Light at the end of the Tunnel – heading into the darkening days of December it seems the warming weeks of Spring seem far away. Well, it passes quick and before we know it days lengthen and temperatures rise.
December 11, 2017
On Any Sunday
On Any Sunday (1971) by Bruce Brown, who passed away yesterday at the age of 80, is considered the very best documentary that covers motorcycle racing action in Dirt Track, Road Race, Moto Cross, Hill Climbs, Bonneville Salt Flats World speed records and more. The movie stars Steve McQueen (who also backed its production), Malcolm Smith, Mert Lawill and Gene Romero. At nearly 50 years old, it still remains as a “MUST SEE” required viewing if you have anything to do with motorcycling.
December 10, 2017
Comrade
All Hail Soviet Physical Culturists! – propaganda poster from the early CCCP days has a huge Red Flag emblazoned with Stalin’s profile unfurled and being proudly held aloft by some Communist country-proud woman. The machine gun weaponized PMZ 750 V-Twin transports the prone Driver and flag bearer. This year marks 100 years since the October Revolution. Poster by Aleksandr Druzhkov. The motif is clear and powerful, the message strong, and the population are driven.
Soviet era posters exhibition at Smart Museum, University of Chicago
December 9, 2017
Hunting Dog
Buonacittà – the Triumph twin engine used in the Bonneville was imported to a town called San Lazzaro in Italy where Leopoldo Tartarini designed a limited run motorcycle called the Grifon. Built by Italjet around 600 were made between 1968 & 1971.
December 8, 2017
From Above
Hair: Birds-eye view of a Triumph Thruxton and its lucky owner. Some motorcycles sure do have a good shape when viewed from this angle.
December 7, 2017
Woplet
Wooler – one of the more esoteric motorcycles from the mid Twentieth Century was the swansong of John Wooler. A vertical flat four with truly inspiring styling for its day – (vertical H) The petrol tank extending beyond the steering head with front mounted headlight are signature.
Sidenote: I grew up in a village in North Northumberland called Wooler.
December 6, 2017
Morpheus
Insomnia Mechanics – a wide-eyed and wakeful Robert Crumb -like character has a fitful nocturne wondering about the engine reassembly. A three dimensional jigsaw that must come to life upon completion. A cup of Horlicks on the bedside table is needed, with a workshop manual on hand, and a cat on the bed to keep you company.
December 5, 2017
A to B
Black Electrical Tape – this about sums it up. After poring over maps to memorize roads, junctions, towns, and other landmarks; you’d take a folded-up map and either stuff it in a front pocket or, as in this case, tape it onto your bike. Ideally in a waterproof Ortlieb clear map case.
December 4, 2017
IL 137
Deepening Shadows- one thing about riding at this time of year is the light is low and the world around you has a sharp contrast between light and dark. Makes for great black & white photography. The photo was taken along The Melvin Amstutz Expressway IL 137 in Waukegan.
December 3, 2017
Vanishing Point
December – a last hurrah with near 60 degree temperatures and a suitable run to Wisconsin and our usual diner in Zion. Sunny skies, grey leafless trees and fairly quiet roads. Temperatures expected to drop below freezing over the next week or two then we be back out in Spring ’18.
December 2, 2017
Andy Pandy
Sixth and Three – HRH The Duke of York Prince Andrew looking dressed up for what looks like an official event at Triumph Motorcycles showing off a Speed Triple in appropriate royal blue. Probably as much fun as the Royal Navy helicopters he flew.
December 1, 2017
A Hooligan
Oranges are not the only fruit – singer Julia Haltigan sitting pretty in rust colored jacket, sienna corduroy pants
November 30, 2017
Le Moto Vert
TBT ’99 – here’s a younger me heading off to work on my green Kawasaki Ninja 600. When we lived in downtown Chicago it was the best way to commute along Lake Shore Drive up to Evanston. The bike was a 1996 ZX6E… solid and quick.
November 29, 2017
T120 Engine
Computer Aided Design – AutoCAD – here are a couple of views one of the timing side, the other the primary. Line weight is perfect to achieve a good level of apparent solidity.
November 28, 2017
Covenant
Alien – on the return flight home over the Atlantic I watched the latest film in Ridley Scott’s space epic where: “no one can hear you scream.” A small but pivotal character Sir Peter Weyland who funds the Prometheus expedition to the Engineers system. Played by the quietly talented Guy Pearce he is the creator of Android David a critical character that proves to be a key player in the entire Alien series. Here’s a motorcycle sitting portrait of the British born antipodean on a classic Matchless. Photo by Robert Ascroft
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