I rode up in the mtns yesterday about 125 mi round trip to get some lunch and nice ride after too much work. Went to a favorite of mine, Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown started as an Old West movie set in the 40's.
When I came out there was an elderly man from England standing (posing) next to my Valk and his wife was taking his picture. He seemd a little embarassed as I walked up. We ended up talking for a while and he gave the usual compliments on the bike.
He told me his first motorcycle was a 1938 Triumph Speedtwin. He went on for a while about riding the bike sometimes with German planes overhead. I didn't know anything about it, but googled when I got home.
It was a 500 cc OHV vertical twin in a lightweight frame and the first truly successful British twin, setting the standard for many twins to follow. it is said to be one of the most important motorcycles ever produced. The Speedtwin, almost on its own, took Triumph from bankruptcy to being one of the most important motorcycle manufacturers in the world.
Nice day and I learned somthing about an old motorcycle.
