Impossible to Resist

Hello,

My regular readers will know that I have an interest in old military aircraft.

Today I came across a type of which I had previously been unaware, the fastest ever, production, piston-engined British fighter, capable of 472mph (even faster than the super Napier-engined Hawker Tempest and also the Hawker Sea Fury. Mind you the Third Reich's Dornier DO 335 "push-pull" fighter was better at 474mph!)

It was called the de Havilland Hornet; like many advanced piston-engined types it came too late as jets were already flying.

The photograph in the Wikipedia article though, was absolutely irresistable for obvious reasons:

The hi-fi club?

Tailpiece: regarding the wonderful Dorner DO335 I mentioned above, the story goes that at the end of the Second World War, when the Americans were gathering as much advanced German technology as they could under "Operation Paperclip" a captured DO335 was flown from Germany to Cherbourg for onward shipping to the US. It was escorted by a pair of P51 Mustangs (no slowcoaches these). They didn't stand a chance: the DO335 arrived 45 minutes before them!

Modern: The exciting Dornier DO335

Source

A bientôt

Electrifying times for Motorcycle Riders

Technology is so incredibly exciting! Last year we saw the occurrence of the first ever electrically propelled motorcycle race at the Isle of Man--the “TTXGP” (“Time Trial Xtreme Grand Prix)—ridden without the use of carbon based fuels!

The FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) created a series for electric bikes after this race while working along side TTXGP series founder Azhar Hussain. Aimed at “driving low-carbon technological innovation forward, to demonstrate that clean-emission transport technologies have matured and can be fun, fast and exciting”, stated the FIM during a press release. The electric motorcycle powered by battery, which, we as savvy “greenly” conscientious beings; has a long list of advantages.

Within this newly explored non gas motorcycle racing exists even a few forms of ebike formats to elect. There's the model powered solely by stored electricity (battery/accumulator) or, simply a fuel cell class motorcycle. Then there's the conventional internal combustion engine powered machine fuelled by non carbon based fuel. (i.e. Hydrogen). These need to of course comply with regulations for this race class including 105 dBA noise restrictions, which most likely is not too difficult; and must weigh a minimum of 100 kg and up to 300 kg (race ready mode).

Its not clear how the class sits now as last December odd news unfolded in the electric motorcycle racing arena. Back in 2008 the TTXGP race series was announced, held its first race in June 2009, and all was good. The TTXGP and FIM were actually working together to establish rules, standards, and a worldwide series of sanctioned races. Unfortunately late last fall this alliance went astray with FIM and TTXGP parting ways each running their own series. (read article)

One thing we know for sure the TTXGP is real where to date 15 races are on the calendar—UK, Italy, Spain, USA and even in Canada. The Isle of Man inaugural race in June last year saw 20 participants, fairly substantial!
Visit the TTXGP to find the “eGrandPrix” race date in your country, its not to be missed!

Oh, and don't bother to bring your earplugs!

Evian les Bains

Last April I mentioned that I would soon be working in a garage at Evian les Bains, and so I am!

Evian is a very attractive town situated on the shore of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva for the English) and a very popular holiday destination, given the lake, the proximity of Switzerland (16km up the road) the excellent surrounding countryside - Le Chablais - and I mustn't omit to mention the superb cheese from Abondance which is not far from Evian.

Anyway, to get to the point, I am here at the garage ready to welcome Fulvia owners and offer a wide range of mechanical services. I rather hope that if you are a new or newish visitor to this blog, that you will take a little time to read my numerous articles here which should show you that my 28 years spent in the company of Lancias, and mostly Fulvias, have not been entirely spent in vain.

I must add that here we are also knowledgeable and capable on Morgans (which we offer for sale) and Land Rovers too.


A bientôt (j'éspère!)

News from the Land of the Free

Or in particular, the state of Arizona.

A report in the Daily Telegraph reveals that in Arizona, the citizens of the state are upholding fine American Republican Principles.

They are refusing to accept the installation and use of fixed speed cameras, which they have declared to be "unconstitutional".

I agree, they should be "unconstitutional in England too - and in France!

As far as I am aware, the speed camera was the second instance of a penalty being imposed without the right to plead mitigation (the parking ticket was, I suppose, the first).

A company called Redflex, which has installed the cameras, is apparently "under financial pressure" owing to widespread refusal to pay the fines. Good, I hope they go bankrupt in the biggest possible way - and soon!

A bientôt

New Year Closer to the Riding Season

Hope you had a terrific ringing in of the New Year! Not only the start of the Dakar brings all riders much excitement at the turn of the year, but with each day that passes, we get closer and closer to spring. Those of us residing in Canada put all our motorcycles in storage, so the withdrawal, as you might imagine is extreme. Thank goodness we all seem to get by with a little help from the motorcycle shows within our various regions—Europe, North America, Britain.

Recently at Toronto’s Industry show case exposition we featured some great activities for women. Women's night hosting special focus activities for female riders are common place now (thank goodness). I was on hand for various activities, such as pictured here with John, Yamaha Motors Canada product manager (photo thanks to the talented Mr. Mondo) during new bike presentations at the Yamaha booth.

Pictured in the background is one of the models we highlighted and presented with women in mind—the FZ6R. Terrifically adaptable, all-round sportbike with numerous slight but valuable features (seat adjustments, closer positioned handlebars, etc.) all aimed at producing huge results in comfort and handling. I’ll hope to provide more details first hand later this year, after my test ride review.

The entire show was a little smaller and less visited than the year prior—sadly the result of one of the most challenging years financially, experienced by all.
Well, here’s looking forward to a more stable, profitable and active year for all! --filled with many many kilometres of riding fun!!