On the twelfth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
12 Daytonas revving
11 Trophys touring
10 Bobbers booming
9 Tridents swerving
8 Scramblers trailing
7 Thruxtons haring
6 Tigers adventuring
5 Speed Twins
4 America’s cruisin’
3 Rocket Threes
2 Tiger Cubs
and a Bonneville on the Road ahead
The better part of valour is, discretion. -Falstaff (Henry IV part 1) Today we celebrate the birthday of of of the greats of Shakespearean theatre as well as movies. Ralph Richardson 1902-1983 who, as well as adding unparalleled perfection to the parts he played was also a motorcycle enthusiast. He would be seen haring around London on the powerful bikes of the day. Here seen aboard BMW’s and a Norton.
Thought Police – a 1956 film adaptation of George Orwells dystopian novel published just eight years prior had the ThinkPol riding the then futuristic looking Vincent Black Knight.
True Words – “all vehicles are equal but some vehicles are more equal than others” Napoleon
Seaside Sunshine – in the midst of this wintry grapple we need some warm scene to remind us of summer delight. This BSA C15 250cc in splendid fire engine red looks quite the part standing proudly on a quayside. A yacht moored in an azure bay looks enticing but our swimsuit garbed gal seems happy enough on the Birmingham singles saddle.
“Halcyon” is a name for a bird in Greek legend generally associated with the kingfisher. There was an ancient belief that the bird nested on the sea, which it calmed in order to lay its eggs on a floating nest. Two weeks of calm weather were therefore expected around the winter solstice. This myth leads to the use of halcyon as a term for peace or calmness.
True Words – especially when pushing the bike too! But it’s handy to wear boots suitable for a little strolling at a break in the ride…
Ski Do! Some danged northern State inventive motorcycle mechanic has adapted this current model 800 Tiger into a mean snow bike. Hefty ski up front with stout damper and a sharp spiked rear tire for traction across the icy wastes of Wisconsin trails or frozen Minnesotan lakes.
Winter Projects – as the warm weather recedes into a distant memory now is the time to figure out the tasks to undertake on the bikes. Still some sorting of the Cub; cables, wiring, a timing cover seal, a little more carb fettling. The the Bonnie is getting a new front sprocket; two teeth up for a little more top speed, then fresh clutch plates for bite… some oil line work…. it never ends keeping these running!
Snow Days – the first white blankets of winter arrived over the weekend; perhaps I can use this ski tow as an exciting escape for seasonal fun! I’m sure the tires are spiked too!
Poster – strong graphical imagery for the Small Heath armory and motorcycle makers. From gun to enjun they were one of the big British exports during the days of the Empire. The pre unit twin cylinder motor is the centerpiece of this ‘colliery banner’.
BSA Bobber print – crisp ink impression of a lowrider Beeza by artist Blake Wiley. Thumbprint signature is a neat touch.
Legs Eleven – Isle of Man TT competitor W Hall’s 500cc Triumph gets its race number hand painted by some official ennumerator.
I read the news today oh boy – alas another day of infamy. December 8th 1980. John Lennon was shot dead and the world lost a force of creation. He was a complex chap, possibly hypocritical on his stance of world peace versus his personal life, but, either solo or with Paul, could write a damn good tune.
“December seventh, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. We will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Magic Arrows – Stark graphic with multicolored speedy arrows and definitive action of the (then) new Triumph triple superbike.
geordiebiker.com 