A newish addition

Due to receiving an inheritance it was decided to add another fine machine to the stable at Casa Bodger. This was something that has been wanted for quite a while and seeing how the readies were there, it was a case of getting while it was there. A rather promising lead came up in the form of a BSA B44SS located up cheese country, Wisconsin and was going for a good price. But due to some needed repairs on SWMBOs domicile that Bodger also resides in, the folding stuff was earmarked for that instead. Along with having to replace the trusty, and that word is used loosely, chariot to it coming close to being knackered, it was decided to hold on until later to purchase the newish steed. That and a planned trip to Ye Olde Europe which had been planned and already paid for months back. Anyhows, after finding out the needed repairs were going to be less than expected and a quick check of the coffers, the hunt was on again and the new steed was purchased.

Yep, a 71 OIF BSA A65 Thunderbolt. It should arrive in about a week from Baxter Cycles in Marne, Iowa after they service it with fresh oil, tires, etc. before shipping it down. But there is some space required in the garage so things will have to be rearranged to fit. Can't wait :D

2014 BMOA Rallye at Lake Somerville not New Ulm

This year was the 30th Annual BMOA Rallye held at Lake Somerville instead of New Ulm as in the past. The day was pretty nice weather-wise, cool and breezy. Being next to a lake helped too! Instead of jabbering away about this, a few pictures will show some of the talent there:

As can be seen there were some pretty nice examples of various motorcycle industries from the world to include a classic car that would make a nice bike hauler for these events along with a trailer owned by the North Texas NOC. There was one rarity that muggings ehre forgot to get a picture of but did talk with the owner for a bit. He, Rick, lives a few miles away and would let any and all ride his pride and joy if they cared to. This machine was a rare and utilitarian Rokon.

A visit to Brum

Recently Bodger made a trip back to the home country due a passing on in the family. While there, it was decided to use the opportunity to pay a visit to the Birmingham area or as called in the Midlands, Brum, the ports of call being the National Motorcycle Museum in the Solihull area and to Small Heath. First to Solihull and the National Motorcycle Museum of NMM. This is a very impressive collection of British made motorcycles from the start of the last century to up into the 80s-90s. There are makes were in existence for a few years and makes that lasted for decades. Here's a few examples(unfortunately no notes were made of what was what, so it's quiz time): After spending a while there at the NMM, and getting a copy of Rupert Ratios newest book on BSA Singles, covering all the other stuff, it was time to venture off to Small Heath to see where Bodgers two fine examples of British motorcycling came from. First it should be mentioned that an attempt was made to go there prior to the NMM in the morning but after getting slightly lost due (nearly in Meriden at that other makes place of manufacture)to not having a map and doing something rather silly such as relying on memory of looking at a map, it was decided to ask directions at the NMM. Got going in the right direction and after 10-20 minutes of driving, was beginning to wonder if had missed it completely. When the signs for Birmingham City center were seen as well as for Birmingham City FC stadium came to view, it was decided that something was wrong. So after going around a roundabout and heading back in the opposite direction, things came back to normal while a sign for Small heath Industrial area came into view. After making a right turn this came into view

And then a left at this one

Bodger had arrived!!!! However, due to local city government and other reasons, the following was no longer in existence

What was there were small warehouses and businesses. However, there was a small remnant of the great works left that now manufactures BSA guns, air rifles and rifle scopes

After getting back in the local area, a stop was made at the place of employment of Bodgers bestest friend of over 40 years, Willum. However there was sad news there as he had passed on back in December from the Big C it appears. RIP mate.

An update

Holy crap Batman, it's been donkeys years, well OK a couple of months, since any scribbling has been scribbled on ye olde Blogge. A lot of doings have been going on since the last posting, in no particular order: -The better halves old chap left us due to Mr. C which is never pleasant. -Got Vickies tank plus a spare for Amelia soda blasted down to bare metal for a repaint.

-A trip back home due to the Bodgers Old Girl leaving this mortal coil -A trip to the birthplace of Vicky and Amelia

Now for those of you NOT keeping up with current events, the first picture above, the premises were tore down in the 1970s AFTER BSA were defunct and no more even. -There was also another trip to the NMM in the Brum area that coincided with thee trip to Armoury Road. Well, that's it for the update, vittles is being prepared and about to be scoffed. So until the next time..........