1939 Red Hunter tour...

[SEDoan]

Glad you are enjoying the travels! Thanks for the encouragement We had a down day just after our arrival at the Norton rally - just motoring for coffee and to get groceries and meet friends.

[SEDoan]

There is a short but spectacular ride up and over a ridge to a little community of LaPorte. Reportedly the pass is over 7000' (2133 meters). The narrow winding road, steep grades and generally good pavement make it a fun ride. We first learned about it from a guy who thought the road was too dangerous to be fun, but there were others who said it was perfect for British bikes (it had been a group ride for the Norton rally, but we missed it).
Old bridge right before road gets steep and narrow

Near the top

The next morning, before the bike show, I went back up with the video camera. Still need to post videos...

Edit - here is a video of part of the climb to LaPorte: https://youtu.be/8qZDyy7oMuY
Video description has some details of the ride. Also have a video of the descent that needs editing.


Brian was cleaning his bike while I was riding

[SEDoan]

Another picture of the LaPorte road

The Ariel got a quick wipe down and was put in the bike show with the others. This was the International Norton Owners Association Feather River Rally.https://nortonrally.com/

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

Wonderfull landscape!
what a difference to my flat piece of mud aptly named the Netherlands
Nice Norton's too !

- purple fastback , and also a Desmo? Duc -

[SEDoan]

Thank you Vincent. The Ducati looked very special, but apparently the owner doesn't know it's history so isn't certain it's genuine.

The purple Fastback was crazy good looking with giant metal flake. There was another with orange metal flake which I liked even more and the claim was that the paint was original! Unfortunately, about 90% of the bikes are Commandos so I tend not to take pictures of them.

The Norton flat tanker has completed the Motorcycle Cannonball ride across the continent (like Charles Falco's 1928 Ariel): https://motorcyclecannonball.com/

There were also a few interesting bikes that weren't entered in the show:

Brian's model 7 Dominator got the People's Choice award and the Ariel got 2nd place in the British bike category.

[SEDoan]

Another interesting thing was the light blue paint on the top surface of the ES-2's gas tank (between the International and the purple Commando). It was a 1952 or '53 so the blue may be to celebrate Elizabeth II's coronation like the light blue Ariels. Anyone know for sure?

[Bob.Murphy]

Another interesting thing was the light blue paint on the top surface of the ES-2's gas tank (between the International and the purple Commando). It was a 1952 or '53 so the blue may be to celebrate Elizabeth II's coronation like the light blue Ariels. Anyone know for sure?

Err, it looks like a chrome tank reflecting the blue sky to me !!

Bob

[SEDoan]

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

It's what Norton called 'Polychromatic blue' and I dont think it has much to do with the Queen.

If thats a genuine 'Green Frame' Ducati it fails the bodyguards left & right + a gigantic padlock !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0k5jXf35m1Y
video made by Back to Classics

and congrats with the Commando footrest trophy!

[Bob.Murphy]

My mistake, apologies.

Bob.