Bob Magill Photographs 1940s Motorcycling America

You ever notice that the cool kids don't look like they're trying to be cool? That's the secret.  Live life. Love others. Do your best work. Be your best self.

Of course, big-cuffed denim, leather jackets, goggles and vintage British motorcycles help. Bob Magill captured this as a large-format photographer for Life Magazine. These photos are part of an excellent feature at The Selvedge Yard.

Daytona Beach

I wanted to disappear this past weekend. It was sort of a last minute thing so I drove instead of rode, but I visited a few beaches down the east coast (USA) and spent some extra time in Daytona Beach, FL, the legendary location for motorcycle sand racing. Daytona Beach is the only beach where you can still drive (and ride) on the sand beside the shore. While there I happened by Robison's Motorcycles (also known as Robison's Harley Davidson from 1962-1992). I wandered in just to look around and found the legend Joe Robison himself sitting there on a couch, enshrined by walls of motorcycle racing glory. I asked if they minded if took some photos and they immediately offered me a tour of the entire shop including the back areas where the speed bikes of yesteryear were brought in during the days and nights before the big races to be carved, molded, and cast into the iron racing demons of the historic sand tracks. Looking at that endless beach, I ached to grab my own bike and tear out along the water's edge with nothing in my way... into oblivion.

Here are some vintage photos of Daytona motorcycle racing from the old days of Life Magazine .
Below are my own photos of my visit.

1956 Harley Davidson

Joe Robison, 1964

1956 Harley

Whoa wait, a Triumph in a Harley shop?

Fall in North Carolina

Went for a ride with our old pal Scott the other day in North Carolina. He rides a Harley bagger but we won't hold that against him. The Fall season in NC is really beautiful with weather that was sunny and brisk.

Me and the boys started out by adding oil to the Enfield. Whether we're working on the bike, the old truck or the go kart, they're the best little helpers - very interested in watching oil drain and putting it back in with a funnel. We have fun spending time getting dirty in the garage. It's an activity my dad and I did a lot together.

Me and the boys

Harley rider vs the British biker. 

NC in the fall is Heaven.

Revenge Run 2010 Pics!

Lots of goodness here. Her Majesty's Thunder was an official sponsor of the Revenge Run 2010 where the average speed was 85mph. You shoulda been there, man. Riders from as far away as Florida gathered to ride the Outer Banks of NC April 23-24, for a weekend of motorcycles, music and mayhem.

Holy haberdashers, it's Mr. Chambers.

Finally, a proper British bike!

Another Triumph! Oh hey, it's Mr. Chambers again.