Post Bonneville Photographic Experience

I have just returned from "Speed Week" on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. Not that Speed Week is over. That won't happen until the end of the week. After more than a year of altering and upgrading the BMW R75 /6 racer with sidecar, my old friend who is the designer, mechanic and rider of said racing motorcycle, it all came to naught at the moment my friend discovered his special racing leathers blew out, just after actually getting the top half zipped up. And for the record, leather does not "shrink". Old men's bodies do go through redistribution remodeling, concerning expansions of the body proper. We didn't discuss this right away.

My friend held up well, and there was no outward hysterical bawling, or even perpetual whining afterwards, as my friend is truly a stoic individual. After eleven years of running for world speed records, claiming eleven, between El Mirage and Bonneville courses, it was the leathers that kept him from adding to, as well as retaking two records this year. Somehow that freaked me out more than him. Harry is a true Stoic.

The adventure wasn't all a bust. Being the official recording photographer of the trip I was able to bring back a number of images of a rather rare event, as events go. At the beginning of the official event opening, either Peggy or Peter Penguin showed up, as if sighting our thick throng of people and roaring big block engines was compelling for checking out. Once she/he made it to the starting line, she/he pretty much took over and began inspecting the vehicles... but not before meeting the local fauna and enjoying a cool drink.

Although my focus in photography has reverted back to an earlier period, and the hand coated printing I so loved, I still shoot current events and themes using a digital camera, a Canon 20D. Yeah, old, like me. But it has the black & white setting, with filters and toning. So, I give you P. Penguin at the Bonneville Speed Week; World of Speed:

P. Penguin 

 Once she/he saw the race vehicles...

 She sauntered over for the racer's meeting...

 That begat a friendship with a rather happy Labrador....

 The starting line was irresistible...
and from there.....

P. Penguin with a little buddy that snuck into the frame....

The view from the starting line at Mile Marker 0; on an 8 mile course.
The "Long Course" for speeds now nearing 500 mph. Snaps to follow.