Motorbike Flix on Netflix etc.

I don't know about you, but I have the damndest time deciding what movies to stream on Netflix. Not unlike Spotify, there are just too many options. Here I'm gonna attempt to streamline things for you, at least on a topical level. If you wanna watch a decent motorcycle movie, here's a handful of one's I'd recommend. In no particular order (and for the sake of keeping this list short, I'm gonna leave out the motorcycle gang movies)...

On Any Sunday

Yeah, its been called the best motorcycle movie ever made. Bruce Brown knows his craft well. Watch it and you'll understand. You can stream it on Netflix, Hulu and if you look, you'll even find the full movie on the Youtube. You can also stream On Any Sunday II on Netflix.

One Week

A 1974 Norton Commando plays a starring role in this flick about a guy who's just found out he has a limited time left to live and goes on a road trip across Canada. Its a little hokey at times, but overall, not a bad movie. Stream it on Netflix.

World's Fastest Indian

Hands down, this is one of my favorite movies of all time. The great story of New Zealand's Burt Munro and his Indian Scout land speed bike. If you haven't seen this, its not to miss. Stream it on Netflix.

Motorcycle Diaries

If only every movie featured a Norton motorcycle. This one does and is the story of the revolutionary icon, Che Guevara and his buddy's road trip across South America on La Poderosa aka The Beast which was a 1939 Norton 500 (although some modern Suzuki's were used for some stunt scenes). Good movie. Stream it on Netflix.

Cycles South

Three dudes hop on their BSA's and ride from Denver to Panama. Sounds simple enough. Watch it on Netflix or free on the Youtube. Groovy man.

If

If stars Malcom McDowell and is Ton Up NC Jim's pick for favorite motorbike movie. Its not necessarily about motorbikes (but it is since motorbikes symbolize freedom and rebellion), but more of an English prep school flick with some great Brit bike scenes. The movie was original in black and white, but has been colorized now... enjoy: on Netflix or watch the whole movie on Youtube.

Once a Jolly Swagman

Once a Jolly Swagman, a British movie about life, love, war and vintage speedway racing circa 1930's. Recommended by one of our blog followers. Watch it on Netflix or the entire movie for Free on Youtube.

Easy Rider

What can you say about this one? It defined a generation of motorcycling, is the ultimate road trip movie, Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson... Watch it on Netflix.

Long Way Round

Inspired by the great Ted Simon, author of Jupiters Travels, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman set off on a 20,000 mile journey around the world. It's an inspiring journey with with many ups and downs.  It will make ya want to grabs your best bud and hit the road.

Feel free to recommend one of your own under appreciated favorites.

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

-Brian/Jim/Chad

Honky Tonkin' with Howie and Swingle

John Howie Jr. and Rosewood Bluff @ Casbah

On December 8, 2012 after an afternoon of front porch banter and an abundance of bloating Mexican food for dinner we decided to roll out to the local concert hall, The Casbah (home of the 2011 and 2012 Bull City Rumbles), to see some of the finest country music the area has to offer: John Howie and Rosewood Bluff and Melissa and the Swinglers.

Melissa Swingle (Left) and the Swinglers @ Casbah

Melissa Swingle and her band the Swinglers were the second act on the bill this evening (we missed the first). Melissa is veteran of the local alt. country/blues/garage rock scene. Her bands: Trailer Bride, The Moaners and now, The Swinglers always deliver the goods. Swingle's erie Southern drawl layered over some reverb soaked guitar is always a winning formula and tonight was no exception.

Melissa and the Swinglers @ Casbah

Melissa and the Swinglers @ Casbah

Jowhn Howie @ Casbah

Next up was local music legend, John Howie. John has been at this country music thing for a while now, his current project arose from the ashes of the Two Dollar Pistols and continues in the beer-drenched sorrowful honky-tonk fashion that you've come to expect from him. Needless to say, we enjoyed the show immensly.

John Howie Jr. and Rosewood Bluff @ Casbah

John Howie Jr. and Rosewood Bluff @ Casbah

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

-Brian/Marcus

White Lightnin' XC MMXI

Ton Up N*C Chad's round barrel BSA 441

Vintage Cross Country (VXC) is a staple in the Ton Up N*C racing program and the annual White Lightening VXC race in South Carolina is one of the first scheduled events of the year on the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association's (AHRMA) calendar. The race has taken place for that past couple of years on Marvin Grant's old farm in Chester, SC.

Cross Country Riding is how motorcycling began, because roads were very few and far between when motorcycles were born. As the motorcycles and roads improved, the riders still challenged themselves with off road competitions on acient Roman roads in Europe and "cow and wagon" trails in the USA. Eventually, the competitions organized into ISDT type reliability runs in Europe and Enduros and "Hare and Hounds" in the USA. Further organization and land closure issues brought the closed course  Hare scrambles to prominence (AHRMA).

Beno Rodi's collection of XC bikes. Beno participates in excess of 100 races a year.

The Ton Up Fla. transport van and machines: Triumph TR5T and the AJS Model 20

Chad and I headed five or so hours south for the two day event early on the morning of Saturday, March 19, 2011. I was along in the role of "Pit Monkey," while Chad was intent on racing his two BSA 441's in the Classic 500 division. The weather was warm and clear when we arrived at the farm.

The 441's. Chad had recently overhauled the square barrel he is seated on.

Chad at the starting line.

Here's Chad's race report on Day 1 of the 2 day event:

It took me a few kicks this time to start the bike which was rare since I installed the PVL (German-built electronic ignition system). After firing it up I headed out on the very challenging and long (5.5miles) course. After 2 laps I noticed Scott (Ton Up Fla.) off to the side after start/finish and decided to join him and to inspect my bike which started pinging again and losing power. According to the pre-registration list I thought I was all alone in my class so it made sense at the time to save the bike and save myself for day 2. Then I noticed a TR5T ride past me. It was another rider in my class and he was already a lap ahead with only 15 minutes remaining.

I completely screwed myself in race 1 and learned a valuable lesson in racing. Whether you're racing against another rider or yourself, race hard and never give up.

Scott rounds the corner on his AJS.

Post-race pow-wow day 1: Beno, Scott and Chad.

Here's Chad's race report on Day 1 of the 2 day event:

After my boondoggle the day before I prepped the dry framed round barrel for racing on day 2 and despite not seeing the TR5T on the line I decided to race like he was there anyway. I knocked out 4 hard laps with good and consistent times which improved with each lap. The bike ran solid the entire race and I crossed the finish in 1st.

I realized after the second race how much I really like the round barrel. The engine feels de-tuned and very forgiving. My only complaint is the shortness of the swing-arm and the terrible front Triumph suspension.

Max (Ton Up Fla.) buzzes the check point/finish tent on his Triumph...

Chad takes the checkered flag.

Don't call it a comeback, Chad took 1st place on Day 2.

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

-Brian/Chad

The Three State.

The Three State Mountain Ride has weaved its way through the better parts of North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee on vintage British motorcycles for the past 10 years. The annual event is organized and hosted by our good friends at Britbike.com. The dates for the 2013 Three State Ride is May 17, 18 and 19.  In 2011, I was fortunate enough to attend the event with Ton Up N*C's California Alex. I documented the event on my trusty iPhone in all its Hipsta filtered glory...

A big thank you to Gordan Gray and co. at Britbike.com for making this happen year after year, we're looking forward to the ride in May 2013.

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

 -Brian

VaVoom! Bull City Rumble Burlesque (NSFW)

Poster by Death Ray Design. Buy one here.

Every Labor Day Weekend Ton Up N*C presents the Bull City Rumble in Downtown Durham, NC and Saturday's festivities are always full of amazing motorcycles, music and for the last two years, burlesque. Our burlesque promoter consistently puts together a troupe of showstoppers. Here's the proof:

Cherry Von Bomb
(photo: Ton Up N*C)

Dolly Dee
(photo: White Whale Photography)

Jolly Roger
(photo: White Whale Photography)

Hope to see you Labor Day Weekend 2013 August 30-September 1, 2013 for Bull City Rumble #9.


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

-Brian