So as we “Jump in” to Tuesday with Adam Raga - As expected this XTrack model is sold out for the moment - ( I think it would be a great bike for the old guy, getting around the loop to take photos & videos- but which one? I already have two demos!!- my favorite Beta Evo 200 and a TRRS 125) - But getting back to the XTrack - let me know if you are interested because it will be Electric start for 2020) - Not that these bikes are a problem starting - but for an old guy ?
Not that we are going to be doing any jumping today, as a quick look through the window shows it to be white over - again !!
I saw this post on the Old guys page & thought it was very well put together - it describes how most of us feel about the passion of Motorcycling, no matter what age.
I have been riding motorcycles since I was 7 and I’m 58 now. I have been racing motocross, GPs, and Enduros for the past 28 years and I love it. I can honestly say that every second that I have spent on my bike be it riding or racing are by and far some of the best moments I have ever experienced, even when I was crashing my brains out, and ending up under the knife at the hospital. I think the biggest bounus I get from riding is the little secret that I have tucked away in my back pocket. The secret is the same one you have in your back pocket, that being, that no matter how blanked up things can get in your life from time to time, as long as you know that your going riding this coming weekend, all the B.S. that you might be dealing with at any one moment is all going to fade into the distant past when you swing your leg over your bike. After I ride or race, my whole world seems to come back into focus, and I’m better armed to deal with the day to day strugles that life brings my way. I’v mentioned to many people, riders and non riders that when I’m on my bike, it’s the only time that I experience a true “Purity of moment” There is no external distraction to deal with, I don’t have to “Multi-Task”. I can focus on one thing and one thing only, trying to catch the guy in front of me, getting up that rocky hill that beat me the last time I rode the trail, trying not to be late to my next check point, etc. When I know that I have a chance to race or ride, I start to get geeked three days before the ride, and stay geeked for three days after, replaying the events of that particular ride. When I mention “Purity of moment” to riders, they instantly light up, and know exactly of what I speak. When I mention it to non riders they aknowledge my comment with a look of woderment and envy that I want to share with them because I know thay have never experienced what I’m talking about. I’ll be honest, when I’m speaking to people my age, that I know may never get a chance to understand what I feel when we ride my bike it bums me out. I’ve asked many of these people to come and join me, but I usually get the pat response of, I’m to old, your crazy I would never jepordize my health or my families well being especially at my age, etc. etc. I never take offense to these comments, I just feel sorry for them because they will not get to use the little secret we all get to carry around in our back pockets. So to all my secret in your back pocket Old Guys Who Ride Motorcycles buddys out there in rider land, keep riding, keep having fun, and keep those little secrets tucked away tight in your back pockets.
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How about this pic of British MX rider John Banks - with the home made face guard, from the kitchen - What a great idea, but I doubt John ever collected any royalties on this design.
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Back in the day, especially after the Second World War - the backyard engineers were in their glory- while the factories were trying to get back to producing motorcycles - the demand was high, especially in the UK, where bikes were used both as everyday transport, then raced or Trialed at the weekend.
Looking back at what I consider “The Glory Years” - it’s incredible to think that the once mighty “British Motorcycle Industry” went down the drain.
Of course there have been books written on the demise of BSA, AJS, Ariel and Norton - all very interesting, but also very sad, when you consider that many of the most advanced engineering of that time, came out of the UK. ( Many left to seek a better future)
It is also true to say, that British riders ruled in those days , names like Geoff Duke, John Hartle, John Surtees and the immortal Bob McIntire– On the Scrambles field, it was Jeff Smith, Geoff Ward. Brian Stonebridge , Johny Draper -and a host of others - while on the Trials scene, we had the great Sammy Miller - hotly challenged by Gordon Farley and the Yorkshire Lampkin clan.
As everybody knows, in 1954 - The Japanese Honda Factory, entered a team of riders in the -TT 125cc race -in the Isle of Man - They won the Manufacturers Trophy - one American - three Japs.
-The Europeans including the Brits, stopped laughing at the oriental threat. It wasn’t long before the Japanese took over the Motorcycle market. - Why? - because they supplied a great product at the right price, - And they were reliable
However, mass production and Trials, does not work - So here is where the small European Factories fit in. -The Spanish, basically took over the British market, when Sammy Miller joined Bultaco in 1954. - Picking up on this passion the Spanish are now the number one Country in the World to manufacture Trials bikes. -
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Of course we must not forget the Italian Beta, which has been a family business since 1904 - but while others try to compete in a very small pond - it is perhaps interesting to look back, and evaluate where it all started, and indeed what the future will hold..
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Here is your video link for today >>
https://youtu.be/q33axetGwdg=======================================>
If there are two things that Heath likes - it’s Bling for the bike - and ice cream - Oh yes, and JD.
At least in this day & age, most riders carry a cell phone, but these don’t always work in the Mountains.
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