Friday, November 30, 2012

Shops of the Past: The House of Zed

Sadly, we at Ton Up N*C have had to say farewell to several members as they have relocated to other parts of this fine country. Not only do we miss the people, we also miss their shops. Former NC resident and NC Ton Up member, Zed had a badass shop in Saxapahaw, NC right next to the river of the same name. Zed had ample bike storage, several lifts/workspaces for his various projects, a functioning paint shop and a proper lounge equipped with PBR. What more could you ask for? Here are some photo's.  Be warned, you may want to grab something to catch the drool...
Zed and Chad
Alex mounts the Atlas

Chad's Trident.

Atlas envy.
Brian finds a place called happiness on Zed's Square Four
Trumpet and Vespa.
Ariel Sq. 4
Toro hits the lounge.

Ton Up NC = Riding, Restoration and Racing of Vintage Motorcycles

-Brian

Thursday, November 29, 2012

On Any Sunday in Henderson, NC


The 441's

The chill of fall, the smell of burnt oil and gasoline, the twist of the throttle and the cloud of dust that follows. There's nothing quite like a dirt-bike ride on a cool autumn morning. The trails and tracks at Henderson, NC's North Carolina Motorsports Park have been a weekend playground for us Ton Up NC folk for some time now. Here's some pics and video from some recent weekends at NCMP and a few from the not so distant past...
Marcus and his Taco
Brian on Chad's 441
Alex and Jim sort the T25T "Field Pig"
Chad in a moment of XR200R love.
Eric and son on the TT.


Trail videos...

 


If you know of other great NC places to ride, public or private, do let us know. We're always looking to explore new and interesting dirt.

Ton Up NC = Riding, Restoration and Racing of Vintage Motorcycles
-Brian

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Sing Me a Motorcycle.


Tom Waits: Hang on St. Christopher
(There's a 750 Norton Bustin' Down January's Door...)

 
Dave and Ansel Collins: Ton Up Kids


The Cheers: Black Denim Trousers

Smiling Face Down : Miss Birmingham Small Arms

Richard Thompson: 1952 Vincent Black Lightening

Love and Rockets: Motorcycle

Arlo Guthrie: Motorcycle Song

Moby Grape: Motorcycle Irene

JJ Cale: Me the Breeze

Shangri Las: Leader of the Pack

Lou Reed: New Sensations

Brigitte Bardot: Harley Davidson

Sailcat: Motorcycle Mama

Daniel Johnston: Speeding Motorcycle

Beach Boys: Little Honda '64

Rancid: Motorcycle Ride

I'm sure I've missed a ton, but these are ones I dig.

Ton Up NC = Riding, Restoration and Racing of Vintage Motorcycles
-Brian

Monday, November 26, 2012

The Four Stroke of the Apocalypse vs. Ton Up N*C



While most folks were out celebrating America's independence from the British crown, on July 4, 2012 the Ton Up N*C boys were fighting a battle of their own against the British. However, in this conflict, a London made 1959 Matchless G3 was the enemy and despite a history of stumping many a mechanic, the Ton Up NC boys were determined to get this old girl back in running order. Here you can see the short-term results...
Alex replaces the ignition system...
Will she run? (watch the video below and see)



If you like what you are reading, please support the Ton Up NC cause by buying something from our web store.

Ton Up NC = Riding, Restoration and Racing of Vintage Motorcycles
-Brian

Saturday, November 24, 2012

The Mann.

Dick Mann was born June 13, 1934 in SLC, Utah. Dick Mann is the two-time winner of the AMA Grand National Championship. Dick Mann was inducted in the the Motorsports and Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998. Dick Mann raced flat track, TT, motocross, observed trials and road races. Dick Mann was the second winningest rider in the AMA Grand National Series history (24 national victories). Dick Mann is known as one of the most talented and versatile riders ever and for wearing a cheap straw hat while working on his motorcycle. On July 28, 2012, at the ripe old age of 78, Dick Mann designed the AHRMA scrambles course in Terra Alta, WV and posed for pictures with members of Ton Up N*C.
Eric with Dick Mann
Brian with Dick Mann
Chad with Dick Mann
It was an honor. Long live Dick Mann.

Here's a few links to Dick Mann's 2010 Mann on Men pieces he did for askmen.com where he comments on men in today's society with a 1959 perspective:
Mann on Men: Crying
Mann on Men: Wear the Hat Right or Get Bent
Mann on Men: Stop Clucking Like Hens
Mann on Men: Tipping
Mann on Men: Open the Door for a Lady


Ton Up NC = Riding, Restoration and Racing of Vintage Motorcycles
-Brian

Friday, November 23, 2012

Denton AMCA Meet 5.19.12...

The Antique Motorcycle Club of America holds their Southern National Meet annually at Denton Farm Park in Denton, NC. The event draws a world class collection of  mostly ridden, unrestored antique motorcycles. Marcus and I rolled over to check out this amazing event and to promote the then still upcoming 2012 Rumble.
TonUp N*C's home base.
The campground was thick with old American iron, the sounds of thumping engines echoed through the countryside and the smell of burning gasoline and oil permeated the air...


Thanks again to the AMCA for having us and thanks to everyone who stopped by our tent to say hi and/or to buy some Bull City Rumble gear. The next AMCA Southern National Meet is scheduled for May 16, 17 and 18, 2013. We will be there, you should plan on attending too.

If you missed us at the AMCA meet and would still like to get a Bull City Rumble shirt, patch or poster please visit our store.

Ton Up NC = Riding, Restoration and Racing of Vintage Motorcycles
-Brian