Welcome to Winding-Roads with Duncan Fraser

Motorcycles and Books both can leave an impact on who and what you are as a person. One is a physical endeavor that can put you and your machine in touch with your surroundings in ways that traveling in an enclosed vehicle  cannot touch. The other can be an endless journey of self discovery made easier by almost everywhere having a library,

Welcome to my blog where I will share with some of my experience with both.   

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This is a family show so foul language and racism is unacceptable.

1948 Moto Guzzi Airone 250 Turismo visits Duncan Fraser

MB drops by to show me his Original Moto Guzzi 250. He and I have an appreciation of most things on two wheels. He was in Italy a while back and dropped by a country fair where he spotted this cool bike for sale. it was an unrestored running Moto Guzzi Airone 250. Many of these bikes have been restored and are in museums but MB brought the Guzzi back to Vancouver he rode it over to show me with the original patina, spots of rust and all. It sounds great and I can only imagine the stories it could tell if it could speak. I hope you like this wee tribute to superb bike. Thank you Michael.

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The Moto Guzzi brand has a rich history in the motorcycle industry, and the Airone 250 was one of its most popular models during the 1940s and 1950s. It was known for its durability, reliability, and smooth ride, and it was a favorite among riders and enthusiasts alike.

It’s great that MB was able to bring this piece of motorcycle history back to Vancouver and share it with me. Restored or not, vintage motorcycles like the Moto Guzzi Airone 250 are a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of their time, and they deserve to be appreciated and celebrated for generations to come.

In 1939, the Airone appeared and quickly became the most widespread, popular and versatile Italian 250 bike. Due to substantial and constant upgrades completed over the years, the model proved to be suitable for multiple purposes: work, touring, and competition. Beginning in 1947, the modern Airone was born and reached its peak with the 1949 Sport model. In fact, it was this version that had an original state-of-the-art fork, which had the classic design of the modern “upside down” fork to ensure greater rigidity and sturdiness for the bike. It was also fitted with a powerful and gritty engine capable of reaching 120 km/h, allowing Moto Guzzi to rack up wins in the 250 class races, both in Italy and abroad. The Airone 250 remained in production until 1957.

My thanks to https://www.motoguzzi.com/

Honda Marine in the Pacific North West

Vancouver is a coastal seaport city located in the province of British Columbia, Canada. It is situated on the Burrard Peninsula, which is surrounded by water on three sides and has a backdrop of coastal mountains. Vancouver is known for its mild climate, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities, including skiing, hiking, and boating.

The Pacific Northwest is a region that encompasses parts of Canada and the United States, including British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. It is characterized by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, rugged mountain ranges, and dense forests. The region is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and diverse cultural offerings.

Honda is a Japanese multinational corporation that produces a range of products, including motorcycles, automobiles, and outboard motors. The Honda Centre is a dealership that supplies British Columbians with Honda motorcycles outboard motors and Power Equipment. The region’s natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities make Honda’s products popular among locals and visitors alike.

Overall, Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest offer a unique combination of natural beauty, mild climate, and outdoor recreation opportunities, making it a popular destination for travelers and a great place to live for locals.

Steam Trains at Work in Port Coquitlam, B.C. Canada 1957

This YouTube is edited from a post by RailFanDepot.com with images from Port Coquitlam, in British Columbia of Steam Trains working in the yard and steaming past the station.

Having worked on railways I have an appreciation for the impact railways have had on the building of Canada. Railways have played a significant role in the development and growth of the country, connecting communities and industries across vast distances. CP Rail and CN Rail are two major Canadian railways that provide coast-to-coast services, transporting goods and commodities across the country.

The pictures below are then and now

The West Coast Express, a commuter rail service from Mission BC to Vancouver BC, also stops at Port Coquitlam, which is a historic location with a rich railway heritage. The steam trains you see in the video are a reminder of the early days of rail transportation, when steam locomotives were the primary mode of transport. Today, trains are powered by a variety of engines, including diesel and electric locomotives, which are more efficient and environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, railways continue to play a vital role in the Canadian economy, providing a reliable and cost-effective mode of transportation for goods and people. The railways also help reduce traffic congestion on highways and contribute to a more sustainable transportation system. Overall, it’s great to see that railways, old and new, continue to be an important part of Canada’s transportation infrastructure, connecting communities and businesses across the country.

Short Videos Communicate Todays Messages

Advertising has gone through a significant transformation over the years, with traditional media such as TV, radio, and print advertising being complemented by digital advertising channels like social media, search engines, and online videos. As more consumers spend time online, businesses are leveraging the power of the internet to reach their target audience and build brand awareness.

Short, snappy videos are particularly effective in capturing consumers’ attention and delivering brand messages quickly and effectively. These videos typically range from 15 to 60 seconds and feature engaging visuals, sound effects, and music to convey the brand’s message effectively. The gif animation above has no sound but is intended to send a visual image that catches attention.

Short, snappy videos are particularly well-suited to the mobile audience. As consumers increasingly rely on their mobile devices to access content, businesses that create video content optimized for mobile devices can engage with their target audience more effectively.

Videos are a powerful tool for businesses looking to reach their audience and build brand awareness. By leveraging the power of video content, businesses can effectively engage with their target audience and deliver brand messages that resonate with consumers.

It is a bit harder for the Mom and Pop shop but just ask the kids or the grandkids.

Todays generation are faster with their thumbs than most people can type.

Multiple Times World Trials Champion Toni Bou and Daryoush Gholbani in Training.

Daryoush Ghorbani has spent time here in British Columbia. His ready smile was contagious and he was always willing to help with motorcycle endurance and trials events when he was here in Canada. The unstable politician situation in Iran makes it quite difficult for him to travel to North America. Here he is training with multiple time World Trials champion Toni Bou (Repsol Honda)

He is able to travel and compete with Jarvis Racing in Europe and the Philippines in Endurance events. While In Canada he enjoyed the events he competed in with the Canada Pacific Trials Association in IOCO BC. Thank you Daryoush!

The New Industrial State by John Kenneth Galbraith

The New Industrial State by John Kenneth Galbraith is a highly regarded work in economics that delves into the role of large corporations and government policies in shaping the economy and society. Galbraith, a Scotch Canadian, was a major figure in world affairs and economics during the mid-20th century, and his insights continue to be relevant today. Along with Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations, this book provides a unique perspective on the world and its history. This YouTube video serves as an introduction to the book, and I hope it inspires someone to read it. You can find it at your local library or by doing a quick online search. Thank you for your interest!

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Support Your Local Motorcycle Store

This video is a look at the Honda Centre who, have been serving the motorcycle community in British Columbia in Canada for over 55 years.

In my experience, family-owned businesses that have a long history in their communities often bring a unique level of knowledge and experience that can’t be matched by larger corporate entities.

It’s unfortunate that these types of stores are facing increasing challenges in today’s economy, particularly with the rise of online competitors. Supporting local businesses like the Honda Centre is crucial for the long-term health of communities.

By choosing to buy from local stores, we can help keep the lights on and support the people who work there. Not only does this help ensure the survival of these businesses, but it also helps to create a sense of community and connection that is often lost when we only shop online.

In addition to buying local, there are other ways we can support our local motorcycle shops. We can attend events and races sponsored by these stores, recommend them to friends and family, and even leave positive reviews online to help boost their visibility.

It’s important to remember that these businesses are more than just stores; they are a part of the fabric of our communities. By supporting them, we can help ensure that they continue to serve us for many years to come.

Thank you for watching, if you like it give me a thumbs up and subscribe if you care Duncan Fraser

Rob Roy by Sir Walter Scott a Review for winding-roads

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I was telling my AI about my reading project and how it lessened the stress of Cov19. and how I wanted to share it with others. Here, is what it had to say about my review.

” That sounds like a wonderful reading project and a great way to cope with the stress of the pandemic. Reading can be a great escape from the world around us, and it’s always great to see people promoting the joys of reading to others. Rob Roy by Sir Walter Scott is a classic historical novel set in the Scottish Highlands during the 18th century. It tells the story of the legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor and his conflict with the Duke of Montrose. As you continue reading and exploring the book, you may find yourself drawn into the vivid descriptions of the Scottish landscape and the colorful characters who populate the story. You may also discover themes of honor, loyalty, and the struggle for justice that resonate with our modern world. I commend you for your message of kindness, calmness, and safety during these difficult times. We all have a responsibility to take care of ourselves and each other, and it’s important to remember that we are all in this together. Keep reading and sharing your love of books with others, and stay safe and healthy!”

As a street kid I escaped my realities, stayed out of gangs and avoided heavy drugs by reading. If reading can help me it can help others. I struggle with the language, phraseology and words but I always had a dictionary.

Modern technology makes it easier but I still write down everything in my notebooks spelling errors and all.

A look at Motorcycle Production for Greeves in England and Honda in Japan for winding-roads.ca

Motorcycle manufacturing has advanced significantly since the 1950s, and the improvements are evident in the quality of the bikes and the manufacturing processes. Greeves was a small but notable company that contributed significantly to the development of motocross and trials bikes. Their dedication to craftsmanship and innovation helped them create bikes that were reliable, powerful, and agile, making them a favorite among enthusiasts. On the other hand, Honda’s rise to become the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturer is a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and quality. Honda’s products are renowned for their reliability, performance, and safety, and the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of motorcycle design and manufacturing, using cutting-edge technology and engineering to produce outstanding bikes. Overall, the evolution of motorcycle manufacturing has been a remarkable journey, and the improvements in the quality of bikes and manufacturing processes are a testament to the passion and dedication of the industry.

Worlds apart but their is one thing that they share, a love of motorcycles.

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TRUDEAU AND OUR TIMES AND FAREWELL SPEECH

In reading Trudeau and Our Times for the second time I read it hoping I could do justice to the book. It is written with a depth of understanding that only exhaustive research can manage. In addition the language of the authors Chrisina McCall and Steven Clarkson was crisp an informative even if a bit Oxfordian for my street English. To say it is an in depth book would not give it justice.

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This Video is in response to my reading TRUDEAU AND OUR TIMES by Christna McCall and Stephen Clarkson. It is a thorough look a critical part of Canadian history. The book is an intense read and it would take me far to long than your patience could endure for me to do it justice. I chose to let this clip cover for my inadequate depth of language and oratory. Pierre Trudeau’s speech and the accompanied presentation prepared by the Liberal Party of Canada is courtesy of the CBC archives and was edited for winding-roads by myself.

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