
Dusty Cat – we still have some late summer heat here. Temperatures in the 90’s today. That would make for clouds of dust thrown up by a speeding Tiger.

Dusty Cat – we still have some late summer heat here. Temperatures in the 90’s today. That would make for clouds of dust thrown up by a speeding Tiger.

The Tyger by William Blake (1757-1827)
Tyger Tyger, burning bright,
In the forests of the night;
What immortal hand or eye,
Could frame thy fearful symmetry?
In what distant deeps or skies.
Burnt the fire of thine eyes?
On what wings dare he aspire?
What the hand, dare seize the fire?
And what shoulder, & what art,
Could twist the sinews of thy heart?
And when thy heart began to beat,
What dread hand? & what dread feet?
What the hammer? what the chain,
In what furnace was thy brain?
What the anvil? what dread grasp,
Dare its deadly terrors clasp!
When the stars threw down their spears
And water’d heaven with their tears:
Did he smile his work to see?
Did he who made the Lamb make thee?
Tyger Tyger burning bright,
In the forests of the night:
What immortal hand or eye,
Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

Close-Up – finishing off the week with some choice details of several motorbikes from last weekend. From Arial, Honda, Kawasaki, BMW, to Norton and Triumph. Some original, some personalized; from badges to pinstripes; tank, fairing, frame and fender.

Hakuna Matata – ending the long work week with a nicely sorted Tiger Cub under bright skies with a sun kissed rock backdrop. Color scheme is the same as mine: dark emerald green tank and grey-silver fenders. The tigress might need something a little more sturdy than a tank top, daisy dukes and white tennies for any serious trail riding. But the aviators are cool.

From the Earth to the Moon – short jaunt up north to dust the cobwebs from the owld bikes. Coffee stop at the Full Moon diner on Route 41 where an impromptu gathering of motorcycles occur at weekend mornings. Nice T595 Daytona parked next to the Geordie-Bonnie, which, for a 20 year old bike still looks fresh in looks. This triple superbike was the true relaunch of the modern Triumph marque as the 20th Century came to a close.
Coffee was hot & fresh, eggs sunny side up and sausages tasty.

Test Ride – went down to Johnny Scheff’s Motoworks and took this sweet machine out for a spin… let’s just say a deposit has been made…

Long Legs – we got ourselves a double-decker fork chopper here. Bouncing springer front end that crosses the State line half an hour before you get there. The cruciform tank; the German eagle badge on the owners leather vest; and the missing front teeth from a happy smile tell an intriguing story.

Repair – here’s Dean picking up his ’69 Bonneville after some minor restoration from the spill back in May. All fettled and running fine. Ed Zender looks on explaining the work carried out. The workshop is busy and all lifts have projects parked upon them.

Two by Two – some choice images from the splendid offerings at Morries Place captured at the weekend. It illustrates the changing tanks and badges over a couple of decades. Each different and then quite individual. The art of the motorcycle for sure.

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.

Young at Heart – this happy couple who enjoy their journey together utilize a BSA for transport. The 250cc C15 was a fairly underpowered cycle that met stiff competition from Honda’s Dream and Superhawk. However Mr & Mrs Adventure seem quite chuffed with their mode of mobility.

When Two is Three – more paired motorcycling capers with a couple zooming along aboard an early BSA Rocket Three. The anorak jacket emblazoned with the marque logo gives the image period quality.

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

Happiness is… riding along a stretch of beach with your gal sitting pillion without a care in the world. A sleek 1965 Zundapp 50cc motor-scooter carries this carefree couple. Love this photo.