River Road Ride - Not a car in sight.

Westerly Willy and his Son of Whizzer.

I had more fun this afternoon talking to my new friend Whizzer Willy. He was outfront of Remy's Cycle in Westerly, installing new brake cables, maybe replacing a chain, keeping this one-of-a-kind motor bike alive and humming. Bill nodded in the affirmative when asked if his ride was descended from the legendary Whizzers built in the US from 1939-1965. Guys like me, of a certain age and place, dreamed of owning a Whizzer. I rode a couple of them, pre-driver's license, but could never get the parents to sign off on one. Bill's bike is largely custom made. Extra-sturdy bike frame, single cylinder engine, one gear, specially milled seat and suspension uint. That gorgeous exhaust system is tuned for sound and performance. Keep the shiny side up, Bill!

First smoked these bad boys in Summer of '62

A new friend (American) is traveling in France. He sent me a pic with a cig in his mouth - it looked like a cigarette; anway, he doesn't smoke. I was reminded of the French "national smoke" Gauloises. And while I did not fire these bad boys up in Par-ee, I came to know the brand very well in Spain on my first trip there in 1962. Black tobacco, unfiltered, smelly, strong as hell. Of course I inhaled. Another friend's grandson is traveling in France and Spain now. Hope he 'takes my word for it,' and doesn't need to check these out himself.