Kowalski

[YamadudeXS650C]

I like to check out old service stations, garages. Equally, to meet the owner, which is something that can be difficult to accomplish. A week ago, while touring the Catskill Mountain Region of NYS, I stopped at the only garage in North Blenheim; "Asshole's Garage," the sign said. A bit intimidated, I forged ahead, intrigued with the exterior.

"Bah Humbug" was spray painted on the front window. The interior bays were also "colorful", a Model T (?) was being worked on, and a life-size Smokey The Bear stood in the corner. Lots of stuff on the walls.

I was told that "The Mayor" was in the back, in his office. I found the owner doing a crossword puzzle, and at first I got a sense that I was quite unwelcome. Not the case, it turns out, and The Mayor (he made no explanation for that title) said he had been there for 31 years, and "regretted none of it". He shook my hand and introduced himself as Stephen Kowalski. "A good Polish name", he said.

I blurted out, "Kowalski ! I know that name, from the movies. Brando, yes?" "Yup," The Mayor said, "On The Waterfront". "STELLA !!!", we both yelled in unison. Well, he got the movie wrong (it was A Streetcar Named Desire, actually), but who cares. I certainly didnt want to correct The Mayor of North Blenheim.

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

There was at least one other Kowalski in the Movies, and he drove a white 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T.
Please tell me that I'm not the only person who remembers this flick, which was up there with Bullitt.

 

[robinc]

Ah Bullit, gotta watch that one again. And then Gumball Rally.

 

[MaxPete]

Vanishing Point....?

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

When I lived in New York, I was told about a new breed of sport fish. A hybrid cross of the coho salmon and walleye. Called it a "Kowalski". Said they were having trouble teaching it to swim...

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

Vanishing Point....?

You got it, Pete! Vanishing Point:

With Cleavon Little playing the blind radio DJ.

But I imagine that you might be remembering the Honda 350 in the movie:

 

[ron bayless]

I like to check out old service stations, garages. Equally, to meet the owner, which is something that can be difficult to accomplish. A week ago, while touring the Catskill Mountain Region of NYS, I stopped at the only garage in North Blenheim; "Asshole's Garage," the sign said. A bit intimidated, I forged ahead, intrigued with the exterior.

View attachment 103828

View attachment 103829

"Bah Humbug" was spray painted on the front window. The interior bays were also "colorful", a Model T (?) was being worked on, and a life-size Smokey The Bear stood in the corner. Lots of stuff on the walls.

View attachment 103830

View attachment 103831

I was told that "The Mayor" was in the back, in his office. I found the owner doing a crossword puzzle, and at first I got a sense that I was quite unwelcome. Not the case, it turns out, and The Mayor (he made no explanation for that title) said he had been there for 31 years, and "regretted none of it". He shook my hand and introduced himself as Stephen Kowalski. "A good Polish name", he said.

View attachment 103832

I blurted out, "Kowalski ! I know that name, from the movies. Brando, yes?" "Yup," The Mayor said, "On The Waterfront". "STELLA !!!", we both yelled in unison. Well, he got the movie wrong (it was A Streetcar Named Desire, actually), but who cares. I certainly didnt want to correct The Mayor of North Blenheim.

cool story

 

[Mailman]

Of course I remember vanishing point! The ending was crazy, the car was cool, the chick was hot! It had everything a teen age boy could want! Haha!

 

[Mailman]

I took this photo in front of an abandoned gas station in Skull Valley Arizona.

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Looks like you guyz have laid the foundation for another fun game.
Pic of your XS with an old station...

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

I took this photo in front of an abandoned gas station in Skull Valley Arizona.
View attachment 103856

I love it !
The Skull Valley Garage sounds like the backdrop to a Hitchcock film. Located down the street from the Bates Motel.

One of my long-term dreams has been to find an old garage sign like that one for the outside of my own home garage/workshop. That dream was finally realized a month ago when I came across these 14" inch high metal/porcelain vintage letters at a flea market. I managed to find the six key letters. ...............G-A-R-A-G-E ; Here are 3 of them the day I brought them home.

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

Looks like you guyz have laid the foundation for another fun game.
Pic of your XS with an old station...

The Game is on !

 

[Mailman]

Looks like you guyz have laid the foundation for another fun game.
Pic of your XS with an old station...

Brilliant! I love that idea!

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

Just started a new Game Thread.
Thanks to 2M.

 

[Mailman]

I'm already thinking of old towns within striking distance.

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

I'm already thinking of old towns within striking distance.

Me, too.
Its good to have a new goal/purpose for taking a ride.

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

I took this photo in front of an abandoned gas station in Skull Valley Arizona.
View attachment 103856

V-Strom, yes? Which model?

 

[Mailman]

2011 DL650, it's a sweetie! Lots of go but not too heavy!

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

Great pictures !
The high tension carriers remind me of 1950's sci-fi monster films. The B & W lends the photo to that period.

I knew nothing at all about the DL models until a few years ago when I took the KLR down to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I came upon a retired Japanese fellow on a DL at a pull-over. He spoke very little English, but after a few minutes we were "talking motorcycle" pretty well (common language, these motorcycles) and he suggested we switch bikes for 5 miles. He had lowered his, making it quite accessible, compared to my KLR, which was just like getting on a horse. I really enjoyed the DL, and remain interested in getting one. The engine designs pleasantly reminds of ...........it escapes me at the moment,.......an Italian model.......

 

[YamadudeXS650C]

2011 DL650, it's a sweetie! Lots of go but not too heavy!
View attachment 103866
View attachment 103868

I really liked the KLR, and I took it way, way, out, deep into forests, where I encountered almost no other vehicles. Ultimately, I crashed it at a low speed one day, and shattered my hip. Lay on the ground for a few hours until someone came along and helped me back on the bike to ride home. I decided to sell to leave the memories behind. Thats me in the mirrors.