Punxsutawney Phil – being the 2nd of February today isn’t just when the Wood Chuck eats us know if winter will stretch out for another six weeks but is now also known as a repetitive day. After Mr Bill Murray’s comedy movie from 1993, where a selfish TV reporter finds himself in a time loop on 2nd Feb and only through self learning of selflessness he escapes the cycle.
The photo is Bill on a Honda XL175 dirt bike as a camp counselor in the film Meatballs.
Back on the Chain Gang – as Chrissie Hynde sang back in ’82. I’m giving the Bonnie’s drive chain a good cleaning: degreasing, oiling, scrubbing, lubricating. Making sure the rollers and pins are supple to power the back wheel.
Life – Rebel without a Cause. Actor Robert Pattinson plays photographer Robert Stock who recorded James Dean in the mid-fifties. Leather clad Dean is played by Dane DeHaan.
Immaculate 50’s Triumph TR5 Trophy 500. The iconic actors original Trophy is in a restored condition and on display at the James Dean Gallery at Fairmount, Indiana.
Record Breakers – Last September 539 bikers broke the world record for the longest ever parade of Triumph motorcycles. Their entry fees went into a fund set up by a 29-year-old woman who has had a series of brain tumours since she was four.
Jessica Simpkin’s charity at the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre. has now raised more than £31,000 for further research into children’s brain tumours, their early diagnosis and new treatments. The event was organised by Staffordshire Triumph and closed a section of the A617 in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. Mostly newer Hinckley models were represented, however some older Meriden bikes were seen in the caravan too.
Jessica’s mother said: “There were lots of different people from all walks of life with problems themselves and they all came together that day, it was fantastic.”
Like some latter day Ted Simon of Jupiters Travels fame, Kane Avellano arrived back to South Shields last week – a day shy of his 24th birthday following an epic 32,000 miles global journey.
He set off last May and in the eight months since visited 35 countries over six continents
“I had the chance to discover what the world really has to offer, to meet many different people along the way and explore their cultures, religions and behaviours, while having an incredible time.”
As well as the experience of the circumnavigation he also took the journey as to raise awareness and sponsorship funds for the children’s charity UNICEF.
Swiss Watch – slushy roads in Central Europe for some laden travelled passing through neutral Switzerland. The Moto is ’64 registered Bonnie, a very early unit engine. With the Gallic and Helvetic license plates in the background this is probably Geneva.
Busse Woods, Cook Co. IL – 80’s photo of youthful Acid Kings front woman Lori S. at her teenage hangout. Summer days (daze?) inspiring her stoner metal sensibility.
Fast cars and a smile – Happy Birthday Paul. He would have been 92 today.
GO!!!!!! The Doctor taking his Moto GP Yamaha around a blistering corner at full tilt. With 7 Championship wins Valentino Rossi is up there with the best of ’em, if not actually on top of the pile. I’m 46 today that’s why I’m posting the Italians image…
Heartland – like some photojournalist capture from days past here sits a laden Triumph Thunderbird under a Central American sun as the owner takes respite in the shade of a roadside shack near Tamaulipas. The rider is Chicagoan Michael James, who, like some latter day Che Guevara & Alberto Granado went out to find the world; though this was in 1962 only 11 years after comrade Che’s epic travels. James went on to open the Heartland Cafe which still serves food about five blocks from us here.
“I’m working hard to keep the Triumph on the road through the flat, arid, brown, dry and desolate terrain. Its new, different, and I’m digging it, taking it all in.”
Thatched – perfect English scene of a pair of couples heading out for a jaunt along some country lanes in the Home Counties. Stopping off for a pint at The Bull Inn, the local pub at Arborfield in Berkshire where this photo was taken.
Ready Salted – glorious Triumph TRW sidevalve twin parked under what looks like the clear blue skies of Utah. The Bert Hopwood designed engine was put to practical use in the British forces during the very latter parts of and after WW2. None were sold publicly so all are ex-service. This well worn example appears to be utilized for speed work on The Flats.
Women’s March – today, January 21st, saw multiple gatherings, rallies and marches in cities across the country to protest against the new potus and his policies against women, minorities, LGBTQ, and liberal thought. Here are a some proud ladies and their Triumph motorcycles all enjoying their freedom of the road.
Weekend’s Here – well, we got through 20th January 2017 in one piece (-ish). All I need is a horizon, a stout moto to get there on, and my gal riding pillion with me…
Neon – 102 years ago today French inventor Georges Claude patented the gas discharge tube, more commonly known as a Neon Tube. Formed into pictographs and writing they herald a company’s identity or message.
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