Tuesday, December 22, 2009

OTHER PEOPLE'S GARAGES #3

My friend Fred just turned 50 (a milestone which looms in my own windshield...), and had a suitably biker-filled party at his home. I thought this a suitable moment to celebrate Fred and his infusion of Indian Motocycles; nobody is as enthusiastic as he about the marque, which he proves by riding his old flatheads all around the world at rallies and tours... but it's his 'garage' which really tells the tale.

It would be difficult to demark exactly where the garage begins and 'home' ends, as his motocycles (plus a couple of tasty cars) are throroughly integrated into his universe. There isn't an actual bike in the kitchen or the bath (although, of course, there are photos), but everywhere else has ample evidence of Fred's passion.

Any true vintagent can only shake his head and smile, as we all have a similar shrine to Motorcycling in our own home, even if it's only a tattered copy of 'Motorcycle Engineering' and a souvenir Vincent valve inspection cap; that's enough, little drummer boy, to appease the Gods of Speed.

That Fred is able to live inside his shrine is testament to his great faith, and that he lives alone!

Happy 50th Fred!