Francois_Dumas Posted September 20, 2005 Share Posted September 20, 2005 They actually let me sit on a few of these... so I guess I can classify it as a ride tale ..... and anyway, I just know that many of you will like these pictures.... ... I'll post more in the 'Other discussions' or whatever the forum is called.... Past weekend I visited my good friend Didier... a Frenchman living in London, and a lifelong pilot. Usually we fly to Duxford and Goodwood this September weekend.... but alas.. Duxford changed the date of its event, and the Cessna was broken down (once more)..... so we had to drive down there. The event itself is getting bigger and more commercial every year..... and not much cosier for that matter, but is still worth visiting (and reporting on). The official press armbands I had helped of course.. alowing us to visit the paddock and such. One important thing I learned (and missed during previous visits) is that you should not 'just' get on an English motorbike. Why !? Because on many the gear shift lever is the BRAKE, whereas 'their' gear shifter is on the right. Yikes !!! Not much to tell..... I think these pictures largely speak for themselves.... (and as I explained in another thread, I don't have much time these days.. posting this stuff really feels like 'hiding from school' <grin>).... The amazing thing about Goodwood of course is that ALL these wonderful old machines are actually used..... and raced !!!! The only thing not 'historic' are the helmets..... The display 'outside', most of these were also used to tour around the circuit.... ummm.. track? See what I mean ?? These people were having a ball !!! And no, the guy in the background is not a terrorist. That's how we used to protect ourselves before full-faced helmets existed.. My first bike really looked an aweful lot like one of these..... 'Even' a Harley amongs all the British and German bikes.... Now THIS is OLD !!! And you think BMW has something new with their ESA on the 1200RT..... Hah !!! Always there... a group of 'old' London cops with their bikes and cars... The NEXT TWO are some of my favorite shots of the 500 I took this weekend !!! I'll post some more in the 'other' forum..... hope you liked them. Wish I could've gone on the RT, but the ferry is too expensive right now Cheers all !! Francois Link to comment
Steve1962 Posted September 20, 2005 Share Posted September 20, 2005 Francois, Fantastic photos as per usual ...... it's a shame you can't hear these machines [ by reading this post ] as well as see them ...... they must have sounded glorious . I was at the Goodwood Festival of speed a few years ago and fondly remember the noise [ and the smell ] of some of these great bikes . That Harley looked lovely ......... Steve Link to comment
soboy Posted September 20, 2005 Share Posted September 20, 2005 Fantastic photos and write-up! Goodwood seems to be one of those must-attend events. I'd like to get there some day. Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 20, 2005 Author Share Posted September 20, 2005 Thanks guys ! Yes, indeed the sound and the smell are sooooooo... ummm...... genuine !! Unfortunately a) young(er) people have no idea (no association) and b) I cannot submit that through the forum and my photos To me and my 'old' friends going there and seeing, feeling, smelling and hearing it brings back so many memories........ but then..... 'old' is the operational word eh? Link to comment
ESokoloff Posted September 21, 2005 Share Posted September 21, 2005 OK, someone help me out here. Are the shocks on the bike in the front & also the one in the background (just behind #79) adjustable via relocating the top mounting bolt on its mount? Thanks for the blast from your past Francois Link to comment
Boffin Posted September 21, 2005 Share Posted September 21, 2005 Yep, the Velocette Thruxton has adjustable rear shocks. By making the angle more or less acute, the leverage on the shock changes and the spring rate is effectively varied. Cya, Andy Link to comment
Marty Hill Posted September 21, 2005 Share Posted September 21, 2005 Hi Francois, Great pics as usual. Glad you were able to attend. Link to comment
bmweerman Posted September 21, 2005 Share Posted September 21, 2005 Thanks for the great post Francois...great great pix!! Link to comment
George Brown Posted September 21, 2005 Share Posted September 21, 2005 Fantastic Photos -- As Usual. Your posts are always a treat! Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 21, 2005 Author Share Posted September 21, 2005 Thanks for your kudos fellas ! (hear me ! <grin>). As a desert, here are a few I also took that weekend.... of interesting people !! http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=18944 Cheers, Francois Link to comment
Steve1962 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Francois, The Policeman wearing glasses bears a striking resemblance to a contractor I use at work - he is also a keen biker and has rebuilt a Vincent which now runs like new - he has the original log book , and sourced parts from all over the world , including South Africa and Australia . Steve Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 22, 2005 Author Share Posted September 22, 2005 Ask him if that's him, Steve. Many of these people are 'collectors' posing in clothes of the era.... !! Link to comment
Steve1962 Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Francois, I e- mailed the photo to him ............ his reply was ........ Very Funny. Well Spotted. It must have been my brother that my mother did'nt tell me about! Steve Link to comment
gcp Posted September 22, 2005 Share Posted September 22, 2005 Great photos (as always) Francois. I went last year and had a good time, found the Goodwood Festival of Speed a better event though as more variety of machinery present. Managed to get a thorough soaking this year though If you ever get the chance to ride/drive Goodwood I'd recommend it Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 22, 2005 Author Share Posted September 22, 2005 @Steve: LOL !!!! @gcp: as an old racing driver I would LOVE to... but I am not in the same league as the folks on Goodwood.. financially I mean Perhaps in 25 years I can sit there on my '04 RT outside the gates Link to comment
Steve1962 Posted September 23, 2005 Share Posted September 23, 2005 .perhaps in 25 years the engine will be just about run in !! Steve Link to comment
Francois_Dumas Posted September 23, 2005 Author Share Posted September 23, 2005 I AM working on it...... Link to comment
Steve1962 Posted September 23, 2005 Share Posted September 23, 2005 Francois, It's a tough job ......... but someone has to do it !! I hope things are going ok with the business plans . Steve Link to comment
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