Topic: Invited to see a racer's garage

[ThelassianLupus]

Recently I received a rare treat.
I was granted the opportunity to set foot inside and look though the workshop/garage of an older fellow who had led a very interesting series of careers. He had been a cabinet maker, a musician, and a luthier; most of the workshop space was for fine woodworking. My friend who is a shipwright knew this man and his family, they tasked him with clearing out the workshop space so it could become a dwelling for the older fellow that way he could come out of assisted living and be with his family.

My friend had told all this to me over coffee one day, and casually mentioned that in addition to this workshop there was a garage where this fellow had worked on his racing motorcycles.
I demanded he give me a tour at once.

[Kevin]

Don't leave us hanging!
We need details!

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[ThelassianLupus]

I took pictures sparingly. Most disappointingly the bike he had raced was already gone, it had been a '75 Yamaha RD350. It seems he was also a fan of Ducati bikes, as the only "motorcycles" I could find were these.

[ThelassianLupus]

Don't leave us hanging!
We need details!

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I have pics to share, apologies for filling the topic out kinda slowly.

[ThelassianLupus]

The garage itself was only large enough to feasibly work on one bike at a time it would seem. My friend was showing me around and allowed me to look through the tool cabinets. This man built and repaired motorcycles and bicycles, he had a comprehensive tool collection. Unfortunately it all had to go. During my visit I learned that another motorcycle mechanic was due to come look for things to purchase from this collection. My friend gave me first dibs on anything I thought I could use and let me name my price. I felt honored, and a little sacrilegious, taking anything away with me.

[ThelassianLupus]

I hope anyone reading can understand why I'm not disclosing this man's name, I was only really invited to look around and buy a few things. He had a 50 year career in motorcycle racing and had competed in bicycle time trials well into his 70's. I'm sure anybody here who has personal knowledge of roadsports, especially vintage motorcycle racing around New England or Colorado could recognize the guy. It should go without saying but just to be clear, he's not pictured on the poster here.

[ThelassianLupus]

He had lots of stickers, I grabbed a bunch for my own tool chest at home.
(sorry this one is so blurry)

[ThelassianLupus]

These were the ones I liked.

[ThelassianLupus]

I bought the stickers, a new angle grinder w/ some discs, a dial indicator, and an itty bitty torque wrench that maxes out at 24nm. All for $80

[ThelassianLupus]

That's all for now, I definitely want to go back. It inspires me to see people who build the machines they ride and compete with. When this man returns from hospice care and is back in his shop, maybe I'll get the chance to meet him personally. Now that would be a true privilege!

(This Moto Minarelli lives inside The Bagel Cafe, Camden ME. Where my friends and I used to get coffee every weekend. Wonder what the history of this bike is...)

[newday777]

I'd ride up from southern NH if he'd be up for a visit. I used to hang out in the pits at Briar as there were 4 guys from the shop I was parts manager at in 76 and 77. One of my good friends here is David Ross of Ross/Seeley that still has one of his Seeley race Nortons. We brought it to our local bike night last year for a static display.