My ramshackle racer daydreams of its early existence as a clean factory model, such as this outstanding example. Complete in glossy finish any owner would be proud of. My Bonnie has a reborn character with oil under the fingernails and battle scars telling of an untold story describing a 70’s chopperization and unruly riding shenanigans. Like a dog from the shelter all I can offer is unconditional love when on rough running days or non-starting mornings…
Make three: we were joined in the Sunday ride by David and his stunning BMW R75\5. It was a gleaming Teutonic machine that stood out as the three of us louped along Highway 12 through Indiana into Michigan. The Triumph were like a couple of English terrier scamps to this smooth Powerful German Shepherd of a bike. The weather couldn’t have been better and the roads not too busy for this time of year.
“Don’t let anything poison your individuality. Break away & look in, not outward.” ~ Rodney Mullen.
Skateboarder genius Mullen roars down some SoCal lane giving up truck’ four wheels for two. Pillion is free to the wind like our lad Rod must feel when freestylin’ his tricks like the Ollie, flip-kick and other flat ground tricks that heralded a new wave of skating in the eighties.
The Moto is an early 70’s Triumph.
Sharp toothed, sleek, apex predator. Yup! That’s Panthera tigris the striped whiskered large cat that everybody loves but wouldn’t like to meet in a dim jungle setting. 1972 650 TR6R Triumph Tiger.
Shere Khan!
We’re only half way through a short week after Labor Day weekend but we need a fuel stop… BP is known the world over a the premiere petrochemical company… Just don’t mention the Gulf! Ford GT in Porsche livery anyone?
Hugh that is. Looking cool indeed on his Triumph Scrambler and sporting a McQueen tshirt.
Motor Cycle News has this image watermarked. It more than a game of football now; he’s sat upon what looks like the all new water cooled 1100cc Triumph Twin which is planned to be on the streets next year. Chunky tires, hefty forks, plump tank and forward stance… Been waiting for this one! Mines going to be in Mango Tango color.
Beckham is promoting Belstaff clothing and sharpens pencils on his hair cut.
Keeping the cat theme going: this time tiger power for workshop duties.
Sepia wash sketch. Gal on a Triumph, high pipes and unfurled silk scarf.
Purr-fect! Ink print of Bonneville with le Chat Noir perched on pillion. Good graphic shape work to define the machine as well as the slinky feline passenger.
We’re going to have something like this at some point in the near future. Battery powered Daytona: 0-60 in 2s, top speed of a ton and a half with run distance of 300 miles and a quick recharge of 15 mins. Soon enough…
Dr Oliver Sacks the world renowned neurologist passed away last weekend at the age of 82. I life exploring the inner workings of the mind and consciousness, identity and memory.
He was portrayed by Robin Williams in the film Awakenings, based on one of his many books about patient cases.
He was also a biker: here, a young faced rider grinning widely after a hare about on a classic Norton Dominator DeLuxe 600.
He was also a big swimmer, an early muscular physique show off his powerful arms and legs. Again a solid motorcycle his steed. At this time in the early sixties he also sampling in the hallucinogenic drugs of the time “pharmacological experimentation”; further expanding his mind.
As the imminent departure from the basement workshop of the Cub approaches I’ll need to start looking for something else to keep me ‘out of trouble’.
A Norton Commando was one of the first motorbikes I can remember. To me it embodies the free spirit of two-wheel’d travel. Black with gold pinstriping…
Do I dare make an offer? I’d better check with the missus…
Overcast Sunday morning but dry roads seen us head north just into Wisconsin again to sample the breakfast fare at Manny’s Snack Shack in Twin Lakes. The titular owner is a flash of eggs, rashers, links and potato at the big griddle whirling away at the greasy orders. Patrons cram into the few available tables having coffees topped up, gazing at the odd collection of wall decorations. Mainly fire or police t-shirts, fishing trophys, or Da Bears team paraphernalia.
A big three stack of blueberry pancakes even beat me!
A real gem of a place though, and truly worthy of being a weekend morning ride destination!
