Under the Arches

 A run in the afternoon sunshine saw me pass this triumphal arch entrance to the Wemyss and March Estate in East Lothian.

 A study in Victorian excess, there’s even a gatehouse built into the substantial walls.

I wasn’t sure if I’d manage to get out this weekend due to the recent problems in getting fuel caused, mainly, by self-serving politicians trying for a sound-bite this week. Like lemmings, the brain-dead have been queuing up and draining petrol stations dry just ‘in case’ after our transport minister suggested that folk fill up whenever they could to pre-empt a strike by tanker drivers nationally. Something that now doesn't look like it will go ahead.

Dustbin

Quick Fix

Gespanne

Odd-mobile

(Via:)

If in Doubt...

poster by Josef Müller-Brockmann

Cyclone

The collective noun for a group of scorpions is a 'cyclone'

A trio of MZ Skorpion Sports on a campsite at Kirkmichael, Isle of Man over for the Southern 100 Racing.

Proto Star

BSA M23 500cc Empire Star (1937)

The BSA Empire Star

BSA M23 250cc Empire Star (1937)

The 250cc version I came across in the Vintage Iron Museum (sadly, now closed) in Niagara on holiday a few years ago. 


Nothing to do with the BSA 'Star' range, but I'd almost forgotten this track by Glasgow rockers Nazareth.

Vintage Advertising

Long & Winding Road

We’ve had an unusually pleasant spell of weather for the last couple of days. The sunshine does bring out the shiny bikes. In this case, a Honda Gold Wing which overtook me on a long straight stretch of road.
 

No Pasaran!

Colours of the XVth Brigade

I was interested to note that the International Brigades Memorial Trust (IBMT) had designed a traveling exhibit drawing on their archive held at the Marx MemorialLibrary, entitled ‘Antifascistas’.

The exhibit focuses on the experience of the British and Irish volunteers who went to fight in the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War. As it would be in Motherwell until the end of the month I decided to pop along and take a look. I mentioned it to Uncle Norman and Terry (MuZrider) and we all decided to go together.

Interesting building showing the tower which boasts 360 degree views from the top.

I arrived early and waited for the others to turn up. Heading into the Motherwell Heritage Centre where the exhibit was located the first thing that you notice is that the exhibit itself is quite small.

As already mentioned, it focuses on the contribution of the British and Irish volunteers and of necessity the information is presented in quite broad strokes. 

Since my knowledge of the conflict was quite limited I thought that it was pitched about right. It gives a broad overview of the war as a whole, as well as including details about some of the individuals involved to personalise the whole thing. I’ll need to do some more reading on the era which, I suppose, is the whole idea.

I really must read 'Homage to Catalonia' soon.
I bought it years ago and have never gotten around to it.

Congratulations for all involved in this travelling exhibit. If you’d like to take a look for yourself then you can check the IBMT website for further details as they become available.

All The Raj

Great shot of a riding holiday to India. See more at DriverChris blog

Derek Woodman in Action

MZ RE125: Derek Woodman

Waving

Whirling Around

The Wankel Rotary engine has fascinated numerous manufacturers over the years. MZ were amongst the first to produce a Wankel-engined motorcycle, anticipating the efforts of Norton, Suzuki, Yamaha, Hercules and Van Veen in the '70s.

Although it never entered production this Wankel prototype from 1965, the "KKM 350", was based on the ES250 ‘Trophy’ model, and had a single-rotor, air cooled engine producing 24 hp and 140 km/h.

Monkeying Around

Monkey Bike Sidecar Outfit

Half Empty or Half Full?

Full Stop

Strong Words

Totem Pole

Not exactly a statue or a roundabout, this week I came across a totem pole. In Scotland!

It can be found in Prestongrange, near  Prestonpans in East Lothian and I spotted it while out riding on Saturday.There's a plaque at the bottom which explains what it's all about.

Simple Landmarks 2012

Not to outdone by Mr. Bridge Club I decided to have a stab at completing my own Landmarks Challenge this morning.

I especially wanted to see how easy it would be to complete the Challenge without travelling too far from home, so all of these photos were taken within a 20 mile radius of my house and the whole thing took only about 3 hours from start to finish. 

#01 Castle: Dirleton Castle, East Lothian

 As you can see I decided to use my MZ Skorpion Trail for the job.

#02 Telephone Box: Cockenzie, East Lothian

#03 Mailbox: Joppa, East Lothian

#04 Flag Flying: Saltire Centre, Athelstaneford, East Lothian

#05 Animal: Trotting in the field behind my house, East Lothian

#06 Bridge: Roman Bridge, Musselburgh, East Lothian

#07 Body of Water: Firth of Forth, East Lothian

#08 Religious Building: Parish Kirk, Athelstaneford, East Lothian

#09 Barbershop: Bluto & Olive's, Portobello, East Lothian

#10 Scrapyard: Port of Leith, Edinburgh

#11 Railway Station: Drem (An Druim) Station, East Lothian

#12 Sports Stadium: Leith Athletic FC, Leith Links, Edinburgh

#13 Boat: Fisherrow Harbour, Musselburgh, East Lothian

#14 Grafitti: Seafield, Edinburgh

#15 Statue: Battle of Prestonpans Cairn, Prestonpans, East Lothian

#16 Rust: skip, Joppa, East Lothian

#18 Petrol Pump: abandoned site in Longniddry, East Lothian

#19 Roadsign: East Linton, East Lothian

#20 Memorial: William Henry Miller Memorial, Craigentinny, Edinburgh

Like Mr. Bridge Club I was also unable to get a photo of #17 Rain as the weather gods were unwilling to help me out. The day was dry, bright and a little chilly. As near perfect motorcycling weather as makes no difference.