Play too! The Tiger has quite tall legs in stock form and with the saddle set high. But it can also be fettled for those of smaller stature. As is written about in Gail Biddulph’s blog here it doesn’t lose any of the moto’s superlative characteristics. She takes it for a sporty whirl over the Snowdonian passes between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Betws-y-Coed. A familiar stomping ground from my mountaineering youth. Once I went over the Llanberis Pass on top of a mini bus, at night. Now I’d be happy scooting over on a Tiger…
Black ‘n’ White – sinew and muscle: the Tigers appearance gives the impression of a cat readying for a leap onto prey.
Red Barn – another early morning photo taken just north of Madison WI. Low yellow-fresh light from the sunrise gives life to an age-worn farm. Hints of frost still highlight the bikes top box.
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