Wednesday 20 January 2010

TOYO's Last Stand

One last trip, to drop off my sick Guzzi at a friends lock-up, then down to Devon for a cash sale. It's been both joyously faithful and dangerously unfaithful. It's sad to see it go. Ever since seeing Easy Rider as a kid, and the opening scenes of their Mexican deal, I've always wanted a pick-up with a motorcycle in the back. Now I'm looking forward to the perverse fun trying to squeezing a flat tracker into a Citroën Berlingo, the seats look like they should un-bolt pretty easy. BPwhat with the ice I did literally drop it off, and then couldn't pick it up.

UPDATE:
Yes Mr Outtacontrolla, you were right about me and GI wearing Brogue booties, and with 'Commando' soles they do offer some grip. However on ice, nothing beats military issue Hobnails.

16 comments:

Giannis said...

FUCK!!!! did the tank got a dent how about the rest of the bike?

I do miss too my F150 Crewcub i had in US.... so nice to haul bikes around...

tiptopdadddy said...

Wot? No truck??? Now I roll a 2009 Silverado ext cab. But my flat blue with red scallops '51 Ford F-1 looked tits with my '66 BSA chopper loaded in back.

t said...

Damn.. need ice tires on it with that weather. Britain is still in a deep freeze? Is the bike ok? What about a bike trailer to tow behind you?

DoubleOhTwo said...

There is nothing more wrong than seeing a bike on its side. Hope the old girl's ok.

Sideburn Magazine said...

This was my 3rd attempt south; the previous 2 trips snowed off.
I put the planks down and carefully rolled 200kg off the bed, but duh, didn't clear the ice off the street and everybody/everything did the splits. Unbelievably no damage (or maybe there are too many dents already and just didnt notice the new ones yet).
the Citroën is an uncool Pope-mobile, but at least the little people are happy, and I don't get a hernia each time I load them in.
BP

Diplomate said...

Ben - we have had weeks of horror stories from the winter weather, daily news of old dears going for a burton in the treachorous conditions - but this ! this is beyond the pale, what a shocking sight. It's just this sort of horror story that leaves you feeling sick - I do hope your early optimistic damage report is justified. Dents and scratches are cool though, just so long as nothing serious gets bent. Did you feel a bit of a dick ?

Anthony Brown said...

Ben truely a sad day. A man and his truck should never part.

Was the problem that you were wearing a pair of car sales mans slip on piss catchers with polished soles. If so then its understandable that you droppped the Guzzi, those are only designed for the thick carpet of the merc delaership.

OUTTACONTROLLA said...

Nice one Anthony , i happen to know that the staple footwear of the Sideburn boys are Brouges (as you described so eloquently !)And they give you no grip !
I'm thinking my combo of Model B (1932) pick up and XR750 is the way to go , combined with engineers boots (rocker style!)for grip .
#59
Have had several bikes fall on me and it ain't funny tho....

TwoTone said...

Auch !!
Good to hear there's almost no damage... As Sean would say: Ben, you muppet!
Ton

Captain Highside said...

Ah OUTTACONTROLLA, I take your point but if we're talkin' grip, surely my setup of a 1974 CJ6 JEEP pickup with Steel toecap laceup Dickies would prove a heady combination?

Anonymous said...

WHAT - ZAGATO GUZZI IS... GONE?

jAN o lEEK

Sideburn Magazine said...

No Jan, just the pick-up
BP

OUTTACONTROLLA said...

Captain Highside , i hope u got 4WD - cos nothing beats a drop tube front axle and cross plies !
Shoulda took them studded booties Ben .

TwoTone said...

Dear eightball Toyo, Rest in peace !!
Ton

Sideburn Magazine said...

Ton you will be glad to hear I unscrewed the 8 ball gearknob & kept it!
BP

TwoTone said...

Yeah...! Eightball Toyo forever live on!! Always keep (your cool) a detail for good memories...