Dakota at Fontana for NHRA JEGS 1/4 Mile Drags

Posted on May 31, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

31 May

NHRA Jegs Pacific Sportsman Nationals today in Fontana

Now – Well, they say sometimes its more Luck than judgment in many sports _ but not with Drag racing, its a tiny bit of luck but all skill and judgment 100% of the time.

Dakota Kai came out to Fontana for the Jegs nationals and with his last years bike he got some quick times, only to have the Motor fail on him in the Burn out box, so, the Brand New bike from Kawasaki USA was bought out and he ran the weekend, proving better with each run but still new to the machine, this will take a little while to dial in.

Tight motors usually need a run in period but Kota had no real test time as the bike was still being put back together, but it performed very well and on Sunday when we got there, Dakota and the Bronze star racing group had gotten through the first round, and no qualifying runs, this bike had better perform.

The bike is pretty much there but on hindsight I should think a few practice days will loosen the motor up so the power is there all the way through the range of gears as it will be relatively tight from being brand spanking new.

Above- Crew Chief and ” Grandad ” Bob Pine talk tech whilst gearing up to make the next run, this is a racing family and so nice to see the camaraderie with everybody here.

Aaron Pine is Dakota’s dad and here they are talking Parameters and humidity, these are all aspects of drag racing that go unseen to Joe public, so many variables to take into consideration.

There were so many Dragster and rails etc. That it took a while for the Motorcycle class to be called but Dakota was all set and off they went with his pal ” Dillon” on the Pit bike.

Below more Motorcycles line up for their runs and this sure a great vantage point to see the action in the grand stand at Fontana, the noise is bloody awesome to be honest I love it!

Dakota’s School buddy also races and Gage Herrara managed to secure his win on a close race as the Sun was starting to come out and heat the track up on Sunday Afternoon.

Dakota gets up on the line and takes on the Left lane with his New Green and Black livery the Kawasaki looks very cool as he awaits the right side track to get the go ahead and stage.

Now it is on, and as they get their machines ready, Dakotas’ Mum ‘ Jennifer Sun ‘ and I stand by the track to see how he gets on in the second round, this is a tight race but a good one.

Dakota does nothing but 100% and you cannot ask for more- so good job mate.

Not to be this time for Dakota, but last meet Kota won the final so sometimes you just cant win them all but this bike is brand new, so watch for many more wins from the Bronze Star Racing group as Dakota Kai and Aaron pine get set to take on all comers in the NHRA events and their schedule is a busy one.

I sure hope you can make it out to some of these races as they are family friendly and may even encourage you to race your machine as there is no feeling like this in the world as Drag Racing.

I always enjoy coming to all the races and seeing and hearing the Screams of the motors and the whole Ambience is just bitchin”.

I just want to thank Dakota and Aarons Sponsors for making all this happen:

Kawasaki USA Lucas oil Racing, MavTv, MTC, Shinko Tires, Penske Racing Shocks, Muzzy Performance, Proline Wraps Catalyst Racing Conponents. DME Racing.

Until the next time, look up the schedules for Fontana and Irwindale, as we would love to see you out here and support a fun event.

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

Lane Splitting in California .

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

Motorcycle lane-splitting — the rush-hour time saver for bikers that enrages many drivers — may be poised for formal legalization.

California would be the first state to sanction the traffic-evading tactic, already widespread on traffic-choked freeways of Los Angeles.

The state Assembly is expected to approve the legislation as soon as Thursday, and supporters believe it will clear the Senate as well.

The measure would allow motorcycles to travel between cars at speeds up to 15 mph faster than the flow of traffic, up to a speed of 50 mph.
Motorcycle sales up, motorcycle fatalities high
Motorcycle sales up, motorcycle fatalities high

The bill’s legislative backers cite studies showing the practice is safer than trapping bikers behind cars, which leaves them vulnerable to more serious rear-end collisions. But their proposal has riled both detractors and supporters.

“Lane-splitting is inherently dangerous,” said Thomas Freeman, a passionate opponent of the practice who said his opposition movement, hosted online at stoplanesplitting.com, has more than 1,000 members.

While some motorcyclists applauded the action, the American Motorcyclist Assn. called for even less restrictive rules.

“We don’t like this bill,” said Nicolas Haris, the association’s western states representative. “It goes a long way in the right direction, but it falls short.”
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Lane-splitting — a common practice in European nations — has been a fuzzy topic in California. The state has never expressly forbidden or allowed it.

Technically neither legal nor illegal, the practice has had the tacit approval of the California Highway Patrol and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Motorcycle industry veteran Bruce Steever — who commutes on the 405 Freeway and invariably lane-splits during rush hour — applauded the proposed legislation, restrictions and all.

“Those numbers make me happy,” he said of the speed limits. “There needs to be a codified law.”
On two wheels, it’s all open road
On two wheels, it’s all open road

The AMA’s Haris, despite his organization’s complaints with the bill’s specific language and speed limits, said he hoped a new California law would inspire legislators in other states to adopt similar laws.

Legislative bodies in Washington, Oregon, Texas, Nevada and Tennessee have already considered, proposed or voted on lane-splitting laws. To date, none of the proposed legislation has passed.

The California bill, which has broad support, is being spearheaded by Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward). He coauthored the measure with Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale), a former California Highway Patrol officer, and Kansen Chu (D-San Jose), who became interested in the topic after a staffer’s nephew was killed while lane-splitting at high speed.

The speed limits were determined with the help of the CHP and a safety study by UC Berkeley professor Tom Rice.
cComments

@WhatareyoudoingDave? My fastest speed is 72 mph and I get annoyed by drivers speed to my rear end and flash lights for me to get out of the way. I know this is a tangent but I am interested in drivers thoughts.
MICHAEL REACH
at 10:41 AM May 28, 2015

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That study, scheduled for public release soon, investigated 6,000 California motorcycle accidents — 1,000 of them involving lane-splitting — and concluded that legalizing the practice was safer than outlawing it, Quirk said.

“The study found that lane-splitting was safer, compared to being stopped in the traffic,” Quirk said. “Oftentimes motorcyclists would get rear-ended. Motorists just don’t see them.”

The bill appears to have momentum. It passed the Assembly Transportation Committee with a vote of 13 to 1 and the Assembly Appropriations Committee by 16 to 1. It now faces a vote in the 80-member Assembly.

If it passes there, it would face a similar review and vote in the Senate.

Until recently, both the Highway Patrol and the DMV published guidelines for safe lane-splitting. But they removed the guidelines from their publications last year after opponents complained that the agencies appeared to endorse a practice that critics argued was not legal.

“The ambiguity gave riders the idea that they had a free ticket,” Lackey said. “These parameters will alert all motorists to the safe practice of lane-splitting.”

It has also been a hot-button topic. Motorcyclists view it as a special California legal loophole. But some drivers view it as a dangerous or unfair way to get ahead in traffic.

“Motorcyclists know it’s not safe. They just want to get from point A to point B faster than the cars,” Freeman contended. “We have drivers who are talking on their cellphones, who are texting, who are daydreaming. And this other distraction makes it a virtual circus.”

Former Los Angeles City Council member Dennis Zine had 33 years’ experience in the Los Angeles Police Department, 18 of them as a motorcycle officer. He said he himself splits lanes, at safe speeds, but thinks the principal issue with the proposed new law is ticketing a motorcyclist who is breaking it.

“Unless the pursuing officer is on a motorcycle, the officer in a patrol car cannot possibly apprehend the vehicle that is splitting lanes,” Zine said. “The bottom line is there is no law if there’s no law enforcement.”

Lane Splitting is Legal in California

Lane Splitting / Lane Sharing - Legal in California - Road Sign

Lane splitting by motorcycles is not illegal in California when done in a safe and prudent manner.
Motorists should not take it upon themselves to discourage motorcyclists from lane splitting.
Intentionally blocking or impeding a motorcyclist in a way that could cause harm to the rider is illegal (CVC 22400).
Opening a vehicle door to impede a motorcycle is illegal (CVC 22517).
Never drive while distracted.
You can help keep motorcyclists and all road users safe by:
1. Checking mirrors and blind spots, especially before changing lanes or turning
2. Signaling your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
3. Allowing more following distance, three or four seconds, when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

In simple terms – pay attention while you’re driving, don’t be a jerk and keep an eye out for motorcyclists and other vehicles. Oh, and please stop texting while driving before you kill someone.

Check out our lane splitting resources & links page and the latest lane splitting news.

Want to support our efforts? Buy some ‘Share the Lane’ stickers!

To My MUM, You will always be in my heart!

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

28 May

Well, today is a sad day for me as May the 28th Our Mum will be cremated and her ashes scattered in a tranquil and very green part of the South west of England, where she will be with her Husband (Dave) once again. it is a tough time today as I am so far from Mums place, but I was there by her bedside so she could see her two lads were there for her.

You think your MUM is invincible as she has worked hard all her life, working 2 jobs and then volunteering too, she was a very kind and loving person and now she is resting in a far better place and I know that she is looking down on us and she will be smiling.

This is for you MUM.

If Roses Grow in Heaven Lord

Please pick a bunch for me.

Place them in my Mothers Arms

and tell her they’re from me.

Tell her I love and miss her and

when she turns to smile,

Place a kiss upon her cheek and

hold her for a while.

Because remembering her is easy,

I do it everyday,

But there’s an ache within my heart that will never go away.

I have never felt as crushed as this before, losing your MUM is something that I cannot explain, she bought you into this world and taught you the best she could, gave you all she could and hoped that you would find your own way in life but always have her in your mind.

Today I work at half speed and will be taking some time to stop, reflect and shed a tear or two to say a farewell to my MUM, I will never forget you and all you have done to make me the man I am today- please try and spend time with your mum as you don’t know what God has in future for them.

Mum was taken early but I am sure God has a plan for her upstairs and she is now no longer in Pain, Cancer is the Devil and does not care who it takes on.

I remember Mum said to me once, ” Parenting without a sense of humour, is like an accountant that is terrible at maths!”

But I have always tried to be funny and humorous as life with no smiles is a daunting one! And I think My brother Mick, and I will always be gregarious and animated in what we do and I thank Mum for that.

So today is a day for our MUM, gone but never ever forgotten.

Below is a Video of Rowcroft Hospice and this is the Place that Our Mum was cared for, I spent 10 days with my Brother Mick, sister in law Pauline and my Cousin Julie at mums bedside, I have never seen so much care and love at a place such as this, Mum was in the best place and with a view of the wooded area and green pastures it was absolutely breathtaking to see how this all comes together.

I never realized how much a charity run place exists entirely on donations, and the cost for mum to be there for palliative care was almost $1000 a day.
So what I want to do is build a Motorcycle in memory of our dear MUM and then Raffle off, with ALL proceeds- I will donate to Rowcroft Hospice to say thank you for all their hard work and care that is mind blowing.
Mum was in the best place to say goodbye and at 2:14 am on May 9th Mum Passed away pain free.

I cannot thank My Brother Mick and his great wife Pauline who is also a nurse, for all the love and care they gave Mum, thanks so much.

And to my Girlfriend Jennifer who I do not know what I would do without her as her love and support is second to none, I love you Jenn.

Thank you Rowcroft for your awesome care, you made us all feel like part of a big family and something that I shall never forget.

https://www.facebook.com/takingcarefurther/timeline

Antique Nationals 45th Meeting on June 28th FONTANA

Posted on May 27, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

27 May

At the end of June I am going to be riding with the 59 Club up to Fontana to watch all the great Vintage Hot rods and motorcycles take a run up on the Quarter mile and this show is one of the best of the year, especially for a spectator as you get close to everything. But here you can even enter your machine if it fits into their requirements.

This show has been going for years and i have not missed one, it is fun packed and always something new to see, a great time to also meet up with friends and chin wag about whats been going on etc.

I know you will like watching Hot Rods line up and race, as well as gassers and some Vintage Model A’s with 4 Bangers, it sure is a treat.

They may be slow by todays standards but great to watch and more hopped up than stock.

The sound of the Flatheads, the smell of Race gas and the Camaraderie is second to none in this type of event.

You never know what will be there ad for us to turn up in numbers will be a fun day for sure as there is plenty of places to park etc and is sure to be a brilliant day to watch the racing and to talk to like minded people.

It is not to be missed just for the Nostalgia alone and I am looking forward to walking around the pitts and checking everything out there.

Watching crazy built Altereds is amazing to see and hear as their Motors scream the 1/4 and smell the Nitro as they perge at the line.

Marky from the Shifter ran his Purple people Eater and that was super to watch it launch off the line.

I have known Marky 15 years and watched him create this when i was with them and at Anthony Castaneda’s shop back in the day and so great to watch this Altered Roar down the tarmac, spitting fume and fury all over the place, a fantastic show just for this ride alone.

He flew off the line a couple of years ago and had everyone a gasp, but last year he had a solid run and it sounded like Thunder.

Even watching fun old Whizzer style Push Bikes try for a 28 second pass is hilarious and I am sure you will agree?

So if you like to watch Vintage racing at its very best, head on out to Fontana for the Antique nationals on the 28Th of June or ride out with us from Anaheim, you will thank us later after you have seen all that goes on there.

You never know what you may see there, its different every event.

So – Don’t miss the 45th running of the Antique Nationals – the original nostalgia drag race.

The Antique Nationals is the original nostalgia drag race. Racing is open to any 1954 or earlier type vehicle (Ford Trucks OK thru 1956). Race cars must pass tech inspection which requires seat belts and helmets in all cars. Open cars running 13.99 or quicker must have an NHRA approved roll bar/arm restraints.

Auto Club Dragway
9300 Cherry Avenue
Fontana, CA 92335
Phone: 909-429-5060
Email: dragway@autoclubspeedway.com

You can meet up with us at Aleas’ cafe in Anaheim and ride with us to the event, be great to see and meet you, my contact is 714-598-8392 or email me at carpy@carpyscaferacers.com and you can check it out on www.meetup.com and look for.

Carpy’s Cafe Racer Meetups – 59 Club OC

We will be at Alea cafe in the Morning for the ride out, the 59 Club O.C. welcomes you all to ride with us.

Alea cafe is located at:

3371 E Miraloma Ave

Anaheim, California

(714) 993-5198

Some safety videos that now make me laugh.

Posted on May 26, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

26 May

As a kid I was a little bit of a tear away on anything with 2 wheels, yeah- I did all the safety courses but sometimes, life’s experience on the tarmac, is the only way to really learn, I remember these Safety Video’s on the telly and some Motorcycle events and still laugh at them today, I just wanted to let you into the things that I grew up with and hope that it brings a smile to your face today as we start another week.

This short piece of footage is the first couple of minutes of a film released as a B movie in British cinemas in 1977 and is taken from an original 1977 copy of the complete movie I have on Super 8mm cine film. The total length of the film is only about 15-20 minutes long and covers all aspects of the motorcycle scene in Britain at that time.

Another safety video

This is a Classic one from the 1960’s, enjoy:

This commercial below is one that I will always remember.

Another Classic commercial.

Thanks for watching and hope you enjoyed some of these.

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.

Triumph Slippery Sam looks great

Posted on May 21, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

21 May

“Slippery Sam” was one of three similar motorcycles initially built by Triumph built for the 1970 Isle of Man Production TT. The bike was created by the engine’s designer, Doug Hele, who joined with frame expert Rob North to produce the successful works Formula 750 race bikes. One of these was ridden by Malcolm Uphill, won the TT at 97.71 mph (157.25 km/h). Other riders included Mick Grant; and in 1971 Percy Tait and Ray Pickrell won the Bol d’Or 24-hour endurance race on a Triumph triple.^[4] The motorcycles were prepared for races by Les Williams and his team. (Williams went on to develop the Triumph Legend 964cc). Bert Hopwood urged BSA‘s managers to make a production version of the racing triple, producing 84 bhp (63 kW) at 8,250 rpm – but this suggestion was ignored, partly due to financial concerns.

Further racing development in the USA was carried out at the Duarte, California, facility under Racing Manager Dan Macias. USA BSA/Triumph dealers had access to factory race parts, but due to difficulties in obtaining race frames from the UK, Macias built his own jig and the frames were manufactured by Wenco. The main differences from the factory North frames were TIG welding instead of brazed, flat plate rear engine mounts instead of built-up formed sheet and 4130 Cro-Mo steel material. Dick Mann‘s win at the 1971 Daytona 200 was on a US specification bike.

Many have been Replicated over the years, Love this Trident below as it is just amazing.

But Below is Germanys New answer to it and boy have they done a Bang up job and would love one.

This machine is totally awesome from every angle, I would love to get my leg over this machine and throw it in the corners.

The Avon style fairing is reminiscent of my days in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

Talk about looking down the Barrels of a 12 gauge Shot Gun, these are as nice as a Original Purdy side by side.

Everything Rocks about this bike right down to the front forks and Brembo double Bacon Slicers!

Yes, it says it all right there on the Petrol tank for all to see and Bow too!

Nice styling of the race seat to cover the tail pipes and the stainless exhaust is tighter than a New Shoe!

I would love this in my shop right now!

Just pure class and lovely finishing, makes me envious but in a good way!

Would Love to hear this thing on a cold Morning! Love the PVM Rims!

Looking forward to adding some Video of this machine so you can all see and hear this awesome Café Racer .

One of these days I hope to change mine to this set up.

That Bird is so Lucky to be able to blap that through the twisties in Germany!

Mt Baldy Ride 59 Club O.C. Saturday May 23rd

Posted on May 20, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

20 May

Meetup at Alea’s. Breakfast… kickstands up at 10:00.

3371 E Miraloma Ave, Anaheim, CA

It will be time to take to the mountains this Saturday (23rd) as the 59 Club O.C. Section spend the day checking out this scenic and curvy Mountain area that Motorcycles were ideally suited for.

If you want to come out for a ride, then meet us up at Alea’s Cafe on Saturday Morning, we leave at 10am and Bare will be leading as he knows them roads quite well.

This will be a fun ride and with great people, I have never been on this route and am looking forward to it immensely.

So sling your leg over your steed and come and spend a few hours with us as we enjoy the So-Cal countryside.

We would love to see you for the ride as this will be a great day for it and your Motorcycle.

Bare suggested this Route:

The best route for Baldy ride; 57-210W-Off at Azusa turn left at exit street, right on Azusa. Handy Mobil station a block up on the left (one way street), Continue on Azusa to San Gabriel Canyon and continue to the Chrystal Lake turn off, about 22 miles. There is a little food place at Chrystal Lake mostly outside seating, not that I would recommend it. Save your appetite for Mt Baldy. We will then go back down San Gabriel (11 mi) to East Fork road and turn left. Take East Fork to Glendora Ridge road, this is a real switch back, about 4 mi, then continue down to a stop sign (5mi) and turn left. Go about 12 miles to Mt Baldy road stop sign and turn left. Go about 400 yds to a restaurant on the left. All distances are approximate! after lunch those who live east of Mountain Road in Claremont can go down Mt baldy road to the 210. Those who live west and go back across Glendora Ridge to Glendora Mountain which will take you down into Glendora. My choice. Get in all the twisties I can!

If you want to find out about how to join this Nostalgic and prestigious club, check out:

I love this Club and have a passion for all Nostalgic Motorcycles, be it old or new but have that certain style to it from the days of the café Racers of Britain in the late 1950’s.

Dakota Wins at Irwindale Drags!

Posted on May 19, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

19 May

inflightuav.com Dakota Sun from bordhead on Vimeo.

AMERICAN DRAG from David Harry Stewart on Vimeo.

Dakota had a great Drag Meet this Sunday at irwindale for the Summit Series , his Bronze Star racing ZRX14 took the win all day and came home with another trophy for the cabinet.

A really good day was had by all as we supported Dakota and enjoyed to some great races.

Below Dillon Gives “Aaron pine” Dakota’s pops some advice on how to get a good start!

Weather stayed pretty good with some low clouds in the afternoon and slightly cooler temperatures which made for good racing.

Below “Aaron Pine” is all set as he makes a timed run down the strip, this bike is a consistent machine with many wins and championship titles too!

Troy takes another shot of getting his Suzuki dialed in, unlucky fella usually but this Sunday he put down the Rubber and managed some good times.

Kota Kai is all set as he is about to wring the neck of his ZRX14 out and hit the mid 5’s at Irwindale.

Dakota and Troy Line up, the tree goes and Kota flies off like a Bat out of the Proverbial hell and taking the light.

Flying French Man ” Le Top” Sits astride his Period Kawasaki as he gets to stretch his frog legs out, he is a fun and determined guy.

Le Top and Shorty go at it to set some good times and dial their machines in, weather was great but there were many Left lane clean ups.

Staging Lanes as Dakota and le Top have some friendly Banter in the staging lanes, Dillon is making sure air pressure is where it needs to be.

Shorty and Troy shoot the Breeze as they get ready to run on the 1/8th.

Below, Bob Pines -crew chief for both Dakota and Aaron makes sure all is well, as my buddies from the 59 Club, James Matz, Dietrick Flores and James O’Donnel enjoy this meet up.

Quite a few track clean ups all seemed to be on the Left lane too, this causes a few issues, like getting bloody hot on the staging lane whilst in full Leathers.

It can seem like a hours when you are waiting to get on the track but just part of the event sometimes.

Soon the clouds starting to come in a little bit for some cooler breezes which was much appreciated.

Le top the flying Froggy gets ready to do battle. ” Zis iz Fun”! He Replies!

Kota sporting one of my Nostalgic Tee shirts as they try and stay cool before the call to the strip.

This is always great to see when Dakota and his dad get to race each other, it goes to and fro sometimes and makes for entertainment.

Kota gets the right Lane and is hoping to get the old boy at the light.

Winner! As Kota schools his dad this time, but- there will be many more runs like this through the season and can go either way! Jennifer sticks her Thumb up to say good lad as her son gets one more win!

Aaron now out of the race this weekend sits and chin wags with the Wacky froggy of Le Top Racing, a fun guy for sure.

Troy gets another go at the track on his Suzuki. a little nervous but its great to watch.

Le Top gets ready to bung on his Skid lid, as Aaron politely tells him his tire is as much use as a french goalkeeper!

Le Top gets on the track and has a by- so an easy win for him but he now will get to the final.

Le Top gives it the Beans as he gets the Much needed by and gets into the finals easily.

Kota gets the Far lane as he takes on Troy and here they warm the tires up to get plenty of traction.

Dakota’s Grandad makes sure he is bang on the good part of the Track and gets set on the line.

Time to focus and get another win as Dakota is all set to hit the loud button and head for a 5.57 dial in.

Kota takes out troy and is now in the finals and against the Jolly Green Giant. Le top! As Aaron messes with his Dial in time on the ladder Bar!

All in good fun as both riders sit at the staging lanes, this is a great place to see all thats going on,

Time to get ready, as My girlfriend and Dakota’s Mum Jennifer Sun sits on the wall to give him some good luck with Taylor Kota’s girl to her right.

It is now Game Face time and the finals await for the Summit Series.

The countdown begins as they wait for the all clear to get on the tarmac and battle it out!

Troy looks down and wonders why his clutch hand didnt work as Dakota Schooled him.

So- Number 6 against number 7111 and it is a great day for it.

Kota looks up and see’s that they get he go ahead to suit and boot, now it is Game on!

Clouds helped the track to bring the temperature down and make the bikes breath a whole lot better.

Here we are then, time to warm the tires up and get ready for this great final USA V FRANCE!

Winner Winer Frogs legs Dinner, Kota takes the win on this epic day, well done mate.

On the center of the track as all Winners get a photo on the 1/8th here and what a Brilliant day it turned out to be.

Kota and the cup, he has more cups than a bra Factory and still only 20 years old!

Here are some super cool shots of Dakota that Adam LaVelle of Loose Nut Racing took at the track, great job Adam.

Great action shot here of Dakota racing full tilt against his dad “Aaron Pine” Always great to see these two race each other, last time his dad got him at the end, but not this race, Dakota ran the numbers and was on the Ball all day!

Another Superb Shot as Dakota Kai goes for the Win once more on his Bronze Star Racing group ZRX14 courtesy of Kawasaki USA!

Above Kota Kai with Grandad, grandma, and his dad as this Grease monkey Notches another win and gets the points he justly deserves in the Summit series.

Here we all are, we all support these guys and they do a super job, Drag racing is fun and still a family sport, come out and support when ever you can, its the best $5.00 you will ever spend and not many events you can get so close to the action as a spectator.

Above, Bronze Star Racing Group show their strength and you will see much more than this for certain as the series goes on.

It says it all LUCAS OIL who Sponsors Dakota and Aaron, have fantastic machines that get the job done, come out and watch for yourselves.

And Below, Dakota and Le top in the final as they are ready to hit the Throttle and get the win, kota get a great light and is bang on his numbers, Well done Dakota we are all so very proud of you mate.

Here is the Father Son Race and these always can go either way, this time Dakota takes the win.

Also here we have Le Top with a win against shorty running a 6:65 Dial in.

This time the next round I managed to just get with my Iphone was against troy and gotta smoked him!

Here we are with what I got on my Phone, Dakota and Le Top in the final, Kota gets the win and wins the Final, great job Buddy!
Le Top is a great guy but his frog legs just couldnt do it today!

A great day and well done to all that raced and thanks for everyone that came out to support this awesome Summit Series.

Lord Lucan Disappears

Lane Splitting is Legal in California

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