The Black Tibetans- Awesome Band and a Mate of mine.

Posted on March 2, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

02 Mar

Los Angeles, CA – Formed in 2011, the three-piece Rock N’ Roll machine consists of Dinst (vocals/guitar), Tammi Tibetan (bass), and Ryan KH (drums). The Black Tibetans fuse motorcycle-centric culture with old-school sound combining elements of classic Rock N’ Roll, blues and punk influences. The Black Tibetans have been on countless tours and have shared the stage with bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Eagles of Death Metal, Brody Dalle (The Distillers), Social Distortion, The Supersuckers and more.

The Black Tibetans have had the opportunity to make an impression on the fans of many. Through this, they have earned a fan base of their own that continues to grow. With three records and working with well-established musicians in the industry, The Black Tibetans are destined to make a name for themselves. Their most recent release, The Nashville Session produced by Dan Auerbach is out now and available for download on iTunes.

I have Known the Singer for many years and have to say that this is one of the best Raw, 60’s style Garage heavy Guitar groups I have heard in a long time and a well worth a look, their Music is their own style of old and New and if I had a hat on, I would tip it their way.

Try and get to see these Trio of mayhem and raunchy style music, their music is available on I-tunes and well worth some of that hard earned coinage that you lot acquire.

If you want entertainment at its very best, there is no other Band I would rather see right now than The Black Tibetans. ” dalai lama “.

All photos, images are the property of the Black Tibetans.

Check their website out at:

www.theblacktibetans.com/

itunes.apple.com/us/album/go-like-this/id1046116665

So-make sure you check out their Face book page and tour dates, as if they are in your town, U gotta check them out.

https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackTibetans/

Check out this great track by them.
Sheila

Back in 2011 they recorded this track and really put them on the map, turn the Volume up as you will dig this hard core in your face track named “Esmae”

Even earlier in 20120 here is their kicking track “Well it’s a Rock N Roll Party on a Saturday night.

I have known the lead singer for over 20 years and so stoked that he continues to do his thing, the love of music, Motorcycles and the Vintage clothing image that never goes out of style. 10 out of 10 to you all and keep thrashing out these Killer tracks!

Keep Rockin it mate.

Check their tour dates out on Facebook too as they will be heading to the UK soon.

https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackTibetans/

Triumphs should be a good option for 2016

Posted on December 9, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

09 Dec

Hey gang

Wednesday and as its hump day, I thought i would try and show some of the Trumpys that are going to be seen on the Tarmac in 2016..

I am happy to say that they have such a great set up now and needed it to be honest, as the suspension is just what the proverbial Doctor ordered.

Triumph’s updated 2016 lineup blends cutting-edge modern technology with the old world charm of its legendary motorcycles

Since its launch in 1959, there are few bikes that have influenced pop-culture and, more importantly, retro-style biking as much as Triumph’s Bonneville has. The current Bonnie, after its 2001 launch, had been left virtually untouched for fourteen years, a testimony to the British maker having hit the nail on the head in preserving this motorcycle icon’s heritage.

Come 2016 though, Triumph will bring in five new, thoroughly revamped Bonnevilles, all ready to roll out of the state-of-the-art Hinckley manufacturing plant we recently visited, some of which will hit Indian shores around the upcoming Auto Expo 2016. The new bikes are powered by a new range of substantially more potent engines, deploying either a 900cc or full-blown 1200cc capacity, in parallel-twin layouts, with liquid cooling and fuel-injection, and are expected to bring the Bonneville into the 21st century while keeping intact their timeless appeal.

Starting with the most affordable amongst the new crop of Bonnevilles, the Street Twin is expected to be the most popular offering from Triumph when it goes on sale here in India. One look at it and you know for a fact that the Street Twin can’t be anything other than a Bonneville. To be made available in four paint schemes, black, a matte black, red or silver, the Street Twin is easily distinguished by its black 10-spoke alloy rims, as well as the blacked out bits on the lower parts of the bike, including the handsomely detailed engine.

The Street Twin pumps out a throaty and a rather exciting exhaust not from its smoothly profiled, brush finished twin exhausts. Expected to be priced close to the current Bonneville, the Street Twin will come powered by a four-stroke, 900cc, parallel-twin powerplant, which churns out its peak torque of 8.16kgm at amazingly low engine speeds, making it very rideable in urban conditions, while also holding ample punch across its rev range.

The smooth-running engine comes mated to a six-speed transmission and Triumph claims that the new Street Twins offer a 36 percent bump-up in fuel-efficiency, this in tow despite the promise of more exhilarating performance. And if that wasn’t enough, the Street Twin won’t feel a budget Bonnie, Triumph walking the extra mile to load up this new motorcycle with goodies like ride-by-wire throttle management, a switchable traction control system, a slip assist clutch which feels relatively lighter, plus an ABS system to widen the braking safety net. The Street Twin comes with a single disc rotor in front. In terms of features, the Street Twin gives you a gear-indicator on the instruments bay, a USB socket and engine immobiliser to mention a few.

Next up, the Bonneville T 120 is a modern-day Bonneville on which attention to retro-style detailing has been placed above all else. The bike, riding on shiny wire-spoked wheels, looks exotic thanks to the chromed out engine cases and the bright and old-school peashooter exhausts. Its twin front disc brakes and the twin-pod instrument cluster make it simple to differentiate the T 120 from a Street Twin. Triumph has worked to improve the ergonomics on all the 2016 Bonnevilles, so expect riding comfort to have taken a step forward. But the real plus over the Street Twin here comes in the form of the big leap on the engine front; the T120 getting a torquey 1,200cc, parallel-twin powerplant that sounds gruff and grunty.

As on the Street Twin, the T 120 comes with a ride-by-wire throttle, and six-speed gearbox, supported by a slip-assisted clutch. In addition to switchable traction control and ABS brakes, there are also two riding modes, Road and Rain. The T 120 also offers the luxury of heated grips for comfortable riding on winter mornings, apart from a USB charging point. Cruise control is optional.

Expect the Bonnevilles to offer a comfortable, upright riding position, as against the the sportier Thruxton, up next.

Triumph has upped their game on the upgraded, and not to forget, the stunningly styled 2016 Thruxton and Thruxton R models, Both the bikes come generously equipped with really top drawer specifications and beautiful detailing, which can be seen in the finely crafted Monza-style fuel filler cap. And you simply can’t miss the bar end mirrors, a neat design touch on the Thruxton that few other bikes can carry off so well. Although held together by spokes, the 17-inch Thruxton wheel rims are alloy constructed, as is the swingarm. Extras on the upmarket Thruxton R include a colour matched seat cowl, buffed steering headstock and clear anodise swingarm. There’s that authentic café racer look you can’t miss, and besides the aggressive styling, Triumph has given the Thruxtons the added bite of a specially tuned 1,200cc, parallel-twin powerplant that delivers 11kgm of maximum torque, twisted out at a sportier 5,000rpm, and marking a massive 57 percent leap on the previous model.

The Thruxton R comes with all the bells and whistles, stainless steel exhausts without catalytic converters for added oomph, Ohlins fully adjustable suspension at rear and Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa Tyres. And a set of floating twin disc brakes in front, clamped on by Brembo callipers. Besides the new bikes, also on offer is a mile long list of accessories and custom parts to match all the 2016 Bonneville bikes.

As for the bikes themselves, there’s virtually nothing that stays the same between these new Bonnevilles, and the pre-2016 bikes, save for the aplomb with which they have carried forward their legacy.

Keywords: Triumph’s Bonneville, motorcylcle

Great Little Low key Movie

Posted on November 23, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

23 Nov

Happy Monday all

Just wanted to add a little independent movie that has a great feeling to it, a little dark, a little cold and yet a little funny, I dig movies like this, cool bikes, great places, real towns and real people, plus for me, any bird riding a motorcycle is thumbs up.

Of course, I will let you decide that, enjoy.

TOKYO GONE from Speedtractor on Vimeo.

Socal Norton Club‎ 36th Annual Hansen Dam Ride and Show SUNDAY!

Posted on October 29, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

29 Oct

Ok, this Sunday is coming around super fast and I shall be heading down to Hansen Dam for the Norton Owners Club 36th Meeting that is annually and boy what a treat this is.

Last year was my First attendance at the Hansen Dam ride and boy did I have fun there, a few hundred bikes turned up and the ride through the canyons was brilliant fun, no need to race but you could give it an ear full if you so required, but I sure did have fun on My Thruxton.

I will be going again with my crew from the Orange County 59 Club and take in the atmosphere of this well represented Norton club.

What time:

at 7:00am – 3:00pm

3 days from now · 85°F / 60°F Clear

Where:

Hansen Dam Recreation Park

11770 Foothill Blvd, Sylmar, California 91342

Schedule of events:

8-9:45 Coffee, Donuts and Show Bike Info
9:45 Riders Meeting and Announcements
10:00 Ride leaves via Osbourne/Foothill/Little Tujunga
1:30-2 Return to Dam for ride pins and Best Bikes Show and lunch
2:30-3 Show Bike Awards in six catagories
Catagories are:
Best Norton
Best Triumph
Best BSA
Best British Custom
Best British Other
Best of Show
Bikes in show must participate in ride.
This is the best motorcycle show by a dam site.
Directions: 210 to Osborne St. exit #8 Foothill Blvd. west, left on Osborne St., left on Dronfield Ave., right then left to lower parking lot.

This is a great event and for all classic Motorcycles, if you want a fun day out on your two wheeled machine on Sunday, then this is the place to be at.

You will see a few faces you may know there, I saw Barry Weis there and he is such a fun guy to chat too.

Also you will see Many unique machines from Norton, to Greeves, it will all be there and a great hang out before the ride into the twisties.

If you see us, please come and say hello as this is one of the friendliest meets I have never been too, other than the VJMC as their events are super cool too.

So get ya arse down here if you can as it is a memorable ride and so many cool classic machines to look at.

I hope to see you, give us a wave if you are on the run as this sure is a fun day to ride your motorcycle.

If you would like to ride with us , then get up early as we shall be at Alea’s Cafe on the corner of Miraloma Ave and Miller at 7am remember you have to change your clocks on Sunday morning at 2am.

Alea Cafe

3371 E Miraloma Ave, Anaheim, CA

Distinguished Gentleman’s ride 2015

Posted on September 29, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

29 Sep

Well, what a super event, the day was begun by the 59 Club O.C. meeting up near my shop at 6 am so we could cruise down to Del Amo Motorsports in Long Beach- where we would be catered for breakfast etc and then ride to Pasadena town hall.

We met at Del Amo Motorsports on time, but they were asleep I think, poor turn out there but we were cheered up later.

Some of the lads leaving ealy to help mark in Pasadena.

But we decided it was time for us to make our move to Pasadena as that was still 30 miles away and although we rode through thick fog to get here, the Sun was starting to come through and we needed to make tracks.

We were all ready to make the trip to the City hall in Pasadena and the 59 Club made a great entrance for the DGR.

Below, time for a selfie as we pulled into Pasadena, didn’t see the little old lady but tons of Distinguished gentlemen that’s for sure.

The Sun was baking already so needed to get a few photos but couldn’t keep the Dapper Tweed on for too long as the temps were getting high.

Above- the 59 Club O.C. representing and all Dapper up for this great Charity Ride, such a fun bunch of mates I always enjoy their company.

Plenty of motorcycles here and more turning up, it was an amazing sight, there were tons of Triumphs at the event and was stoked to see that.

Everybody was friendly and wanted to take a photo of your machine, or just asked where you were from, loved this event.

Gerard, Zach and me do a selfie to remember this Hot September day.

The lads Mingled about as we got ready for Stage 2 of our ride, and that’s a long winding one to the Ace in LA.

The Lads all parked up as we get ready to embark on this nostalgic day and boy was it getting hot dressed in Tweed.

We all kept together and people knew who we were by our Club decals we displayed on the front of our jackets.

Mark, Zach, Perla and Ditrick chin wag about the festivities, Perla saves the day by taking our jackets so we could ride a little better in the heat.

We all had to stand by our bikes for some photos then the big chat on road safety and how we will ride in a mass formation.

City Hall was busy and a great area to have this meet up, a lot of organizing went into the worldwide event and it paid off.

Below: My Rig and love this Motorcycle, such a blast to ride and it enjoys the twisties for sure.

Motorcycles and people all over the place soon congregated for the big ride out to Los Angeles and over 600 machines there too.

Below, as we sit and cook as we get ready to fire our steeds up and take this winding route to the Ace Hotel in L.A.

So many cool Motorcycles and Crash helmets on display here, I enjoyed seeing all sorts of attire and machines in Pasadena.

Dapper was the order of the day but with the sun getting hottoer by the minute, you needed some H2o but hard to do on a ride, thats why we cooked.

I upholstered my Davida for the ride as this was for Cancer,wanted to ride for my Mum and my step dad who both passed away to the big C.

My Ton Up machine as it sits majestically in the Sun, awaiting for me to straddle the machine and get going to Los Angeles.

So many Triumphs at this event, it was such an eye catching view and when we all fired up, the roar was awesome.

Different styled and colored skid lids were a plenty and the turn out was pretty impressive.

All awaiting for the get go as we wait for a few photos to be taken and then the riding instructions from the police.

Triumphs old and New were here in abundance and was great to walk about a bit and take it all in to be honest.

There is a Ducati that’s more money than I will ever see but nice to see they made the trip to this event in Pasadena.

I almost wore my Brit Crash helmet but there seemed to be many of them here, so glad in a way I didn’t.

My mate Dave’s GT came up from San Diego area, he rides the Little GT everywhere.

Dapper Dudes chin waggin on what the day will bring upon us but, such a great atmosphere here in Pasadena.

Yes, even a side car made it for the ride of which would of been quite fun sat in the chair, but would need an umbrella in the sun.

Listening to the Police giving road safety instructions, before we make this epic ride into the LA area/

hard to hear at first until the Bull Horn was used and we were all ready for the off by now.

Plenty of people came out for this Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and I wasn’t expecting it to be this bloody hot though.

Marvelous turn out, atmosphere and camaraderie as we all are about to ride our Motorcycles.

A Mate of mine Tom Haigh gets ready to ride hos Trumpy along with us.

Getting on our machines to make this journey through the City streets in Pasadena, all the way to LA and this would be a Hot and Bumpy Ride.

Happy faces as we get the Green light to fire up our motorcycles and get moving out of this heat.

The Roar of all these engines was something you could only explain if you were here, 600 Motors all revving up.

So like a bunch of well dressed Bank managers we were finally ready for the off.

Now people are stoked to be able to click into first gear and work their way out of the city hall and into the Streets of Pasadena.

Blue skies as we head through Hollywood and people cheering, waving and taking photos of us as we speed past.

In Downtown LA now and boy was the Sun getting hotter, but with a Police escort we kept moving but it was touch and go with some of the riders.

The Ace Hotel parking lot soon filled up and we was ready for a cold drink after an hour of riding in the back streets of LA.

Plenty going on, food, music, drink, photos, video and just great people at this event.

Many different styles and brands of machines turned up, quite a few Honda’s flew the flag too. 1975 CB750 below.

I am having a chin wag with some geezer about the event and, thats how it went all afternoon, 59 Club member Mark Baker was with me.

Plenty to look at if you can stand the heat as this Summer seems to be going on for ever.

Triumphs, Ducatis. Harley, Honda, there were many machines here and it was a super turn out.

Triumphs sitting in the sun after a winding ride through the back streets of Los Angeles.

So many good Motorcycles were here, it was nice to walk around if you could find some shade .

Bow tie and mustache adorned this R67 Beamer.

From the roof top of the Ace, the skyline was great to see and this was the pinnacle of the day for me.

Bikes on the tarmac, taking in the U/V’s as we sat up on the Roof of the Ace Hotel, where the Bar is.

Great view of Los Angeles.

The front door that welcomes you to this old Hotel.

Bands played in this sweltering heat and a good job they did too,.

I just had a photos taken and in the back ground my mate mark Baker on his Trumpy gets ready for his shot.

Vendors and Music seemed to be the order of the day at the Ace.

Below is a photo I took with my phone as there was a bit of shade and I managed to find some stairs to get a better view.

People on the far side of the parking lot who got in first got the shady parts to sit, lucky buggers.

An eventful day that is for sure and hopefully next year it will be bigger but not so bloody hot.

And finally the Major Speaker Christopher Medak – photographer of the stars gets all Las Vegas in the Pool.

I managed to raise over $5500 for the research for a cure for Prostate Cancer, Our team combined raised just over $45,000 and combined all around the world, so far- we have all raised 2.2 Million Dollars, that’s a tremendous achievement and the charity is going on through October if you still like to donate.

Thanks to all my crew for the help and the the fundraising, you are all my hero’s- and thank you to everyone around the globe that got this total to what it is.

Until next year, ride safe and hope to see you at one of the rides that we attend as the 59 Club O.C.

http://www.gentlamens ride.com/rider/carpy

PHOTO Credits, to Ron Nicholson of Santa Clarita Thanks Ron.

Here is the BEST Explanation of Mods and Rockers Back in the day!

Posted on August 28, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

28 Aug

This is probably the best explanation of that era in a nutshell to be honest, its an hour long and well worth the watch!

ACE CAFE CLOSED DOWN FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS

Posted on August 17, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

17 Aug

The Ace Café in London is under threat of closure if Brent police follow through on the threat to implement the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The act gives police new powers to close venues accused of anti-social behaviour without the need to go to court.

The issue stems from a minority of scooter, motorcycle and car owners performing stunts outside the Ace Café and on the surrounding roads.

Café owner Mark Wilsmore has put up posters around the venue explaining its fate is in the hands of those causing problems.

The poster states: “Ace Café London has received a written warning from police that continued anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the café will result in them closing it down, using new powers given to them by this act.

“Anti-social behaviour includes dangerous driving/riding, the performing of stunts on the public road (wheelies, stoppies, burnouts and drifting). The future of the café is in your hands.”

Wilsmore told MCN: “These new powers are a significant risk to the future of the Ace Café and other bike meets as any can be closed down by the police with no court appearance to argue a case.

“We work closely with some elements of the Metropolitan police but Brent police are the ones who have done this. We will continue to work on a solution.”

NOTICE:

Please be advised that the Ace is open and operating as normal.

Sunday afternoon of 16.8.15, early closure of the cafe was to assist police address dangerous activity and anti-social behaviour on the road.

Ace Cafe London can only apologise for the inconvenience caused by so few and take this opportunity to remind all of the

Anti-Social Behaviour

Crime and Policing Act 2014

Ace Cafe London has received a written warning from police that continued anti-social behaviour in the vicinity of the cafe will result in them closing it down, using new powers given to them by this Act.

Anti-social behaviour includes dangerous driving / riding, the performing of stunts on the public road (wheelies, stoppies, burnouts and drifting etc).

It also includes the drinking of alcohol outside of the boundaries of the cafe and car park (the Borough of Brent is a Controlled Drinking Zone).

We have been directed by the police that when Anti-social behaviour of this nature starts to occur, we should close the cafe earlier than advertised. For the foreseeable future Ace will do this. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to our customers.

All instances of anti-social behaviour in the area which come to our attention will be reported to the police.

The future of the cafe is in your hands.

Great little Video to watch today!

Posted on July 17, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

17 Jul

Well, Friday already, so i thought I would just add a great little promo Video today and let you take it all in, has a great 60’s feel to it and good to see the Rapiers are still playing back home.

So here it is.

Published on Jul 17, 2015

Recently, Widow Makers presented a sneak preview of what to expect from us to those who attended the famous ‘Ton Up Day’ event held at Jack’s Hill Cafe in Towcester, Northamptonshire. Widow Makers showed illustrations completed together with our merchandise and following a very successful day a number of new commissions have been requested.

Whilst attending the event, Stuart from Widow Makers and Creative Beast worked with Tom White at Black Rock Creative who filmed the finishing touches of a promotional video for Widow Makers showing the presentation of an illustration completed just days previously to Johnny ‘Chester’ Dowling – the culmination of days of planning, drawing, filming & tea-drinking – we hope that you agree that the illustration is a fitting tribute to what is a lovely machine and that the video captures the essence of a bygone era of motorcycling.

Widow Makers was so happy with the video that we couldn’t wait to show it to you all – we hope you love it as much as we do !

Widow Makers would like to thank the following: Jacks Hill Cafe- Towcester, Davida Helmets, Pure Triumph Motorcycles Wellingborough, Royal Enfield, Haywards Cambridge, The Rapiers, Fury Records
Vince Taylor, Creative Beast Ltd, Toxico Ltd, Guildhall Press, Black Rock Creative

and a very special thanks to

All my family, friends and customers who have supported me on the launch of this project, To all those who attended ‘Ton Up Day’ at Jacks Hill Cafe. Johnny ‘Chester’ Dowling and my wife and best friend, Lorna McDowell.

Soundtrack:
Vince Taylor – Jet Black Machine, The Rapiers – Out of this World, The Rapiers – Chopping and Changing, Supplied by Fury Records. A Film by Thomas White, Black Rock Creative

Widow Makers is owned by Creative Beast Ltd, a registered trademark.

My favorite Biker Movie from 1974

Posted on May 30, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

30 May

OK this is a tough one but now that Fury Road has come out , people are talking about Mad max, well mad max the original will always be the best and the Biker Gang were also in another movie that i wanted to share with you the same time as Mad Max.

But think Back to 1974- if you were indeed around back then, what did you listen too?

Roxy Music with Brian Ferry was banging out hits, Godzilla was a huge theater puller, the IRA were Bombing poor souls back home.

Richard Nixon resigns from US Presidential Office after the findings of the Watergate Scandal.

Lord Lucan Disappears

How Much things cost in 1974
Yearly Inflation Rate USA 11.3%
Yearly Inflation Rate UK 17.2%
Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 616
Average Cost of new house $34,900.00

A few More Examples
Cost of a gallon of Gas 55 cents
Average cost new car$3,750.00
Samsonite Case $62.00
Average Income per year $13,900.00
Average Monthly Rent $185.00

55 MPH Speed Limit imposed to preserve gas usage US wide.

The largest series of tornadoes in history, hits 13 U.S. states and one Canadian province.

By the time the last of 148 tornadoes

hit early the following morning, 315 died and over 5,000 were injured.

Work begins on the 800 mile long Alaska Oil pipeline

So, when this movie came out it was quite a stir for a Motorcycle movie and now 40 years later, the movie Below is still one of my favorites.

Stone is a 1974 Australian bikie film written and directed by Sandy Harbutt. It was a low budget movie, written by Sandy Harbutt and Michael Robinson.

Police officer Stone goes undercover with the Gravediggers outlaw motorcycle gang, to find out who is murdering their members, one by one.

The film stars Ken Shorter and features Rebecca Gilling, Bill Hunter and Helen Morse. The film’s soundtrack was composed by Billy Green and featured some members of his group Sanctuary. Motorcycles featured include the legendary Kawasaki Z1(900). Stone initially rides a Norton.

The promotional trailer Video on YouTube features narration by radio and media personality John Laws. The film was featured in the documentary, Not Quite Hollywood, in which Quentin Tarantino enthuses about his admiration for the film.

PLOT:

When several members of the GraveDiggers outlaw motorcycle club are murdered, Sydney detective Stone (Ken Shorter) is sent to investigate. Led by the Undertaker (Sandy Harbutt), a Vietnam war veteran, the GraveDiggers allow Stone to pose as a gang member. Leaving behind society girlfriend Amanda (Helen Morse), Stone begins to identify with the Undertaker and his comrades Hooks (Roger Ward), Toad (Hugh Keays-Byrne), Dr Death (Vincent Gil), Captain Midnight (Bindi Williams), Septic (Dewey Hungerford) and Vanessa (Rebecca Gilling), the Undertaker’s girlfriend. Amid violent confrontations with the Black Hawks, a rival gang the GraveDiggers hold responsible, Stone uncovers a political conspiracy behind the killings. When the truth is revealed, Stone must choose between his job and his loyalty to the GraveDiggers.

Now the start of the movie is one of the best that I have ever seen as the guy starts his bike in sequence and roars off down the road to his unknown demise, but a great movie for the bikes etc.

Below is the funeral and every year they now have a mad max and stone reunion, but this is such a classic bit of footage as you will never see so many cafe’s like this again.

I have ridden this road many times on my Honda 900 to work in Chatswood so as they ride through here I used to chuckle to myself at the same point.

Great shots of Australia too, I used to ride this road when I lived there back in 1997.

An unusual movie but the Grave diggers were a rowdy bunch, but there are a few of the bikers in the movie Mad Max.

What a great sight to see all these Cafe’s belting down the road at one time.

Now thats a funeral procession and what a send off.

Plenty of birds, booze and bikes with these Grave diggers.

More cool shots from the movie that i will always remember.

Now, back in the late 1970’s thats how our bikes were in the UK.

Below is one of the lobby cards for the movie.

If you get a chance, try and watch it, the music is terrible and the acting aint much better but worth a watch.

So I wanted to share this with you and see what you think, as this weekend you may want to try and watch it on you tube.

Here is the Trailer for the movie.

And the great Drag race around the houses, super fun for the era and nothing like this in 1974.

Here is the FULL movie

Have a Great weekend.

carpy

59 Club Ride to Mount Baldy.

Posted on May 23, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

23 May

Well, I got to the shop this morning and looked at the clouds, they seemed to be as Grey as our Economy, but, being a Motorcyclist and from the Mother country, I have grown up with this despondent looking weather and knew that what ever happens, we will ride today.

So, we met up at Aleas cafe as planned and even though everyone was texting us NOT to ride, we thought to hell with it, if its bad, we simply turn back, so we all gathered outside Aleas for our Morning ride to mt Baldy.

A nice little turn out, despite the weather and we were all eager to get going and see what Mother Nature could throw at us, but I was looking forward to it immensely.

So, with an eye on the weather, we all suited up and got ready to ride out to mt Baldy and with Gray clouds moving quite fast and our way, we wanted to just ride and see what happens.

Once we got through the 57 freeway and Bare leading, he got all discombobulated and we ended up going back on ourselves a few times, but we got to the 210 freeway and got off at Azusa and boy is it nice up there, with plenty of curvy bends and a 5000 feet elevation, this was sure to be an interesting ride.

Anthony on the left was a New rider on a Stock Thruxton, so I kept behind for the upward journey just to check he was ok, he rode fine and I told him not to think speed is key here.

After a few miles, the lads pulled over to let the slightly slower riders catch up, it was also good to have a chin wag and check out the environment as it sure was fresh out here as the temps were in the 40’s.

The weather had not changed and I could see low clouds in front of us so I was expecting some Fog at some stage but what ever we find will be a great experience for the lads.

Ok, we saddled up again as the clouds were coming in thick and fast and we had a long way to go, so it was now time to get together and just make our way up the mountain.

Well, My FOG light came in really handy today and was super stoked to be able to use it to its fullest capability and let people know we are on the road as it was thick fog!

We had 2 mishaps, Dietricks bike slipped away from him on the Median and also bare completly came off his bike and landed on the floor, but he shook it off and we picked him up.

What we call “Pea Soup” back home and this was as far as we could go to be honest as visibility got down to about 3 feet and at 5000 feet up and wet, not a good thing.

Plenty of fire trucks and Paramedics were over shooting where we were parked and we redirected them to where all the other Emergency vehicles were heading, just hope they were all on the same call.

Matt, James and Anthony survey the area and for Anthony and Matt this was a first experience of what I would call ” European weather” But great experience for them.

So, we decided to go back down the mountain and ride another way back, as it was pretty wet up here and the roads were getting a little slippery and of course zero visibility.

We redirected the Ambulance as they missed the turning but after even 10 seconds after the paramedics left us, you could not even make out the flashing lights in the fog!

Only 20 feet away and losing sight of the Ambulance, so that was a prefect indicator for us to jump on our machines and head down the mountain, to drier area.

Mike and I wait as the rest of the lads get ready to jump back on their machines and we head down to warmer climates but it was so quiet up there it was eerie!

Plenty of great scenery to look at as you ride down the mountain and I really enjoyed my self today, nothing like getting on your motorcycle and clearing your head.

We all pulled over by Azusa canyon and waited for everybody to catch up, before we heading onto another part of Mt baldy as there is plenty to ride and the weather was better here.

A great shot at just some of the bikes that were part of our entourage today and want to thank them all for coming out and taking a chance on the weather today.

We pulled off at the top of another great area and it was such a really cool view, Plenty of places to ride up here but the Fog was up on the next ridge, so we rode another way.

Miles and miles of Canyons and nice to see it is still green up here, it feels good to be out in the California countryside and these sights are everywhere here for all to see.

Road does narrow in places and, as the sign says, it so narrow that there is no divider line so be careful when you are up here as people are hauling arse some days.

So, the road ahead is the one that we voted on taking as that brings us to the bottom of the mountain but plenty of curves and switch backs, many almost caught me out!

You can see one of the roads that people travel on, and I really did enjoy what these roads threw at us, but you must also be awre of rocks and Dirt that fall onto the road too.

Time to get back on the machines and travel down the hill and get some grub at the end of the run, well deserved thats for sure.

James Matz cool Yellow Trumpy enjoyed the Twisties today and I think everybody became a little more road wise after the ride and thats always a good thing.

Anthony did extremely well today as a Newbie and I am so glad he chose to come out with the 59 club and get involved with motorcycling that we do here in the O.C.

What an awesome sight as we pulled over to take in the View, and the dam is clearly visible atop this ridge and a good stop to be able to take a photo to show you lot.

So, next time you go out for a ride and you are in So-Cal, try out Mt baldy as it has many roads and curves that you will enjoy as much as we did, what a blast lads, Thanks.

look us up at www.meetup.com for many more rides that the 59 Club O.C. will be doing, be great to have you aboard.

Below is some photos that I had on my other camera and took briefly and wanted to share, I love riding with everyone and making new acquaintances and sure look forward to meeting some of you who are reading this Blog.

This where we finished up after the ride and boy was a brilliant time, I actually enjoyed the cold and the Fog, as it reminds me of home and how lucky we are here in Southern California when we have Tee Shirt weather most of the year round.

A fun bunch to hang out with and we clocked up over 100 miles today so a big hats off to you all for daring to come out when everyone else said dont do it, we conquered!

The roads were pretty good today, a few higher up had surface moisture on it and of course, the road up in the clouds were wet, but halfway down was great fun and I loved it.

It was a brilliant time as far as I was concerned with plenty of Triumphs sprinkled in for good measure, sure looking forward to some more rides, so keep checking the site.

This was the very end of the ride but to get to this point, you had to negotiate some cool twisties and switch backs and I loved every minute of this ride on my Thruxton.

I just took photos here and there to try and show what was at the ride and who was there, as many of you email me to say you look at the blog with interest, so here you are.

BS Corner, where we swap stories on how bad ass it was to the ” oh my Arse was in my mouth” part of the ride, that was my part I think and it was true !

I am sure looking forward to future rides with you all and hopefully many more people that want to become part of the 59 club as it is all about having fun and getting on the road.

My Wing Man Big D- he loved the ride on his 904 cc Thruxton and the camaraderie is second to none, which makes this all the more to having many events and rides.

The Highlight and headlight of the day as we reach a small plateau and stop for a photo or two as this was the last part of the ride before we headed home for the weekend.

Bare- the man- the Myth and the legend, this guy has fallen off more times than a derby Jockey with vertigo, but- he gets back up and on his machine with not a care!

We try and stop at a few points, either for a photo opportunity, or to take in the great views California offers, and even just to take a breather as some of the bends certainly a wake up call.

Thats my Green Thruxton and she performed brilliantly as we took corners that were unbeknownst to me and handled it with ease, so glad I have a steering dampener though.

Seems Mike and me are always in the dirt, but doesn’t bother us a bit, a quick scrub on the road cleans them off and we are back into it like a kitten with a ball of wool!

Time for a good chinwag and laugh about the near miss we had with a push bike or just the way a corner came out of nowhere as that was heard many times today!

Ha Ha, it looks like Dietrick and James are ready to go at it in hand to hand combat, but I think it was bloody cold up there and James was warming his mitts up quickly!

The other side of that hill was a bloody massive drop, I would hate to be the fella on the wrong side of that at 100 MPH and I am sure people at some point here have done just that!

Mike surveys Big Z’s mad machine, this bike had more tricks than a Magicians hand book and the rear tire was fatter than a Sumo wrestler and sounded so crisp!

Big Z explains the size of Burrito he is going to Demolish when he gets home after this ride in the mountain, I think he will accomplish it too, big lad and great fun !

The 3 Amigo’s discuss the days events, Anthony on the left is a Newbie but a great day to learn how to take corners and bends and deal with different weather conditions too.

Matt the Trojan, this USC lad loves to ride his Bonneville all over the place and enjoyed his day out and will be looking forward to the next one thats just days away!

If you did not shut off coming up this way, its a long drop the other-side, so many places to ride up here but- don’t let the roads fool you into making you go faster.

Thanks to James, Dietrick, Zach, Mike, Matt, Bare, Tom and Anthony for coming out with me. It made my day and always fun to hang with everyone.

Lord Lucan Disappears

Login