A site about memories, thoughts, photos, and unrepentant opinions about motorcycles and motorcycling after four decades of twisting the throttle.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Sparkling Triumph
Another photo from my personal archives. This one was taken in 2009. The bike is a lovely 1966 Triumph T120R Bonneville owned by Wayne Hamilton. The bike color doesn't lose much in this black and white shot since the bike really is white.
For you photo guys that might care, the sparkles are from the camera (Nikon D90), not added in the computer.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Gallopin' Goose
Lately I've had some interest in photographing old neon signs and the Gallopin' Goose Tavern and Grill is a fine example of one.
"The Goose" has been around since 1935 over in Coolidge, AZ, and is pretty much the quintessential Arizona honky tonk. One can only guess at how many beers have gone down there along with new romances, broken hearts, and busted heads. Story goes that Waylon Jennings started his solo career there after the death of Buddy Holly.
While not a biker bar in any sense of the name, it's a popular stop for riders rolling down Arizona highway 87/287. I've rarely ridden by and not seen bikes outside, all types from sport bikes to the usual v-twin stuff.
I've ridden by the Goose countless times and had been meaning to photograph the old sign for years, it's been weathering away nicely although the animated neon still works fine. The rough surface showed a lot of that character that photographers love.

I finally decided a few weeks ago to make a specific ride over to the outskirts of the town of Coolidge to photograph the sign before and after sunset. When I got there I found that the nicely distressed old Goose sign was newly refurbished and repainted. Drat. It still looks cool all lit up though.
No, I've never been inside, although I understand they make that staple of American road rider food there, a really good cheeseburger. My bar hoppin' days are three decades past now but I do enjoy a good cheeseburger. I wonder if they'd laugh me out the door if I ordered a root beer with one?
photos with my Olympus E-PL1 with a Panansonic 20mm f/1.7 lens
"The Goose" has been around since 1935 over in Coolidge, AZ, and is pretty much the quintessential Arizona honky tonk. One can only guess at how many beers have gone down there along with new romances, broken hearts, and busted heads. Story goes that Waylon Jennings started his solo career there after the death of Buddy Holly.
While not a biker bar in any sense of the name, it's a popular stop for riders rolling down Arizona highway 87/287. I've rarely ridden by and not seen bikes outside, all types from sport bikes to the usual v-twin stuff.
I've ridden by the Goose countless times and had been meaning to photograph the old sign for years, it's been weathering away nicely although the animated neon still works fine. The rough surface showed a lot of that character that photographers love.

I finally decided a few weeks ago to make a specific ride over to the outskirts of the town of Coolidge to photograph the sign before and after sunset. When I got there I found that the nicely distressed old Goose sign was newly refurbished and repainted. Drat. It still looks cool all lit up though.
No, I've never been inside, although I understand they make that staple of American road rider food there, a really good cheeseburger. My bar hoppin' days are three decades past now but I do enjoy a good cheeseburger. I wonder if they'd laugh me out the door if I ordered a root beer with one?
photos with my Olympus E-PL1 with a Panansonic 20mm f/1.7 lens
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Swap Meet Mail Box
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Mail box with flames, Casa Grande M/C Swap Meet, 2009 |
I don't know how it is in other countries but it does seem in the USA that you see more home crafted items carrying the H-D moniker than you do for, say, Triumph or a Honda. I enjoy the slightly whacked creativity some Harley people show in their home brew creations, both bikes and art.
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"When my mood gets too hot and I find myself wandering beyond control I pull out my motor-bike and hurl it top-speed through these unfit roads for hour after hour." - T.E. Lawrence
An Important reminder from the past:
"I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." - James Madison