January 16, 2022
What was old is now new
– An Indian motorcycle manufacturer is rereleasing a couple of BSA models with echoes of classic bikes from the past. Both 650 singles, one is based on the Gold Star; the other more dirt oriented. I’d take either!
January 15, 2022
Smoking’
– the spare bug-eyed profile of Triumphs streetfighter amidst a fug of spinning tire smoke.
January 14, 2022
Short Plaid
– a rocker girl wearing the leather jacket and Vivienne Westwood inspired Clan mini skirt
January 13, 2022
Meow
– BSA B25 off road with maintenance tabby. I can see some Pursigesque tale as a feline companion to a rebuild adventure.
January 12, 2022
Flying Squad
– the lineup on BritBox includes gritty seventies show starring John Thaw and Dennis Waterman as Regan and Carter; a pair of serious crime detectives. First episode screenshot of a pair of police motorcycles accompanying a prisoner transfer van. “You’re Nicked!”
January 9, 2022
If you see Sid, tell ‘im!
– another passing this week was Sidney Poitier. He flew the door wide open for minority actors. This lesser known film that he directed and starred in sees him as an american, Dr Matt Younger, who travels to Britain to take part in scrambler races. Whilst there he falls for a young woman who is an African Ambassadors daughter. Romance ensues. Sidney was 94. The bike is a BSA B50 MX which, incidentally, was the very last competition model from the Small Heath factory. Models were still rolling off the line during BSA’s demise.
January 8, 2022
– One of the “New Hollywood” directors from the seventies, Peter Bogdanovich, passed away this week aged 82. His first foray into movies was as an assistant director under Roger Corman in Wild Angels. A pivotal film that set the scene for what was to come. I’ve always got time to watch his first directorial debut triplet: The Picture Show; What’s up Doc? And Paper Moon. here he looks on as Corman discusses a scene with Peter Fonda.
January 6, 2022
Interrogation
– early seventies oil in frame Bonneville under the harsh illumination of a spotlight.
January 5, 2022
Caad
– temperatures are dropping in the usual January fashion. Here’s a Triumph Tiger being ridden with enthusiasm around a frozen lake. Tire studs a must.
January 4, 2022
Oil City Oler
– Olive Oler, the first woman to be seen riding her BSA motorcycle around Casper WY 1343 S. McKinley St., 1956 . A nice A7 Shooting Star
January 2, 2022
Brigitte Bardot looks down
– Antique bike; ceramics in tall display case; bronze cat; and Terry O’Neill photograph.
