Rocky Mountain High | One year ago today we were enjoying our summer vacation in Colorado. I managed to rent a BMW GS 800 for a day in the high alpine meadows between Ouray and Durango. The Million Dollar Highway. Fantastic riding and a ride that sowed the seed for the Tiger.
The View from the Bridge | Another snapshot from a fortnight ago. Waiting for the gang to fill up at the Mount Carroll gas station. I always thought the windscreen had cat ears atop it…
Leadville | The prime destination last weekend was the old mining town of Galena. Historical seat of Joe Daviess Country and home of Ulysses S Grant. In the early C19th it rivaled Chicago in population and was the busiest steamboat hub north of St Louis.
Tiger Trail | the days riding around north east Illinois was enlightening. A good 150 miles of rural gravel roads crisscrossing Jo Daviess County. I learned to finally use the back brake on the loose surface; and to power through the looser gravel. The new tires performed exceptionally. The day (and weekend) were cut short… but we’ll get into that tomorrow…
Tramping | That stands for Triumph camping. Here’s the tent set up at Blandings Landing on the Illinois side of the Mississippi. Rolling farmland interspersed with shady woodland connected by clean gravel roads. Good ride across the Northern part of the state along Stagecoach Road.
‘Zines | Whatever your interest there is a magazine for it. And, in the specialist topic of motorcycling, there are sub genres covering everything from custom, classic/vintage, off road, on road, Day-to-day riding, travel & adventure. We have a great magazine store in Evanston with a great selection.
Helsinki Spirit | My folks are enjoying their cruise around the Baltic. One further stop they had on the itinerary was the Finnish capital. My paw was kind enough to send this shot of an urban ready Triumph Scrambler. But I’m sure it’s used further afield through the lake scattered and wooded rural areas of the northern kingdom of Suomi.
Capital Capitol | Punctuating the isthmus between Lakes Mendota & Monona the White granite domed State capitol building stands proudly with the gilt Wisconsin statue atop it. The morning sun glints of it splendidly. As the Wisconsin mottos says: “Forward!”
Red Wing MN | With a name derived from the Dakota chiefs use of a red dyed swan feather to denote rank, this North Star State town on the banks of the Mississippi is a pleasant place to visit. Classic red brick architecture line a couple of very walkable streets. It is known for rugged work boots and clay pottery; as well as one of the earliest ski clubs in the US due to the Scandinavian population who settled there.
Bumblebee | My parents are enjoying a cruise around the Baltic this week. Their first port of call is the wonderful wonderful Danish city of Copenhagen. They sent this photo of the distinctive Nimbus motorcycle on display at a museum. The nimble and reliable in-line four 750cc engined workhorse became a staple mode of transportation for the Viking population. The Type C was introduced in 1934, when this model is from, and continued in very much this form until 1959. Its nickname was Humblebien (Bumblebee) due to a buzzing exhaust note.
Big Cat | The Tiger looks good whilst traveling the highways and byways. Purposeful and raring to go in any direction and distance.
Fuel Stop | As well as the necessary 93 octane for the Tiger there is also my engine to keep stoked. When passing through Minnesota or some parts of Wisconsin I always manage to grab one or two Nut Goodies made by the St Paul confectioners Pearson’s. Unsalted peanuts in a creamy maple center covered in milk chocolate. Washed down with a Coke… perfect road food!
Red Barn | One of the things I do when passing through the American Heartland is look out for old barns. Their vernacular spirit intrigues me as they always seem to complement the rural scene. During yesterday’s jaunt through Wisconsin and Minnesota I could have stopped at least a dozen times; however this structure stood out for a photo-op. The grassy ramp of this ‘bank’ or ‘basement’ barn gives access to the hayloft itself supported on the stone built livestock stable. A cupola is supported on the classic gambrel roof.
The River Road | From Madison I took the roads across heart of Dairyland to Prairie du Chien. From there I followed the Mississippi through La Crosse to Winona and on to Red Wing, Minnesota. Spotted a few eagles soaring over the tree clad bluffs. Good Roads, Good Ride.
Road Trip | A weekend venture to Minnesota. I’m staying in Madison Wisconsin tonight then will head over to the Mississippi and ride up the River Road to the Twin Cities tomorrow. Overcast so far but forecast promises brighter conditions in the morning.
