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.
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.
Naive Art – this piece is called Rosie’s Chopper by artist Stuart Swartz. Image statement:
“Here’s another whimsical painting of “Rosie”, this time proudly posing with her Triumph chopper.
This image was painted in a neo ’70s style reminiscent of velvet art and model box illustration from that era.”
Big Lad – a new Triumph is being launched right now: The 1200cc Scrambler. Desert tool, adventure proof, and grin provoking I’m sure!
The Wild One – Johnny rides into town in this bold painting. Shiny leather wrinkles complementing the scudding cloud horizon. Surly lip curl and blue jeans offer attitude.
Crazing – I just loved the ceramic-like surface patina to this Triumph tank. The ivory swoosh emphasizes the peardrop shape; and the badge, filler cap and bolt cover add ornamentation.
Pitmatic – a motorcycle shop in the fifties on Station Road in the North East mining village of Ashington. Proper Geordie Bikers!
Rita Nebraska – Lauren Hutton takes on a perfect pose with this track’d Bonneville. She starred with Robert Redford and Michael J Pollard in the 1970 comedic drama Little Fauss & Big Halsy flick about motorcycle racing. With her distinctive gap-tooth grin she still models into her seventies.
One Two Three- stable is full now with a single, twin and triple. Enough fun to be had all ’round!
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.
Barn Find – one of the eye-catching ‘cycles at the MCC show yesterday was this 1951 Triumph 6T; with a sky blue finish and very low miles on the Smiths Chronometric. The owner bought it from the estate of the daughter of the original owner: a farmer in Pennsylvania. Used as a herding bike for a hundred miles, ridden into a piece of farm machinery then rolled into a barn for decades. A minor restoration at some time changed the original metallic finish polychromatic blue to one more like a faded Bugatti blue. Mostly original, apart from the seat and muffler, there is a charm to its aged patina.
Base Camp – summer reminds me of continental bivouac camps whilst cycling or climbing my way across Europe. The motorcycle tent is an ideal version for the roadway traveler. The bike acts at the pole support and the fly sheet spans off the bars.
Adventure awaits!
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…
geordiebiker.com 