Monday, June 20, 2016

Rider profile: Ed Thomas

Name: Ed Thomas
Find me on Earth: Toronto (Leaside)
Find me Online: No website or blogs.
Interview Date: June 2016
Interview Location: Cyberspace
Copyright - Stephanie Yue

Life on two wheels: When did you start riding, how old were you?

Ed: Not sure, 1967 or 1968, so fourteen or fifteen. I was licenced at 17 (M before G). Though I was on hiatus from ‘78 thru ’08.

Life on two wheels: How many motorbikes have you owned?

Ed: Three, not including a ‘50s NSU moped.

Life on two wheels: What is your current bike, and is the current bike your favorite?

Ed: I still have the same three bikes: a ‘61 Puch DS60; a ‘66 Puch 250 SGS (Twingle); and an ‘87 BMW K75S.

Can’t say I have a favorite. Each is better at different things.

Copyright - Ed Thomas

Life on two wheels: Talk to me about the most challenging riding skill you learned.

Ed: Still working on it. Locked over u-turns (feet up of course).

Life on two wheels: Are you a moto-commuter, a tourer, or a fair weather rider?

Ed: Yes, yes, and no. If we were face-to-face I’d show you a few camera/phone shots ...(ed.: the wonders of the interwebs means that face-to-face is only one way of doing things.)



Copyright - Ed Thomas

Life on two wheels: Are you a solitary rider? How about riding in a group?

Ed: I really enjoy both. Although as a sweep/tailgunner I mostly don’t have to ride ‘in’ the group. :-)

Life on two wheels: I dare you to share an awkward or embarrassing riding moment.

Ed:  Back in 2009. I dumped the scoot on Queen West on account of some street car tracks. It was embarassing 'cause it was dry and I wasn't paying attention.

I’m not going to share my most embarrassing moment.

Life on two wheels: What is the best place your bike has taken you?

Ed: It was on a rental bike, a 125cc (?) Lambretta in 1971. Rode from my Grandmother’s flat in London to visit my Grandfather near Invergordon, Scotland. That summer was the last time I saw my Grandparents.

Life on two wheels: Tell me why you ride.

Ed: One needs a reason?

Life on two wheels: If I could grant you one riding wish, what would it be?

Ed: A week or more of intense wok cooking lessons. During a road trip of course.

_____________________________

7 comments:

SonjaM said...

This is the stuff of legends. I mean take a look at the brick bike and the man's outfit.

David Masse said...

Ed is an amazing guy. He sewed those gauntlets. The gauntlets, the Beemer and the helmet all match. It's just awesome.

Coop a.k.a. Coopdway said...

Love Ed's Puch's, a nice mix with his K bike.

Unknown said...

Actually, the gauntlets were made to match the scoot, and the coat & helmet were for the Twingle. All predate motobrick ownership. I should have sent a pic of all 3 bikes together.

Unknown said...

Of the 3, the scoot is the bike most likely to start a conversation ...

Unknown said...

Strangely entertaining: the juxtaposition between how others perceive us; and how we see ourselves. ;)

David Masse said...

Doug I knew Puch as a brand of desireable mopeds, but knew nothing about their scoots and motorcycles until I met Ed.

The copyright in all text and photographs, except as noted, belongs to David Masse.