Alcon's Harley Davidson

Alcon's Harley Davidson. Albuquerque Dealer.

Leo Anthony

Leo Anthony

Dirt Track Ballet

Nicky Hayden - 100 MPH and drifting

Bobby J's

Albuquerque Dealer

Weird Harold's - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Weird Harold's

Albuquerque Dealer

Speedway Park

Speedway Park - Albuquerque, New Mexico

Pacific Northwest Concours d’Elegance

My son Vaughn and I attended the Pacific Northwest Concours d’Elegance a couple of weeks ago. I took some photos but ultimately decided they were too crappy to post. Here's some nice coverage from Hemmings Motor News. This 1920 Delage was my favorite car.

Low Tech

I've recommended the Low Tech Blog probably dozens of times now but seriously. You need to check it out. Both the photography and quality of cars is outstanding.

Burgundy Mist Spark

My 10 year old and I spotted one of these Burgundy Mist Chevrolet Sparks while driving through the mall recently. Not entirely surprising given it was color GM used a lot in the 1950's. As I've mentioned before it was also a custom color called Burgundy Mist that you could order from Fender guitars in the 50's and 60's. Obviously that immediately makes it a cool color.

It's also the color Nate's grandparents opted to paint his Panhead (actually he has two that color!).

 It seems obvious to me Nate's only option st to trade in his brand new truck for a Spark...

Simonson Cycle - Albuqueruqe New Mexico

This is a photo taken in front of Simonson Cycle in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There's a bit more about Simonson here. Albuquerque Dealer.

Indian Motorcycle Sales - Albuquerque New Mexico

Albuquerque Dealer

Machine Norton Atlas

I was screwing around on the Internet and came across this Norton Atlas on Machine Shed. This bike was a pretty major influence when I decided to build my first bike several years ago. I still really like it. I love that it looks to have seen some real miles before it was parked to tackle other projects.

Evidently "Matt Machine" was asked to display the bike at Born Free 7 last year. As a result he decided to freshen it up.

To be totally honest I liked much of it a little better before the refresh but it's still super cool. The more I look the more I like it. That said the fur does nothing for me (reminds me too much of the half dozen roadkill opossums I pass every day on the way to work). I really like the bike both with and without the risers though. It's still a very cool bike. Take the time to look at some of his other bikes too.

Edsel

If memory serves this car belongs to the Route 66 Auto Museum in Santa Rosa, New Mexico.

Cannon Ball Baker & Co.

I don't recall where I originally saw this but I just love this photo. I think that's "Cannon Ball" Baker on the right.

Indian Aero

Before & After

1937 International Firetruck

While hanging out with my Dad recently I learned his first car was a 1937 International pickup. He's probably told me that before but for whatever reason I didn't remember it. I got curious exactly what one looked like and spotted this behemoth. I never cease to be amazed at the weird stuff people decide to build.  I'm betting the original builder had way more in it than the $28,600 price it brought at Barrett-Jackson.

1957 Johnson Motors

Portland Swap Meet

Summer time is swap meet season and Cycle Heap is hosting the last moto swap of the season! Saturday, Sept. 19th will be a collection of the northwest's best vendors. Tons of vintage Japanese, European and American parts can be found along with complete bikes for sale. Free BBQ for all and libations for those of age. Swap meet starts at 9AM and lasts 'til 5PM.

Vendor space and admission are free but be sure to send an email if you would like to set up to sell alongside those already confirmed.

Cycle Hub - Cliff Majhor

I've heard quite a few Cliff Majhor stories here and there but there have been a bunch more with his recent passing. While I have mentioned the huge caches of Cycle Hub parts a few times over the years I didn't realize Cliff himself was even still alive. If you aren't familiar with the Cliff Majhor - Cycle Hub story Cycle World ran a nice piece several years ago. Obviously I never met Cliff but Bill Brown recently shared a story on Facebook that has to be the most "Cliff" Cliff story I've ever heard. Given it's PNW ties I couldn't resist passing it along.

Not sure who may or may not of heard but Cliff Majhor, AKA "the Sandy Bandit", owner of Cycle Hub, a Triumph dealership in Portland, died last week. Depending on who you would talk to he was either 85 or 88 or somewhere in between. He was a cantankerous SOB that was entertaining and knowledgeable but his mood could flip on a dime. Lots of stories and legends about the man that bought out the inventory of BSA/Triumph Duarte and most of TriCor. My favorite was the story of the kid that wandered into his shop for the first time looking for a rare Lucas tailight lense. Cliff brings a box out with two used ones and wants $150 each for the $50 items. The kid balks and Cliff takes one out and throws it on the floor and smashes it with his foot. He tells the kid he only has one left now and it's $300.

 

I really can't relate to Cliff's mindset but I also have no idea what sort of burden owning all the parts known to man might be. RIP Cliff. My Dad spent a lot of years in the Portland area. I'll have to ask again if he remembers the shop at all.

Start 'Em Young

One of my favorite aspects of hanging around the Seattle Cossacks is the reaction kids have to them. Nearly everyone I know that is into motorcycles has some story about an event that made a huge impression on them as a kid. For some it may be a pack of 1%'ers passing the family station wagon or watching a Supercross race or Evel Knievel or even just that neighbor that took the time chat about their bike or give them a ride. Standing around Cossacks shows I see a number of kids that are initially afraid of motorcycles and by the end of the show they are mugging for Mom & Dad's camera on a Team bike. A significant number of adults you talk to at shows have stories about Cossacks performances introducing them to motorcycles as kids.

Kids are just amazing. I was lucky to have a handful of motorcycle mentors (including my Cossack brother) that took the time to help me along as a kid. I can never repay them so I do my absolute best to pay it forward, even if it's just taking the time to wave at a kid staring at me at a traffic light. I'm so glad I had motorcycles as a kid. One of the major reasons I still love them so much is to this day riding still makes me feel like a kid. If I ever commit to joining the team the mentoring aspect will be a huge motivator.

One Up On The Devil

Another take on the "Race of Gentlemen." Gotta make it there someday.