Hold the front page

Nearly forgot, The Rag and Bone Man is going to feature in some well respected journals. Not sure if I'm at liberty to be any more specific than that at the moment but will update as soon as possible with links.

“Bureaucracy is the death of all sound work” Albert Einstein

Here's Pauls wheels. so close to burning the tarmac. Idiotic legislation creating miniature hurdles. Why would having a name on the exhaust make a blind bit of difference to road worthiness?
Never mind it will soon be seen and heard by the general public to gaze upon with wonder and awe. Inspired, crazy monkey build.

Good breeding

Residing at the workshop is this very cute little Tomos that's being spruced up.

It's been spending the days and nights under the tarpaulin with my Honda. I'm hoping the offspring will grow up to.......... 

or maybe.......

Wednesday 17/08/11

Back to bike stuff at the Workshop of Wonders this week. A new coil was fitted and now both plugs are sparking. Well almost! Bolted the housings back on the frame, fitted the tank back, NOTHING! Not to worry, I'll try insulating the housings against the frame next week, pretty sure that will do the trick. Then fire her up. Looking forward to hearing a noise. Then off with the silencer for a louder noise.
Bought a chrome rear fender from a motorcycling Aladins cave. GB motorbikes in Cawston, Norfolk. I'll get a picture next time I go. A whole industrial unit filled floor to ceiling with used bike bits. One man and his wife. The inventory all in his head. Pre-computer thinking. Creative in is peculiar way and above all Human.
Haven't been able to get any good overall pictures of the bike at the moment. Its been raining a lot so working under cover. Some grinderman shots of Paul again. Cant resist the drama of it. Brackets and unsightly bolts gone. 
Among the treasures in the workshop Paul found a vintage bike lamp. Out came the sticky tape. That's the look for the rear sorted, or something very similar.
Hell, I'm going to go for a SINGLE seat. Nobody wants to ride pillion with me! I've got some very strange friends indeed.

Signs and Signifiers pt1

More about this at another time. This is just to remind me.

Pam's bike

Not been to the Workshop of Wonders to crack knuckles and twist bolts for a week or so.
So here is my friend Pam's bike. Can't capture the vivid lemon yellow of the powder coating in these photos. It started life as a God awful early '80's Raleigh factory job. It's one saving grace was the 531 tubing.
Still being tweaked, but a fantastic make over and great attention to detail by her mate Dave.
Not sure about the pannier rack, but needs must I suppose.

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever

Gravity's Rainbow

CHAPTER 1
Beyond the Zero
Nature does not know extinction; all it knows is transformation. Everything science has taught me, and continues to teach me, strengthens my belief in the continuity of our spiritual existence after death.
- Wernher von Braun

Into the light

This aeroplane became a constant companion during my walks in Scotland. Wherever I walked it choose me as its guide path. This was the last time I saw it. Not a great photograph but I included this brief note because it holds an intensely happy sentiment for me. It escaped into that great zero in the sky. 

Roamin' in the Gloamin'

Took a plane to Scotland.
Solitary days of walking, staring at water and mountains.
The water is so pure at the edge of the loch, beware, in time you'll hear the sirens song.

Came across some pill boxes washed and turned around by the tides, now facing into the land. I stayed until it had been covered. It nudged memories of a friend I had the good fortune to know, an artist who made the most of his life without compromise.

Promised myself, when I'm back in London, when the stars are in the right alignment, the wind is blowing southerly and the goose is fat, I shall overcome my nerves and act to win my fancy.
Enough of that self indulgence, here's some more. 
Fresh Scottish mussels in white wine, leek and garlic sauce.

Tony Bennett

Listened to a BBC radio 4 interview with Tony Bennett last night. It's his 85th birthday on the 3rd of August. I've always liked his voice but never realised what a charming human he is. Pacifist and equal rights campaigner, self-effacing and what a crooner.