Bank Robbery – a 1971 film starring Ernest Borgnine and Bette Davis as an unconventional pair of thieves. In wigs and fake beard disguises their getaway vehicle is non traditional too: a Triumph Trophy 250, bit of a cream-puff when it comes to power. I know this was the bike I had when first arriving in the ‘States and indeed got my motorcycle license on. I wouldn’t do errands on it never mind a bank robbery!
March 19, 2017
Bunny O’Hare
March 18, 2017
A Journey begins with One Step
Boots – sturdy footwear for feet that get stuff done. I need by boots to be supportive, comfortable, enduring, and good looking; in that order. Here are a few of past and present pairs I use for everyday wear as well as specialized utility. Top to bottom, left to right.
Scarpa Walking Boots – these have seen countless miles over field, up mountain, across bog. I haven’t worn them in twenty years but they became like slippers to me as the fathoms were yomped.
Sherpa Work Boots – Stout blood-red, heavy soled clompers to take care of your tootsies on a work site. Thick socks needed for these.
Doc Marten Work Boot – blonde version of the ubiquitous ‘Docs’. Vibrant soled and light. These were a good daily shoe that could take some abuse when required.
Doctor Marten Air Wear – my 8-Hole ‘Docs’ were found in an alley on top of a dumpster. A bit heavy soled, but like walking on air. Great on the Triumph when kick starting.
Blundstone 500C – my current dailies; the ‘Blunnies’ are super comfy, supportive, durable, light, slip on quickly. Two years in and the sole is barely worn. Waterproof as heck with the oiled leather upper. Hopefully I’ll have these for a while…
Justin Roper – a light and comfy tall boot. I had the leather soles redone with a thin Vibram tread. Again, these should last.
Tony Lama Western – my black cowboy boots have a good heel which necessitate a deliberate gait. Comfy boot to be worn with Levi’s and plaid shirts only…
Sidi Monza – these zip-up vintage motorcycle boots are Italian made and fit like a glove. Good heel to kickstart with and grip foot pegs well. Gear changing protector atop the toebox, and supple but strong leather. A perfect riding boot in my mind.
Vintage Motocross – acquired for the Cub, these well buckled protective boots can be used on the road too. A certain ‘Mad Max’ air to their appearance may give drivers second thoughts before messing with you.
Not on this list and no longer in my possession: a couple of other pairs of Sidi, Frank Thomas’, some Clarks desert boots, and Asolo winter climbing boots.
But remember these boots are useless without a pair of fresh clean socks.
March 17, 2017
Viking Lass
Frige’s Day (Frigedæg in old English)- Norse goddess who had the power of foreknowledge. A sturdy TT Triumph is a suitable Valkyrie-like ride for possible warming spring weather that is in the foreseeable future.
March 16, 2017
Greybeard
Whiskered Warrior – let your beard flow free in the wind. Cockney advertising of a Doc booted bobber rider . Spring is nearly here! Old Man Winter has overstayed his welcome…
March 15, 2017
Over the Top
Hump Day – well, this is one way to overcome midweek. Take a vintage Montessori Cota 349 trials and loup over the roof of a classic Volkswagen Beetle. The Pfederstall, or horse stable, restaurant Is a suitable backdrop of motorcyclists rendezvous for such antics.
March 14, 2017
Pi
π – defined as the ratio of a circles circumference to its diameter, this mathematical constant is ubiquitous to the universe. It also has meaning for the motorcycle from Wheels to discs, gears and cogs, dials & caps, and lights.
March 13, 2017
2-2-2
Trainspotting – a bunch of friends in the mid sixties enjoy each other’s company whilst chasing steam around the country. Based in Weymouth they were present at the waning of coal powered transport. Left to right: Norman Gillespie, Denis Turner and Keith Robertson. The large bottles of Guinness must be some story… the photo us Denis’s who worked on the railways in the sixties.
March 12, 2017
Triumph Akaw!
Surfer – Sunday evening with a gnarly week ahead; we need epic swell to get on the sticks deck and look for hollows and charge the tubes and ride the green room.
March 11, 2017
Dog
Tess – certainly a story of mans best friend; this friendly pet is the dearest to her owner, Marko Mudryk in Wisconsin. So much so that he’s selling off items to pay for insulin shot for her diabetic condition. Even selling his Triumph… a good friend of his set up a fundraising page to assist. GoFundMe
She looks such a lovely hound.
March 10, 2017
John Surtees
A Knight in anyone’s books – today saw the passing of one of Motorsport s greats. John Surtees CBE at the age of 83. Here in a lighter moment with the great Jim Clark. He won four GP championships on two Wheels and one Formula 1 championship on four for MV Augusta and Scuderia Ferrari respectively. Sir John posthumously? Absolutely!
March 9, 2017
Triton
Tank Art – some cafe youth look on whilst the steadiest hand puts the finishing touches to a mammoth tank for their Triumph Norton hybrid.
March 8, 2017
The Rights of Women
International Women’s Day
WHILE Europe’s eye is fix’d on mighty things,The fate of Empires and the fall of Kings;
While quacks of State must each produce his plan,
And even children lisp the Rights of Man;
Amid this mighty fuss just let me mention,
The Rights of Woman merit some attention.
First, in the Sexes’ intermix’d connection,
One sacred Right of Woman is, protection.—
The tender flower that lifts its head, elate,
Helpless, must fall before the blasts of Fate,
Sunk on the earth, defac’d its lovely form,
Unless your shelter ward th’ impending storm.
Our second Right—but needless here is caution,
To keep that right inviolate’s the fashion;
Each man of sense has it so full before him,
He’d die before he’d wrong it—’tis decorum.
There was, indeed, in far less polish’d days,
A time, when rough rude man had naughty ways,
Would swagger, swear, get drunk, kick up a riot,
Nay even thus invade a Lady’s quiet.
Now, thank our stars! those Gothic times are fled;
Now, well-bred men—and you are all well-bred—
Most justly think (and we are much the gainers)
Such conduct neither spirit, wit, nor manners.
For Right the third, our last, our best, our dearest,
That right to fluttering female hearts the nearest;
Which even the Rights of Kings, in low prostration,
Most humbly own—’tis dear, dear admiration!
In that blest sphere alone we live and move;
There taste that life of life—immortal love.
Smiles, glances, sighs, tears, fits, flirtations, airs;
‘Gainst such an host what flinty savage dares,
When awful Beauty joins with all her charms
Who is so rash as rise in rebel arms?
But truce with kings, and truce with constitutions,
With bloody armaments and revolutions;
Let Majesty your first attention summon,
Ah! ça ira! THE MAJESTY OF WOMAN!
Robert Burns 1759-1796
March 7, 2017
Interstellar
Hamilton – This is a timepiece : Khaki Automatic with black face, cream numerals, fully one to twelve hours, minute and second ticks with fives and a timeless (excuse the pun) font. Stainless body, black leather strap. Perfection. This is Murphy’s watch from the movie Interstellar, with time being a major part of the film, director Chris Nolan wanted the watch to play a pivotal role. This model is not available for retail… drat!
March 7, 2017
Ten past Ten
Quelle heure est il? The many faces of Triumph timepieces. One through teelve and zero to sixty; timers and calendars; velocity and minute bezels; leather strap or stainless bracelet. With smartphones watches are becoming defunct, but I’ve gone back to wearing one for ease of timekeeping. The Chronograph lives on!
March 6, 2017
The Cursed Earth
Back to Basics – we recently had the opportunity to see a performance by the undoubtable Billy Bragg. Oh he of proletariat song and socialist chant. Folk punk poet with a rock beat. This photo of him in the early 80’s has him wearing a 2000ad cover t-shirt. Prog 61 to be exact, and my favorite, illustrating Judge Dredd exploding out of the page on his Lawmaster.
