Gotryke

The U.S. Open: Hello Billie Jean King

Tamara — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 21:47:51 +0000

The U.S. Open quarter final match pitting sister against sister isn’t a bad way to start out watching professional tennis. From title sponsor Lexus digs, I watched the sweaty throw down between Venus and Serena Williams in absolute awe. The 124 mile serves executed by Wimbledon champ Venus crashed against the wall and Serena’s grunts and cries echoed on the Arthur Ashe court, as the thick suspense between the siblings captivated the crowd.

It was an epic evening since the match didn’t begin on time as the afternoon battle between Andy Murray and Juan Martin Del Portro lasted while into the evening. When Murray ended his note on a victory, the stands emptied and the full capacity evening crowd filtered into see what promised to be the greatest match of the quarters.

The Williams sisters seized the court, and from the sense of their body language early on, it was evident that match would be played with feverish intensity. Venus wiped her palms and the sweat poured, but when it was said and done it was a defiant and disciplined Serena who would take top honors. Hard to believe that there’s still more rounds until they name a ladies’ champion.

While I wasn’t tough enough to stay for the Nadal and flying Fish fry late night dual, the evening ended on a perfect note as I was introduced to Billie Jean King on the way out, who congratulated me on my own internal player development while I waited for my driver to pull around.

While Ms. King climbed into her Lexus SUV, I knew it was really time to leave as a stretch limo pulled up and Donald Trump climbed in. But, I will be back next year, with perhaps a little tennis under my belt.

Granted, I don’t know much about tennis, but after covering tennis players and their cars for Forbes Autos, I am considering picking up a racket soon. Kudos to my accompanying tennis expert Rosie who broke down very aspect of the score keeping, the tough technical moves and the players to watch.

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Technorati Tags: Andy Murray, Billie Jean King, Del Portro, Donald Trump, Lexus, Raphael Nadal, Serena Williams, U.S. Open, Venus Williams

2009 Hyundai Genesis: Mediated Luxury

Tamara — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:54:51 +0000

Don’t take it from take it from me. Heed the words of one of my favorite writers, Warren Brown of the Washington Post. Brown thinks the 2009 Hyundai Genesis offers luxury for common sense. And as usual, Brown has made a smart point. While the bum rush for hybrids and small cars is the general sentiment for those with a strained pocketbook, this affirmation ignores the American appetite for rationed indulgence.

Sure, it’s time to scale back and cut costs, but one too many of us are still unwilling to go without the things we enjoy. Long commuters, solid salaried employers and smart, sophisticated shoppers compose the UMCs (upper-middle class) that are the target for this ride. They’ve spent the last decade driving Lexus, BMW or Audi sedans. With the Genesis, here comes a car that doesn’t require a strict compromise on handling, ergonomic comforts or comfortable interiors, and down the road, it costs less, too. In an era where noble sacrifices are flaunted, this one has its talking points aimed directly Bimmer-buffs — which Hyundai doesn’t try to hide. “7 Series size, 5 Series performance, 3 Series price,” Hyundai execs quip. While gas might not be a saving point, sticker price is. It’s like a staycation for luxury buyers — stay in luxury cars for less.

What is likable about Genesis is the sumptuous and comfortable backseat, perfect for an accompanying adult’s afternoon nap and a confident throttle that propel people for a pleasant ride in long commutes.Genesis isn’t as enjoyable in response as the nimble Cadillac CTS, nor a gutsy BMW racer, but it depends on what the driver is going for. In the looks department, it’s frankly a bit of yawn.

The Genesis does have impeccable timing in a fickle market, enough to sail in under the radar with subtle luxury. It’s not a bulky SUV, nor a conspicuous premium gas sipper. Think of Genesis as a tasteful rider in tough times that goes from $32,250.00 to $37,250.00. Hmm. Its looks like Hyundai has socked one to Lexus using their own formula - build a deal they can’t refuse.

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Trick or Treat: The Westward Journey

Tamara — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:37:54 +0000

By Rachelle Gauthier. Rides Magazine former managing editor Rachelle chronicles big coastal moves to sunny California bike paths.

It was like a bad magic show—my travel experience to the West Coast. Granted, I booked my own ticket with two connecting flights, and like some silly white rabbit, the trickery appeared. See, I boarded my flight, out of Newark, NJ feeling exhausted, hungry and parched. Before I could even contemplate asking for an overly used, germ-filled pillow and blanket, I fell asleep. I found sweet slumber for 20 minutes before I was awakened by a high-pitch voice. “…One dollar for coffee and tea, two dollars for soft beverages, including water and seven dollars for some beer, wine and…” Shocked, pissed and still parched I knew this airline would supply no treats for my palate until my first layover in Charlotte, NC.

It was there that I bumped into a huge Rockstar (what’s up Greg?); I loaded my body up with some carbs from Bojangles and wished I were there already. Five hours later, my wish was granted. My Sweets picked me up in my newly used car, Sylvia (’05 Cadillac SRX) and after a day of some rest, we were off to explore Cali life. See, I had to change up the game plan. Instead of driving 2 ½ hours east to Joshua Tree, my bum needed a rest from the hours of ing—(flying, sitting, sleeping, and not drinking). I wished to go on a bike ride. Access granted, Venice Beach.

My handsome guy handled the drive, while I soaked in the atmosphere. It was picture, extra perfect. People were outside, doing extra-curricular activities. Inspired, I wanted in. Within 10 minutes, we parked, rented two spoiler bikes and started cruisin’. I discovered the beauty, the versatility of the Pacific. There are your Cirque de Soleil types, rehearsing on the beach, families, friends, joggers, cyclists, beach, vendors, and a cruisin’-through-life-type attitude that I am now adopting. And, I experienced a significant sunset that made all the tricks I endured the biggest treat of my new life thus far.

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Technorati Tags: 2005 Cadillac SRX, Rockstar

Chicago Cubs Daryle Ward’s 64 Chevy Impala

Tamara — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:10:53 +0000

First basemen and slugger Chicago Cubs Daryle Ward learned about more than baseball from his father Gary Ward, who played for the Minnesota Twins, Texas Ranger, New York Yankees and my Detroit Tigers. Ward, like his father and grandfather, is a professed car guy.

“I remember being in my dad’s ‘55 Chevy truck. He recently rebuilt it about 2 years ago. He’s in California. My grandfather was into cars, my dad was into it, and that’s how I got into it,” Ward said to me in a phone interview shortly after the end of the 2007 season.

“I like the old cars and I like the new cars too.” Ward’s old schools include a 1969 Chevy Impala wagon hoisting a 396 and a 1964 Chevy Impala with a 327 crate engine.

“I got it with the Dodgers in 2003. The guy has this 64 Impala. It was. We see it on all kinds of hip hop ideos. It looked like the Batmobile. It attracted my eye.” Ward’s four children that range in age from 4 to 13, like their daddy’s ‘64, too. “They love the Impala as much as I do. I have one daughter and three boys they love the way it sounds.” That’s the car that fans love to watch him pull up to weekend games at Wrigley Field.

Ward was drafted to the Detroit Tigers in 1998. After a decade in the league and a cool $1 million plus salary, Ward has long been able to afford the cars of his dreams. “I have had so many new cars.” As of our interview, he was particularly fond of his aMercedes-Benz G500. “I like the look. I had an Mercedes ML 55. I really like them new. You can ‘t beat the performance.”

The family man also has a GMC Suburban, a Ford Expedition and a Dodge magnum with an R/T engine. “I’m in between them all. I got a little speed demon in me, but most of the time I’m cruising.”

The 33-year old player is a veteran who advises young players on their cars from time to time. “They ask me questions. If they’re looking for an old vehicle I know a little bit, but I don’t every detail.”

When Ward hits the field, he’s as chilled out as a ‘64 Chevy. “My playing style is different. I’m laid back on the field. Its something I’ve been doing my whole life. I’m the type of person who holds feelings inward. The older I get its important to show enthusiasm a little bit so the guys don’t think I’m not in it.” He was able to step up to the plate most recently with a pinch-hitting three run homer against the Florida Marlins in the 9th inning a few weeks ago.

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Technorati Tags: 64 Chevy Impala, baseball, Chevy, Chicago Cubs, Daryle Ward, Gary Ward, Impala

Complete Skateboard

chuck — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:04:49 +0000

The complete skateboard concept is essentially “designed to make
skateboarding feel more like surfing”, with a huge leaf-spring mounted
between it’s long deck and the wheels. Video and pics after the jump.

New type of skateboard

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Technorati Tags: board, complete skateboard, concept, DESIGN, skate

Lost Amongst the Trees: Texas Nursery and Landscape Expo

Tamara — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 16:46:17 +0000

By JW.
JW, is our newest GoTryke Contributor. He’s our own auto industry insider. He reports live from remote destinations in the heartland.

I flew to Houston-god-awful-hot-Texas this month. My mission was to work at the Texas Nursery and Landscape Expo. This is an annual three day event where wholesale nursery owners and landscapers bring their produce and equipment to show. The room is packed with thousands of trees and plants. Workers haul bags of ice every day of the show to keep every plant and tree moist.

Since many of the 1500+ booths are similar, people try to differentiate their displays. Some put out the obligatory bowl of candy, others offer homegrown figs to sample. One truck dealer handed out “sippy sacks” with small paper bags that serve as beer can holders. Some booths distinguish themselves by their product, like the folks selling Chicky Doo, a natural plant fertilizer.

One grower had a Chevy race car on display, as if sponsoring a driver would sell more plants. More unexpected is a motorcycle with a sidecar, filled with plants. I learned that it’s a 750cc Chang Jiang machine—a knockoff which is a cross between a BMW and a Yamaha.

I thought the Tushhogg-60 was a pretty remarkable exhibit. The 2300 RPM rotating cylinder has dozens of four inch teeth and can literally mow down a woods. You can level an acre in a couple hours, grinding your way through trees with 10 inch trunks. For the person who gets kicks out of running fossil-fueled machines, this has got to be a thrill.

If knocking down woods isn’t fulfilling enough there is the Dakota 90 tree spade. That machine can dig up full grown 40 ft trees. It has a camera system and can be remote-controlled to dig down ninety inches under a tree and lift it from the ground A person could move an entire woods in one day.

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Driving Fashion: Acne Creates Clothing with Comfort and Style

Tamara — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:18:49 +0000

By Christine Arnefors

August is filled with Scandinavian style first Copenhagen Fashion Week and then Stockholm Fashion Week. Instead of meeting new beautiful friends and influential bloggers at the runway shows, I’ve been hanging around with an old beige Mercedes in a dusty Swedish small town in the hopes of finally getting a driver’s license.

Sadly enough, fashion and cars seem hard to unite. New behind the steering wheel, driving is a physical challenge that includes wrestling with the gearbox and kicking the brakes. Shoes with high heels are a no-no. Practically everything that is cute and floppy is just not car-compatible. I’m left with a pair of running shoes, in a shining white which makes my feet look a size 10½. Oh horror.

But the big news is…looking sporty is the new black! The Swedish brand Acne has managed to keep its cred among the Swedish fashion underground while simultaneously expanding abroad, such as a collaboration with French Lanvin and the opening of a flagship store in New York, presented a new, sport influenced line during Copenhagen Fashion Week. Right in time for the Olympic Games, too.

The chief designer Jonny Johansson explained how he got the idea from a woman biking through Tribeca in New York wearing a suit jacket and sporty leggings, looking effortlessly great. Their new line for women, “Acne New Standard,” available in summer 2009, combines sportswear with more formal wear, and men’s wear with women’s wear. And for lovers of expensive accessories: a minimalist racer bike made in cooperation with Italian Bianchi will also be on sale.

Comfort and style in a perfect combination? Choose for yourself, but next summer I will certainly be able to strut up any street in town wearing casual car wear in the style of a retired personal trainer, pretending I just sprang out from a high fashion model shoot.

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Technorati Tags: Acne, Bianchi, Copenhagen Fashion Week, fashion

Smartie Pants fortwo: The Passion of the 2009 Smart Car Convertible. VIDEO

Tamara — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:29:18 +0000

Kerplunk! That was me cross a treacherous pothole on the FDR. The car veers to the left, to the right, but I’m so small that I barely even move to the edge of the lane. I’m zipping uptown in the 2009 Smart fortwo Passion cabriolet en route to Tarrytown, a Westchester County ‘burb to drive another car, but that’s another story.

Heads are turning to gaze at Smartie and I. We feel lean, mean and frankly, a little naked, even with the cabriolet top snuggly close. I was warned that I may want to avoid driving on a rainy day, and though the forecast calls for drizzle, I’m taking my chances in what is now slightly overcast skies. With the wiggles on the rocky surface street and small size, it’s hard to remember that the NHSTA gives great ratings for safety.

I wonder if I’m in the best condition to honestly assess Smart. (Try 8 months pg.) But nonetheless, this is the stuff of life, and I’m sure Smart owning ladies get knocked up, too. Never mind the smarting in my backside as I try to adapt to the go-kart like suspension that feel like a ship crashing on high seas. It’s about keeping an eye on the prize - a mouthwatering 41 mpg on a highway somewhat like this one. (In actually, the FDR is more like a city street with all that stop and go, so I’m anticipating more like 33 mpg.

It’s been a whirlwind for Smart since they went on sale Jan. 16. in the U.S. Currently, 69 stores sell Smart nationally, which will grow to 75 by the year’s end. That means 11,400 vehicles and waiting list of 40,000. The average Smart buyer has to wait over a year. “The Micro car segment isn’t a fad, it’s a trend,” Smart spokesperson Ket Kettenbeil says.

Smart feels foreign in it’s punchy handling, which it many ways it is. The US is the 37th country to sell Smart. Formerly a Daimler-Chrysler sidegig, Smart found a new home with Penske Automotive in Michigan. Nothing much will change in the engineering soon, but what is coming are new colors and new options. From the reactions on the street, Smart Drivers are in a peculiar elite cast of their own. They can keep tabs on each other by social networking. For the Smartusainsider.com

Smart fortwo Passion Cabriolet from Chuck Gibson on Vimeo.

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Uno for the Road

chuck — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 19:00:36 +0000

The inspiration for the Uno Cycle hit 18 year old Ben Gulak when he visited China in 2006. He was amazed by the overwhelming pollution that completely blocked the view of the surrounding country as his airplane came in for landing. He realized that much of that smog was coming from the thousands of motor scooters whizzing through the streets and figured that there had to be a better way.

His design features two wheels mounted side by side, very close together, and is powered by electric motors. A computerized control system keeps the vehicle balanced in a system similar to the Segway personal transporter. But unlike the Segway, which is ridden in a standing position and is not considered a street vehicle, Gulak’s “Uno” is ridden like a motorcycle and designed for ordinary roads.

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Under the BQE Bridge: 8th Annual Kustom Kills and Hot Rod Thrills

Tamara — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:01:24 +0000

The smell of leaded gasoline coursed through the air. Mustached men, red-lipsticked ladies and greased-up fellas sipped cans of beer, leaning against their ‘55 Chevys, ‘62 Buicks and 30’s Fords. Vendors dolled out flea market fair of patches, smutty signs and vintage pins. The Rumblers Car Club of NYC transforms trendy Williamsburgh, BK into a melee of hotrod madness.

The buzz of conversation was interrupted every 10 minutes or so by a barrage of rocket noises emitting from the pipes of hot rods and choppers, speeding down the strip with wild fish tailing abandon. The biggest cheers of all came when NYPD sped through, good-natured participants. People shook their heads as a ”55 Chevy dropped it’s clutch.

The annual event is open to pre-1964 hot rods, customs, stockers and beaters. However, we managed to sneak in with artist Lee Quinones’ 1965 Dodge Coronet. Parking was tight by 11 am, and the underpass was stacked with car fanatics out to glimpse under the hoods and soak up the nostalgia. Kaves from the Lordz park up the block with his ‘58 Buick. While last year the show fell on a relentless steamy Saturday, this year the comfortably warm August day kept people lingering in perfect burnout weather.

Punk pride gives this hot rod show, an East coast injection of rockabilly culture organized by Agnostic Front vocalist Roger Miret. Bands play all day at Union Pool, the headquarters for the Rumblers’ prominent parking pavillion. How they get away with it in a land of million-dollar condos, I don’t know. But that’s exactly what makes this particular car show so much fun.

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Technorati Tags: 65 Dodge Coronet, 8th Annual Kustom Kills and Hot Rod Thrills, Agnostic Front, Brooklyn, Kaves, Rumblers NYC, the Lords, Williamsburg