Man's Greatest Invention

When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions for man's convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man's brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others. Progress should have stopped when man invented the bicycle. - Elizabeth West

Purpose and Mission


To share our experience and to encourage and inspire others to use a bicycle as a form of year round recreation and transportation. To be an example of living car-free and to help others to make the transition to having a car-light or car-free life style.

Our bodies is the engine that moves us.


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Cafe Racers

I've always loved the cafe racer style of motorcycles; British machinery from the 50's to 70's like the Triumph, Norton and BSA. They were faster and lighter than American motorcycles and they handled much better than Japanese bikes. 



 
BSA A 10


I look at the modern versions of those bikes and my heart soars.  Having owned many motorcycles in the past, I can imagine what it would be like to ride a modern version.

A Modern Retro Styled Triumph, the Thruxton.  A favourite of mine!



A completely modern take on the Cafe Racer Motorcycle:  the Street Triple.



A funny thing happens to me when I fantasize about these bikes.  I want to go fast.  I want to hammer on the engine and give it some "Welly"; hitting the gas and having that sudden burst of excelleration underneath you is awesome and highly addictive.  Feel like winding the machine up?  Let it go and see how fast you can get it going!  Use the power available to you at your will.


Of course, I'm talking about bicycles. You see, everytime I think about riding one of those fast motorcycles, my mind instantly turns to this...

Rocky Mountain Boroughs


All the sensations I felt about the MC are even better on a bicycle.  I am the engine.  Everything I said above was about riding a bicycle.  I find it way more gratifying to be supplying the power.  I'm not fast, but I sometimes like to go as fast as I can!



I have a philosophy that says "I'm either growing or dying".  I can't be doing both at the same time.  Everytime I go out and accellerate my bike so that my heart pounds and races, it feels like I've added a few moments of life to my life.  Everytime I push my ability and stretch myself,  I've added a few moments to my life.  Putting the engine to the test and making it work harder everytime feels like my body is truly alive!
 
Specialized Langster


Much more affordable and far more benefits than a motorcycle.


Single speed bikes tell no lies.  Without the mechanical advantage of a multi-geared drivetrain, the amount of speed you get out of a bicycle is directly related to your physical condition and your ability to provide the driving force.  It feels like a more direct connection to the machine.  Owning a single speed bike is really inexpensive and does not require much in the way of maintainence or parts.

My favourite motorcycle:  the Thruxton Special Edition










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6 comments:

  1. JosephOctober 29, 2010 at 3:23 PM

    I love this. Cafe Racers are my favorite motorcycles, too, and I too abandoned them for bicycles long ago. A Yamaha RD400 was my first motorbike. After 20 years off of them, during which time I took up cycling, I took an MSF course last year and bought a Harley Sportster. And promptly sold it. I'd rather pedal.

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  2. The Breathing RoomOctober 29, 2010 at 5:30 PM

    Nice!, I had a RD400 Daytona Special, I loved that bike. Fast little two stroke engine, my first real taste of speed.

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  3. JosephOctober 29, 2010 at 6:23 PM

    Ooh, you're killing me. I had a red '77. That Daytona Special was my dream bike. I'd still love to have one, even if I only rode it 50 miles a year.

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  4. The Breathing RoomOctober 29, 2010 at 9:50 PM

    It was white with the red stripe down the middle of the tank and tail piece, I installed a white 1/4 fairing. Man, that was a long time ago, I'd join you on that 50 mile ride.

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  5. ScottNovember 6, 2010 at 12:36 PM

    I have never ridden motorcycles, but I keep seeing this video pop up on the interwebs and I dig it.

    http://player.vimeo.com/video/13159991

    Oddly enough it keeps showing up on other bike blogs.

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  6. The Breathing RoomNovember 7, 2010 at 8:42 AM

    Awesome video Scott, thanks for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete

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