Sunday, August 23, 2009
Dalton's dirty diesel
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Brompton mod a long time coming
To Curbside Cycle where they have the later-type roller wheels for my Brompton bicycle in stock. This is a retrofit item that reduces the risk of the bike falling over when parked. I'd almost given up hope of sourcing these spares. They fitted them at the shop after Ron Stockey found a screwdriver large enough to torque off the old rollers. With the help of Richard the salesman we got the job done. The new wheels were secured with hardened steel bolts, with Allen heads, and a touch of Loctite.
Hogtown history they'd rather you forget
The commendable history of Toronto City Centre Airport is never mentioned by the boroughmongers, as they are more interested in destroying its remarkable recent success. This plaque in the old control tower at the airport tells a positive story, that the sinecurists must not be allowed to suppress:
The Royal Norwegian Air Force
1940-1945
Here during World War II, the Royal Norwegian Air Force trained its air and ground crews. Land for a training camp was provided free by the Toronto Harbour Commissioners at the foot of Bathurst Street, west of the Ferry Dock. The camp, known as "Little Norway", was opened officially on November 10, 1940, and by the end of that year, 500 officers and men were stationed there. "Little Norway" consisted of seventeen buildings, including a hospital, headquarters, schools, recreation hall,
depot, guardhouse, barracks and messes. Colonel Ole Reistad, Commander of the R.N.A.F. in Canada from May, 1941 to April, 1945, was an outstanding sportsman and winner of an Olympic Gold Medal. In 1943 the "Little Norway" operation was transferred to the Muskoka Airfield. A total of 2,657 personnel served in the R.N.A.F. in Canada. Most expenses for their training were paid for by the Norwegian Merchant Navy.
Toronto Historical Board
1984
The Royal Norwegian Air Force
1940-1945
Here during World War II, the Royal Norwegian Air Force trained its air and ground crews. Land for a training camp was provided free by the Toronto Harbour Commissioners at the foot of Bathurst Street, west of the Ferry Dock. The camp, known as "Little Norway", was opened officially on November 10, 1940, and by the end of that year, 500 officers and men were stationed there. "Little Norway" consisted of seventeen buildings, including a hospital, headquarters, schools, recreation hall,
depot, guardhouse, barracks and messes. Colonel Ole Reistad, Commander of the R.N.A.F. in Canada from May, 1941 to April, 1945, was an outstanding sportsman and winner of an Olympic Gold Medal. In 1943 the "Little Norway" operation was transferred to the Muskoka Airfield. A total of 2,657 personnel served in the R.N.A.F. in Canada. Most expenses for their training were paid for by the Norwegian Merchant Navy.
Toronto Historical Board
1984
Let's go to the Ex
We went on Thursday by bicycle but it turns out they didn't want us at all. They were paying guys good money to keep folk out of Exhibition Place, known as the Ex. We entered via the bridge from Ontario Place innocently enough but when we exited at the Prince's Gate they wouldn't let us back in! Anyway we'd already got the photos we wanted so we returned via the Lakeshore.
Tiny Tom Donuts are an essential part of this nostalgia-fest which had its heyday a long time ago as a blue-collar treat for Torontonians. This year the annual bash starts on Friday August 21st.
This irritating piece of agitprop is sprayed at frequent intervals on the short stretch of cyclepath on the Lakeshore, opened recently by Waterfront Toronto, known risibly as the Blue Edge. I wonder how much a consultant was paid to design it? Have these people taken leave of their senses?
This irritating piece of agitprop is sprayed at frequent intervals on the short stretch of cyclepath on the Lakeshore, opened recently by Waterfront Toronto, known risibly as the Blue Edge. I wonder how much a consultant was paid to design it? Have these people taken leave of their senses?
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Oldies in the Algarve
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Car show calamity
It all started when I read an article by auto journalist Bill Vance about Old Autos, a fortnightly newspaper, published in Bothwell, Ontario. Turns out they have an upcoming car show and swap meet, an annual bash.
We leave home at 07:15 Friday heading for Bothwell, in south-west Ontario. Taking the Gardiner Expressway, we turn onto Hwy 403. We breakfasted at a truck stop at TA Travel Centres, Exit 230 off Hwy 401, west of Woodstock. We were cheerfully served by Nicky G., $21 including tip. So much better than a chain restaurant - we are getting the road trip buzz. Fill up with diesel, $13 for a tank at 81.4 cents a liter.
A diversion due to construction put us off course in farm country. We stopped at a restored railway station at Glencoe, then past Old Autos office at Bothwell to the Friday Swap Meet. I purchase the March 1962 edition of Hot Rod, then 50 cents, now $5, with an article about the English Allard dragster. Annette snaps up a Carlton Ware plate for $4. Every part imaginable for old cars is on sale as well as some complete vehicles in need of TLC.
We leave home at 07:15 Friday heading for Bothwell, in south-west Ontario. Taking the Gardiner Expressway, we turn onto Hwy 403. We breakfasted at a truck stop at TA Travel Centres, Exit 230 off Hwy 401, west of Woodstock. We were cheerfully served by Nicky G., $21 including tip. So much better than a chain restaurant - we are getting the road trip buzz. Fill up with diesel, $13 for a tank at 81.4 cents a liter.
A diversion due to construction put us off course in farm country. We stopped at a restored railway station at Glencoe, then past Old Autos office at Bothwell to the Friday Swap Meet. I purchase the March 1962 edition of Hot Rod, then 50 cents, now $5, with an article about the English Allard dragster. Annette snaps up a Carlton Ware plate for $4. Every part imaginable for old cars is on sale as well as some complete vehicles in need of TLC.
To Chatham tourist information who direct us to the RM Classic Car Exhibit at One Classic Car Drive, off Hwy 401 at Hwy 40 at Blenheim, ON. This is a world-class auto restoration facility and auction house - cars in the warehouse are constantly changing. We are given a guided tour of Bugatti, Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow and Cadillac. We were charged $6 per head. We check into Log Home B & B on the Delaware First Nation Reserve, Moldaviatown, with hosts Eunice and Rienus Ryk. Recommended. After a nap, we head into Bothwell to watch the evening parade. We park on Main Street and take a sub supper from Subs & Scoops, having our own smart car tailgate party.
The cars in the parade are throwing sweets for the kids. The usual suspects are in the parade including local pols, firefighters, Shriners and, of course, antique cars.
Next morning, after a splendid breakfast, we drive to Wallaceburg for WAMBO (Wallaceburg Antique Motor & Boat Outing), intending to return to Bothwell. The weather has turned and both events are badly affected by pouring rain. Hot Rods and muscle cars are lined up on James Street. We warm up at Fiesta Restaurant, 504 James Street, Downtown Wallaceburg, unlimited coffee, $3 for two. We chat to Judy Dalton while sheltering at a stall by the river - she is promoting the restoration of the Capitol Theatre in Chatham. We hear that Wallaceburg is hurting in the downturn and we are sorry their event is so soggy.
The weather is getting worse if anything so we motor northward to the Canadian oilpatch, visiting the Oil Museum of Canada at Oil Springs. This is the oldest working oilfield in the world with 'nodding donkeys' still working here and there. We continue via Oil City and Petrolia. We are running short of diesel but manage to find a station at Ailsa Craig. Home via Hwy 7 with pitstops at Kitchener for Tim Hortons, and grocery at Acton, arriving at 18:45.
Next morning, after a splendid breakfast, we drive to Wallaceburg for WAMBO (Wallaceburg Antique Motor & Boat Outing), intending to return to Bothwell. The weather has turned and both events are badly affected by pouring rain. Hot Rods and muscle cars are lined up on James Street. We warm up at Fiesta Restaurant, 504 James Street, Downtown Wallaceburg, unlimited coffee, $3 for two. We chat to Judy Dalton while sheltering at a stall by the river - she is promoting the restoration of the Capitol Theatre in Chatham. We hear that Wallaceburg is hurting in the downturn and we are sorry their event is so soggy.
The weather is getting worse if anything so we motor northward to the Canadian oilpatch, visiting the Oil Museum of Canada at Oil Springs. This is the oldest working oilfield in the world with 'nodding donkeys' still working here and there. We continue via Oil City and Petrolia. We are running short of diesel but manage to find a station at Ailsa Craig. Home via Hwy 7 with pitstops at Kitchener for Tim Hortons, and grocery at Acton, arriving at 18:45.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Big Boys Toys
To CYTZ on the yellow Brompton bicycle on a glorious day for coffee at Druxy's. Check out the yacht moored in the harbour - the Calixe, from the Cayman Islands. The helicopter strapped to the roof of the cabin is the ultimate accessory that says I've got it all.
Off up Spadina to Global Cheese in Kensington Market to stock up. We stop at a bar on Dundas St West for an iced tea on the way home - it was a music store about forty years ago where my pal Ron used to have accordion lessons. By a circular route to Wendigo Way and back to base. I am pleased that I recover quickly from the ride, having kept fit on holiday by walking and climbing hills.
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