The bikers amongst us will recognize the subject matter without prompting. Those of you who aren’t bikers or are of such tender years that you don’t know or remember Steve McQueen may need some explanation. The re-enactment at the link is of the most famous motorcycle jump in all
Long time readers may recall I posted a tribute to Bud Ekins when he died a couple of years back. Mr. Ekins is the guy who actually made the jump, and there's also good "back story" about the filming of said jump in the linked article. So… I’m directing you to a re-make of the jump above… which was made on one of these:
Now if THAT doesn’t tempt you…nothing will. The Metisse is a most gorgeous piece of machinery in both sight and sound and you get to see it put to its true purpose in life... tearing up golf courses and jumping over seven foot high fences. Do go.
Well, I just had to come out of the Rat Hole for this one, you know.
ReplyDeleteI am laying out the cards as I type and I see a handsome Metisse in your future, one in a very nice British Racing Green. Viva los senior delinquents!
Heh. I'm tempted to go on about unfair play, privileged communication, resorting to peer pressure (however subtle), and other female-type tricks... but I won't. ;-)
ReplyDeleteNow it really IS off to bed. (BIG ol' grin)
Heh-heh-heh ... well, you already know how I can get when it comes to promoting senior delinquency.
ReplyDeleteNow have a great sleep ... with lovely dreams counting the gorgeous Metisse jumping fences. Fess up, sheep just ain't the same somehow.
That bike is SO fabulous it actually makes me itch for one...
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if that scene from The Great Escape qualifies as the Best. Stunt. Ever., but it has to be at least in the top 2 or 3.
ReplyDeletePhlegmmy: She's a beauty, ain't she?
ReplyDeleteMike: Small quibbling point... I said "the most famous motorcycle jump in all Hollywood history…" not stunt. But I'm of the opinion that it would also qualify in your category, as well. I'm supremely biased, of course. ;-)
that bike is so freaking old school cool...just wicked cool.
ReplyDeleteI always love seeing that clip. Reading the article made it that much better.
ReplyDeleteGreat Movie, and now when I watch it on TMC, I'll have a new view in by brain.....also great bike, a little more classic than the Kaw 250 I use to MotoX back 35 years ago....but that to was a running, jumping machine.
ReplyDeleteor should that be ...."new view in my brain...? Anyway, I'll view the movie differently from now on.
ReplyDelete;)
I watched "The Great Escape" a few nights ago---I'm sorry I didn't pay more attention to the motorcycle. I DID amuse myself by casting new actors for a contemporary remake of the movie. Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Dominic Monaghan, Brad Pitt, and Hugh Laurie are some I came up with. Let's add Mitesse, shall we :)
ReplyDeleteGreat movie, of course. I don't ever remember seeing McQueen in anything I didn't like.
ReplyDeleteJay: Yes...yes, it IS wicked cool. I get all aroused just looking at the pictures; God only knows what I'd do if I actually had the chance to RIDE one! This is the exception to the "they don't make 'em like that any more."
ReplyDeletePat: Believe it or don't... guys were still racing Turnips and Gold Stars in AMA District 37 desert races back when I campaigned. The ground shook when those guys rode by...
Deborah sez: I DID amuse myself by casting new actors for a contemporary remake of the movie. Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Dominic Monaghan, Brad Pitt, and Hugh Laurie are some I came up with. Let's add Mitesse, shall we :)
Interesting exercise, Deborah! I'm wondering how a re-make would sell these days...
Jim: McQueen is one of my absolute faves, as well.