I unearthed these pair of photos of one of the main pubs along Wooler High Street: a 17th century coaching inn. Though probably more than half a century apart they both highlight the appeals of group rides and drives. Both taken for a VCMM newsletter.
It would be splendid to have a new gathering of vintage ‘cycles lined up outside this country pub…
This moto-geezer is quite the picture: he’s armoured in well worn leathers and that Venom Thruxton is a crackin’ beast of a bike. Clip ons, rear, sets and bum-stop on the seat all fronted by a big rounded plexi-glass fairing means business. I hope I’m haring along at speed when white haired…
Fact: the Venom was the first production motorcycle to average over 100 mph over a 24 hour period. A record still unsurpassed to this date for a 500cc bike. Cracking stuff!
A Swap Meet at Woodstock IL today allowed a plethora of vintage bikes, parts, and ‘cyclists to be regarded. I’ll spend the next few days going over the finds I saw: obviously some British Iron was represented, as was a LOT of Harley Davidson, but a few 70’s Japanese gems was seen too. Starting today with some of the Triumph findings…
This trailer has a whole early seventies Bonneville, a rolling chassis pats bike and was fresh out of the barn; a project for the taking only $2500. Go on! Haggle!
Lying askew on the grass at the estimable Ed Zenders (Morries Place) spot was this forlorn 650cc engine. A little rough around the edges, but all seemed to be there; internals would be a secret only to be revealed upon cracking this nut. Then the fun would begin!
Our Scottish pal Ewan McGregor looks on at some vintage racing Triumph at Brooklands. Look at the angle of those bars, a speed set-up this surely is! Meanwhile the Teutuls look on in somewhat due respect; it ain’t a chopper boys, but it’s go like a hare bein’ chased by a hound! More about Ewan in future posts, being a bike nut ‘n’ all.
The Brooklands Museum, was the very first banked track course. Designed purely for the attainment of speed on the burgeoning car and bikes being built and adapted to go fast at the turn of the 20th Century. It’s crumbling slopes now host gatherings of vintage transport as well as a great collection of aircraft; including one of the retired BOAC Concorde ` indeed Brooklands can be considered a major part of the Concorde story.
Here’s where a certain Norton motorcycle changed world affairs; in 1952 a young medical student Ernesto Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado travelled the length of South America witnessing the poverty, exploitation, and economoc extremes that changed the course of his life indefinitely. Their steed, a 1939 500cc model was named El Poderosa “The Mighty One”,
A Logo used for a couple of years (1932-33) on the early models was this globe variant. Here shown on what could be a 2/1 250cc or 6/1 650cc designed by Val Page.
Here is a stunning example of a NT500 from 1933, the worldly badge just visible. Remember this was the time of the SS100 Brough Superior ‘Superbikes’!
An airman in WWII sitting proudly with his Royal Enfiled, oh and his Hawker Hurricane in the background. The Battle of Britain pilots relaxed aboard speedy motorcycles.
Bright prints, graphic imagery and excitement guaranteed! A couple of the race posters seen at the Wheels Through Time museum. The lower poster does seem to have British singles racing…
Last couple of fun items from the museum: the Coca Cola Chopper, customized in true sixties style as well as a gas tank with cool looking ice cubes built into the metal…
It wasn’t just Harley’s at the Wheels Through Time; other marques were represented also. Some known like Indian and others lesser known such as the Traub. An interesting selection.
A brace of Excelsior Autocycles from 19-teens, the Model X; these were the first ‘ton’ bikes, fast indeed for the time. Bought by Schwinn which folded in Hendesron later; these would become Excelsior “X” Henderson.
http://motorcycling.speedtv.com/article/history-the-mystery-of-the-traub/
Flathead engine (side valve) used in HD’s between the 30’s and 50’s. Here a U model with recirculating lubrication; the Squirt logo adorning the oil pump! Ribbed side cover aids cooling.
Here are the older Meriden Triumphs at the street show, each with their owners mark on them, each with mileage and aged patina giving an certain ‘life’ to them.
A great image of the Triumphs used for desert racing in south California. That first fella looks a lot like Bud Ekins; west coast bike shop owner and racer as well as pal to Steve McQueen.
More twosome adventurous spirit in bygone days. A sidecar outfit haring around the vertical world of the travelling performers. Rolled up sleeves, turned beret and glasses; good confidence too…
geordiebiker.com 