By The title of this post refers to two things. Firstly, it’s about an aspiration. I want to be able to ride a trials motorcycle with precision. This means being able to tackle all sorts of complex, off-road obstacles from river beds to rocky outcrops and being ‘inch perfect’ in where
My Cannondale MX400: The Cool Box!
In case you haven’t read any of my previous posts about my Cannondale MX400 journey, here’s a quick catch up, and specifically about the engine. At a very early stage, I had decided to buy a completely new engine built by US Cannondale engine guru, Ken Deal of Black Widow
Bultaco on the Beach
Mention salt and racing and you’ll probably think of Bonneville Speed Week, USA. Now the newly recognised ‘Roaring 20s’ sees salt and racing on the Shores of the North Sea at Bridlington, East Yorkshire, U.K…..and when the tide is out obviously. The Race the Waves beach racing events by Backfire
My Cannondale MX400: Good news!
Following on from my last post, I have one or two positive things to declare in terms of progress. Firstly, I’ve received the last part on the shopping list that needed replacing from Dave Muller. On my bike, the original part that is the combined battery tray and inner mudguard
Carnaby: Industrial Estate, Racetrack, Special Airfield.
Here’s an exciting journey back in time, and about a very special place that has evolved massively in the last 79 years. Just to the the south of the Yorkshire coastal town and holiday resort of Bridlington in the U.K., there is a little village called Carnaby. The traffic on
My Cannondale MX400: Going-slow-to-go-fast!
I bought my (in)famous Cannondale MX400 just before ’you-know-what’ kicked off in early 2020 and the link to that ‘purchase post’ as at the bottom of this one. What I have found quite interesting about MX400 ownership is the reactions I get when I tell someone I have one, or
The ‘Interesting Moto Interview’ Series – No. 1: Guy Bolton
In recognition of the success of the ‘Interesting Interviews Series’ on my cycling site, this interview is the first of a new feature dedicated to some really interesting people in our motorcycle world. So, let me introduce you to the founder, editor and boss of the magazine, Greasy Kulture, Guy
‘Video killed the Radio Star’ and ‘Digital killed the Paper Magazine Star’
In late 1979, a band called The Buggles released a track called Video killed the Radio Star. It was inspired and written as 20th Century inventions and technology were speed-changing the face of all media norms. It hasn’t stopped ever since. In fact, I would argue that the paradigm shift
Shout, shout, let it all out!
I fasten my helmet I am the only one inside Nobody else is in here Ignition on, the fuel pump whines Stab the red starter button Electrical current wakes the moving parts. Liquids circulate The cacophony and vibration commences together There is a violence and a softness to the audio
Planning ahead and making choices
I’m a bit of a planner and a bit of a do-it-now hybrid type of person, and the former planner in me has nailed a few milestone events to the calendar already. Incidentally, my calendar requires a mention here because it has been produced locally and in aid of charity.
How to knit something a bit ‘Yamaha Special’
In around 1972, a man named Rollin ‘Molly’ Sanders in the USA came up with the famous Yamaha black and yellow strobe stripe design that we all now know as the Yamaha speed block design. Whilst the American Yamaha Factory riders and bikes of the 1970s were bedecked in bright
The Mick Grant Replica Helmet
Two things got me thinking about this post. The first was Valentino Rossi retiring recently and the images in his last race of all of his VR46 Academy riders wearing just a few of his replica helmet designs from of his previous 26 seasons. The second trigger for this post
Yes. I really have bought a Cannondale MX400. Surprised?
Firstly, as an update from this first post, and after 3 years of MX400 ownership, things have moved on a bit, so don’t forget to click the Cannondale MX400 tab in the menu to enjoy my full journey to date when you’ve read this first one below👍 Back to 2020
It might get loud
Have you seen the film that bears the same title as this post? Yes? No? If not, you should. It has three of the most iconic guitar players ever; Jimmy Page, The Edge & Jack White, and it travels through their respective guitar times and lives. Whilst they’re all amazing
F@@k Me Pumps
The title to this post maybe familiar because it’s the title of a great Amy Winehouse track. It’s a song that walks through the possibilities of what happens when our shoes lead us down dark alleys and into shady dives. I’m taking a different approach to the title, one that
Scooters
I walk into the pub through the side door and am faced by a busy, but not packed bar room. This pub doesn’t have side rooms called things like ‘The Snug bar’ or ‘The Pool Room’, it is just one big room with a horseshoe shaped bar giving easy access
Heaven & Hell. My local bike shop.
This story starts and ends with the dirt on the ground. This dirt is special. It captures everything that goes on in this soulful place. Get on your knees and smell this dirt, because it smells of a blend of oil, aluminium, steel, iron, welding, fibreglass and maybe a hint
Introducing Bessie
Bessie was born in 1948, in Coventry, UK. She has a 2 litre petrol engine that can also run on TVO (Tractor Vapourising Oil), which is a mix of petrol and paraffin, and she is just one of the many innovations that her Father-designer, Harry Ferguson, came up with during
Tri-Duro; Not just another crap marketing term.
Starting Note: Definition of a trials bike: A specialized, lightweight motorcycle used in slow speed, observed (i.e. somebody is watching for your mistakes) off-road competitions, requiring great machine control, balance and judgement. It is most popular in the UK (nearly always wet and windy) and Spain (nearly always sunny and
Oliver’s Mount – A cure for insomnia. Really?
If you read my previous post about my connection with the Oliver’s Mount race circuit, you’ll know what a special place it is for me. If you haven’t read it, then I suggest you should. In the meantime, let me explain how the place helps me sleep. I do not