4 ON THE FLOOR

 

What’s should only have two wheels but has four? The Quadro4 that’s what, the new four-wheeled scooter designed in Switzerland and if the Swiss like ‘em there can’t be anything at all wrong with them. Let’s face it the Swiss aren’t exactly keen on anything with an internal combustion engine; it plays havoc with their cuckoo clocks so it seems. The other up side to a scooter with four wheels is that you can ride it on a car driving license since the Quadro4 has……oh yeh, four wheels!

 

 

 

 

Invited to give one a whirl by Hayley over at DTM Panther Trikes at Liversedge in Yorkshire, the Aged Rocker was greeted by the pleasures of a spring morning, snow, hail, ice, rain and sub-zero temperatures which all added up to the briefest of test rides. Best known for converting Honda Goldwings, Harley-Davidsons and other big bruiser bikes into three-wheeled masterpieces, Hayley and her dad have now added the Quadro range to their portfolio which means both the 3 and the 4 are now available. However, it didn’t alter the fact that the Quadro4 is a serious piece of kit which for just under nine grand has some serious potential as economical daily transport or an enjoyable and seriously different source of weekend touring entertainment.

 

 

 

 

Described by its makers as the first SUV or Safe Utility Vehicle, this ‘twist-and-go’ scooter provides the rider with the unique Hydraulic Tilt System which means it banks over by up to forty-five degrees when cornering. In other words, it rides like a scooter but in many ways handles like a bike but with twice the amount of grip. You can even fit an adventure pack and 110/80x14 snow tyres to the alloy rims, something you can’t do with the two-wheeled options.

 

 

 

Power and believe me when I say there’s plenty of it comes from a liquid cooled 346cc single-cylinder engine, the 4-stroke, 4-valve engine mounted within the scooter’s steel frame directly beneath the rider. Kicking out 30hp and 24.5Nm of torque, all the rider has to do is twist the right-hand grip and off it goes with far more gusto than at first expected. Petrol from the 14 litre tank is fed via electronic fuel injection whilst the CVT transmission and dual-drive belt system means the bike takes care of the gear changes; all you have to do is ride it.

 

Hydraulic vented disc brakes all round take care of the retardation whilst the hydro-pneumatic tilting suspension front and rear take care of the bumps, bangs and potholes. And at just 2,180mm long and 800mm wide it takes up less space than one of Yorkshire’s famous puddings whilst the step-through design and 770mm seat height means if you’ve over indulged in said Yorkshire delicacy you won’t have any problems climbing on board.

 

 

 

 

The other striking ability of the Quadro4 is that it stands up all of its own accord whilst it even has a handbrake. All you have to do once behind the handlebars is disengage the brake and release the lever that allows the Quadro4 to tilt. Turn the key, press the starter and twist the right grip is all you need to do get underway, something even the AR managed. Right grip lever does the front brakes, the one of the left grip deploying restrain to all four corners. And if you don’t fancy that the pedal under the rider’s right foot does the exact same job. Please do note though, with the tilting mechanism in play you will need to put a foot down when you come to a halt. But with the wheels straight and the left brake lever pulled, the system temporarily disengages and you can sit with your feet on the foot plates…but don’t let go of the lever!

  

 

 

The instruments are clear enough for a brief glance to tell you just how fast you’re going, the minimal switchgear easy to use whilst the ‘King & Queen’ seat offers plenty of room and comfort for two riders. There’s even a small cubby beneath the seat to stow small items   

Available in a wide variety of just four eye catching colours including the Swiss Red as seen here, you can choose from Snow White, (dwarves optional), Raw Black and Titanium Grey along with a whole host of additional options. Top boxes, wind deflectors, hand protectors and a larger screen are just some of the extras you can lavish on your Quadro4. But whatever you decide on, the best bit of the factory fit options is style. The Quadro4 really does look good and when you take into account the dramatic amount of extra grip the extra pair of wheels and tilting system add you’ll quickly appreciate just how advanced and rider friendly the Quadro4 actually is.

 

A bike that seriously impressed the Aged Rocker, to have a good look round a Quadro4 for yourself give Hayley a bell at DTM Panther Trikes on 01924 235655 or email them at info@dtbpanthertrikes.co.uk

DOES IT WORK……

 

If you study the various reports the wonderful world of modern medicine will confidently tell you that TCM or Traditional Chinese Medicine more or less doesn’t work. Well if it didn’t work there’s every chance that it wouldn’t have lasted for over two thousand years. Over in China, modern or western medicine has become the preserve of the wealthy the use of traditional methods considered something that the older folks or the less well off still use. In other words, modern medicine especially in China has become the fashionable way to get better.

 

 

Granted, if you break a bone or need a joint replacing then modern methods work a treat since there’s no Old Chinese equivalent. But for lesser ailments and muscle problems its TCM that has from my perspective untold benefits. If you’ve got back or a headache, IBS or anything similar, jacking up on pain killers is all well and good but the thing is the problem hasn’t actually gone away, it’s just that you can’t feel it anymore. Add in the fact that painkillers in any great quantity rip your guts apart and that you’ll have to keep finding stronger and stronger doses and its more or less testament to the fact whatever ails you has gone anywhere.

 

 

Taking me the Aged Rocker as a prime example confirming that I’m more aged than even I thought, due to a racing accident in my mid-20’s that jarred my back and years of doing a variety of daft things, there’s a joint in my spine that locks up. Not only has this caused the onset of mild arthritis something that’s also starting to appear in my right elbow and thumb, the locking causes the muscles to tighten up in an effort to protect said joint. The end result is back and neck pain that numerous osteopaths have tried in vein to cure.

 

 

It was during a conversation with straight talking Yorkshireman and an ex-member of the SAS that an unusual question was asked and that was ‘Have you ever seen a Chinaman?’ Certainly I have, folk from China aren’t exactly a rarity. Next statement was ‘But have you ever been to see a Chinese osteopath?’ to which my answer was no. Osteopathy is osteopathy is it not? It seems however not to be, the curative powers of the Chinese practitioners way in excess of their western counterparts. The difference so it seems is most conventional osteopaths practice a form of relaxing osteopathy whilst the Chinese apply the old style restorative and therapeutic version.   

 

 

And so it came to be, a visit to Dr. Xionghua Chen started me on the path to a pain free back, monthly or six weekly visits ensuring that my spine and the muscles around it don’t inflict pain anymore. The other aspect is that no pills or portions are or have been required. Like Chen whilst these Chinese guys work all over the world, they’ve nearly all studied and qualified back in China, gaining the necessary qualifications a hard path to follow.

 

 

Now if your chosen Chinese osteopath is worthy of the title such as Chen the first step is the initial interview to ascertain exactly what’s up with you and the course of treatment that will be needed. But even as I walked into the surgery and across to the desk, Chen had already made at least fifty percent of his diagnosis. Five minutes later he jammed his thumb into my back just next to my right shoulder blade and the pain and stiffness vanished. Reason being a nerve that is situated behind where five muscles intersect was being constantly triggered which in turn meant the actual muscles had developed a new, contorted memory.

 

 

Although it took six consecutive weeks of treatment along with the regular visits, the nerve was effectively returned to normal service; the muscles relaxed and reeducated the end result being the end of back pain. Massage used in conjunction with acupuncture where the insertion of these small needles link up the body’s natural meridians and energy points, the combined outcome is a genuine physical revelation. And whilst some so called learned bodies claim acupuncture hasn’t the slightest effect, they’ve probably been fortunate enough to never have to call on the talents of people like Dr. Chen.   

Likewise, more gentle treatment to elbow and thumb now means they operate as normal, just the occasional exercises keeping all three now potential problems at bay. Interestingly the natural penetrating oils used can also be employed to reduce stiffness after walking or riding a motorbike, the effects instant. Better still, if you call into any Chinese osteopath they’ll be willing and able to provide you with a bottle at a more than reasonable cost.

But it doesn’t end there when it comes to TCM, herbal shampoos and creams that clear up skin complaints within a matter of days and cough remedies that besides being pleasant to take really do work and once again no unpleasant smells or side effects. And if its general aches and pains you can even head into your nearest supermarket, both red and green Tiger Balm nearly always on the shelves. Similarly, the herbal remedy to cue IBS, two days after taking the recommended dosage of the small pills, the problem vanished. Yet again the modern TV advertised cures doing nothing more than dull the pain and relaxing the gut muscles instead of flushing out what’s causing the problem. So does TCM actually work, the answer much to the annoyance of many is a resounding yes!

The one fallacy is ginseng, for years marketed as an ancient form of Viagra. In total there are seven varieties of ginseng the most common being the two Panax strains from either Asia and Korea or America, whilst this famous root derived herbal supplement is supposed to improve matters in the trouser department, it ain’t instant. It takes an eighteen week course for any effect to even start to take place so if you’re in need of it, plan early! The upside of ginseng is ginseng plays a beneficial role in the regulation of liver function, improves blood sugar management which is why many diabetics use it and is a natural combatant of stress and mood swings whilst it has a very positive effect on enhancing calmness and memory retention.   

As regards seeing real Chinese osteopaths expect to pay around £60 for the initial interview and treatment and then about £40 thereon with the added bonus that most private health insurance policies will recompense the patient. Even doctors are now starting to understand and suggest that where their modern treatments and drugs have only worked to a degree or even failed completely, Chinese treatments may well be the answer. Interestingly, as the treatment has continued so has my interest in some of the history and some of the other herbal offerings. One of the best daily treatments is Chinese tea, the almost infinite variations all able to cleanse the system, all you need do is ask which will be best for you. Similarly, friends and colleagues suffering from various aches and pains have asked me if the treatment works and could I make them an appointment. Guess what? They too are now regular patients at Dr. Chen’s Shanghai Clinic over in Burnley.

 

 

here’s a well know saying that goes ‘it now takes me all night to do what I used to do all night’. As the Aged Rocker’s years advance these words of humour become less humorous. But with some help from the Yellow Emperor, yin-yang and the five phases, certain bits and pieces now work as well as they ever did, Chinese medicine not so much a treatment more an art form. The other upside to using Chinese products is that the companies who manufacture the various oils, linctuses and pills still use traditional, old fashioned style packaging whilst some of the ornate and colourful paperwork tucked away inside the boxes is worth of framing!            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GLAD I DIDN’T

 

Here at Chez Aged Rocker it isn’t unusual to hear the delicate strains of AC/DC blasting out. Be it the vocal tones of the late lamented lead singer Bon Scott or his ebullient replacement Brian Johnson, ‘TNT’, ‘Highway to Hell’, ‘Back in Black’, ‘Shoot to Kill’ and more recently ‘Black Ice’ and ‘Rock or Bust’. All of them are cracking albums, ‘Black Ice’ one of their best, ‘Rock N Roll Train’ a track that typifies everything the band was and is.

And whilst the old AR regards ‘Rock or Bust’ as an album that comes nowhere near to those that went before, with the announcement of AC/DC’s ‘Rock or Bust’ tour it was cautiously decided that acquiring tickets for the Manchester leg were in order. Let’s face it this tour could well be their last so it was a case of now or probably never. To say that having not got round to buying them was one of the best things the AR didn’t do is one hell of a sense of relief. With Brian Johnson’s hearing under threat until his doc’s have dug around his lugs a bit more it might have been an idea if the band had postponed things.

On no, let’s fire ‘Our Brian’ after thirty years of being the gravel voiced front man and draft in ‘Fatsel Crows’. What a good idea since there’s every chance the loyal AC/DC fans won’t have a clue or even notice that the tub of past its sell-by-date lard croaking about on stage isn’t who it should be. Wrong, old Fatsel’s own come back hasn’t exactly been a roaring success so as to why someone things this 80’s has-been will cut it fronting AC/DC defies belief. G’N’R were great in their day so leave it that way!      

Since the band of Scottish origin formed back in 1973, from their raucous, raw beginnings to becoming the biggest rock band on the planet, AC/DC have done it all and taught the world how to do it and do it right. However, with one member under house arrest, another having lost the plot and the forced, irreverent and less than respectful departure of Brian Johnson it’s the AR’s opinion that AC/DC should call it a day if only to maintain their seemingly fast diminishing self respect.

If I’d gone as far as to buy a pair of tickets and made a bloody great dent in my wallet only to have been confronted by ‘Fatsel Crows’ there’s every chance I’d have walked out of the auditorium in complete disgust. Some bands such as the Rolling Stones and various members of the Beetles just won’t take the hint. Its high time all of these respected old rockers sat back, counted their millions and basked in the rosy glow of the music they made, the stadiums they filled, the epic shows they staged and the enjoyment they gave their thousands if not millions of fans. Could you imagine the horror and the outcry if Motorhead announced they were looking for a replacement for Lemmy? The Gates of Hell would open up for Beelzebub himself to pour demonic molten venom and vitriolic scorn on humankind. 

Equally, with the information or lack of it AC/DC and its management put out, it’s not so much a case of the show must go its more a case of it doesn’t matter what we do they’ll still come and spend money. Here at the Aged Rocker HQ we wish Brian Johnson all the best and hope that he’ll do something on his own. A voice that the Devil himself created for rock and roll and sheer entertainment, Brian should have been the new face of Top Gear, his previous motoring shows demonstrating his knowledge and passion for cars and racing. Instead just like AC/DC, fans are going to end up with another past their prime, half arsed front man that nobody’s interested in.

So take some advice from the Aged Rocker himself, bugger off and grow old disgracefully. We’ll all have far more respect for you than we have now and think back to the good times every time we spin an album and crank up the volume. There's plenty of new and talented rock bands out there looking for their break, a chance to prove themselves and start on the road to genuine rock and roll fame. If some of the old bands had any sense they'd make space for someone to take their place and make their way in the business just as they did. And yes, I’m more than glad I didn’t buy the tickets……!    

Stone Broken Rock Band at the Rebellion Manchester

THE STORY SO FAR…….

 

To describe them as meteoric would be a cliché and an under statement but until November of 2015 Stone Broken were in many ways just another rock band. From the band’s formation in 2013 when members of two other bands came together and the release of their EP ‘The Crow Flies’, Rich Moss, Chris Davis, Kieron Conroy and Robyn Haycock have gathered in some serious hard rock status.

 

Now followed around the country by the ‘Broken Army’, all four members of the band typify everything that’s right about the scene whilst to listen to their album is to hear them live. As soon lead guitarist Chris strikes the first chord Stone Broken’s ability to fill each and every venue with quality sound and sheer, unbridled energy is addictive, Robyn one of the best hardcore drummers on the scene. In fact it makes it all the more embarrassing for other so called drummers when you find out Robyn is a girl, her ability to maintain an hour and a half of relentless beats putting others to shame.

 

Produced and remastered by Romesh Dodangoda who has previously worked with such rock luminaries as Motorhead, Bring Me The Horizon and Bullet For My Valentine, the end result is awesome. Add in plenty of airtime and exposure; let’s face it, if you ain’t any good Planet Rock won’t be playing your new single ‘Not Your Enemy’ plus a burgeoning reputation as one of the bands to go and see, Stone Broken’s current path is increasingly becoming more clearly defined.

 

 

Interestingly, they haven’t as yet signed to a record label, but do they really need to? Buy it at one of their gigs or buy direct via their website stonebroken.com and you part with your cash safe in the knowledge that no A&R Executive has stuck their nose in. What you hear is what Stone Broken want you to hear which is why the band is all the more remarkable.

 

So take a look at some of their recent live images, a few video clips and listen in to what Rich and Chris had to say to the Aged Rocker when they filled Rebellion over in Manchester a few nights ago……..     


 

 

 

SALTLAKE –

THESE BROKEN BONES-THE EP

 

Collectively known as Saltlake, Henry Gottelier, lead singer and guitar, bass player Liam Quinn and Ash Powell on the drums are a trio taking the hard road to hard rock from their base in Brighton. Together for the past four years and friends since school days, their entrance on the Rebellion stage hit the Manchester venue like a sledge hammer, their hour long set relentless in its delivery and sheer raw enthusiasm.

 

 

Released in November 2015 on indie label Regent Street Records Saltlake’s EP ‘These Broken Bones’ offers up five self-penned tracks that take the listener through the complete Saltlake journey. Starting with the first two ‘Circles’ and the title track ‘These Broken Bones’, although the band don’t lay claim to any particular influences, there’s some serious Sabbath licks and overtones making themselves felt. But so what, it’s worked for years for Ozzy and Co so bring it on.

 

 

But whilst the first two songs pummel the senses announcing in no uncertain terms that Saltlake have arrived the remaining songs ‘The Catalyst’ and ‘How the West was Won’ show off the trio’s genuine abilities. Hard rock, soft rock and dare I say it, a hint of ballad, not only do these three tracks back off on the audible acceleration by a fraction they let the thing that makes Saltlake what it is come to the fore. For me the track of the EP is ‘The Unknown’, a song that shows the bands abilities to vary tempo and demonstrate a level maturity that so often eludes many so called up and comers.

 

 

For more details and to get your hot and sweaty mitts on Saltlake’s new EP visit www.saltlakeuk.com. The site also contains a full listing of their forthcoming gigs and venues. Henry, Liam and Ash rocked at the Rebellion so there’s no reason they won’t do the exact same whenever and wherever they appear.     

MAN ON THE MIC

 

For those who feel the need you can now meet the old git himself, the Aged Rocker and ‘Oily Rag on Tour 2016’ is down to be the man on the mic and provide live commentary at four major classic cars and bike shows. Starting out with the Cheshire Classic Car & Motorcycle Show on Sunday 29^th May this is followed up by the Hoghton Tower events on Sunday 12^th June and 14^th August and the Father’s Day Wirral Classic on Sunday 19^th June.

So if you find yourself at any of the above with nothing much better to do, go and introduce yourself. And if you’ve a spare bus pass you can hand out the old AR will be most appreciative. He’ll need to get back home somehow or other!

 

 

 

SOUTHERN ESCAPADES-

 THE REVIEW

 

What better way to review a travel book than by traveling yourself, ‘Southern Escapades’ by Zoe Cano the perfect companion for an extended business trip to Prague and Frankfurt. Where this narrative of an intimate and personal journey differs is that unlike most books sent for review, I met the author which places a completely different slant on proceedings. Even when the meeting was a few spare moments it enabled me to ascertain how the author came to pen each word along with the briefest of glimpses inside the actual person and the excitement that drives her.

 

One of life’s naturally inquisitive adventurers, Ms Cano has lived and worked in Paris, New York, Boston along with spending time in Brazil, set up a charity, walked along the Great Wall of China, trekked in the Amazon rainforest along with horseback expeditions in the Andes and Atlas Mountains. In turn these adventures highlight the author’s natural inquisitiveness, passion to experience the fullness of life and encounter even fleetingly the lives of others.     

 

 

 

Having previously written ‘Bonneville Go or Bust – The Roads Less Traveled’, a ten thousand kilometer journey using nothing more than old National Geographic maps and an aged 860cc Triumph Bonneville T100. Criss-crossing the American continent, the resultant book was picked up by Road Dog Publications, Ms Cano’s writing and style of travel fitting neatly within their portfolio.
 
Exhibiting an easy, flowing style of writing all sixteen chapters keep the reader fully entertained, an unfettered almost literary innocence and her sheer pleasure of ‘being there’ conveyed to the reader with the author’s unique fervor. Reason being the author has thankfully not succumbed to the needs and demands of commercialism or the need to write as little as possible for as much as possible. Astride a modern Bonneville ‘Southern Escapades’ commences in Florida before making its back roads way into Alabama, Georgia and back where the trip started all the while taking in locations and gatherings in such places as Panama City, Sarasota, Birmingham, Bessemer along with the motorcycle show at Barber.   

Equally, there’s the evening spent at Gip’s Joint, a traditional blues juke joint in Uniontown, a quiet few days alone at Longboat Key along with sights, sounds and characters the conventional traveler will never encounter. Weaving equally between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Coast, the book opens up a side of the Florida Panhandle that time and highways have left behind, plunging the author into a rich cultural mix. The end result is a book that takes the reader on a ride, each turn of the wheel and twist of the throttle resulting in a vivid, intimate description the author passionately passes onto the reader, to a degree you share the sun on her face and each grain of sand on her skin.  

An accomplished photographer with a natural eye for colour, composition and detail, if criticism had to be made it’s the fact the publisher has failed to capitalise on Ms Cano’s visual abilities. Completely outside of the author’s control, a travel book should be replete with imagery but for various reasons the publishers have has failed to capitalise on their literary investment. All the more surprising since the publisher himself was her intermittent traveling companion.  

The minimal number of black and white photographs doesn’t however detract from what is a book that entertains and enthralls on every page, each reader a brief pillion on Ms Cano’s ever expanding journey through these southern states. There’s a line in a song that says ‘never let your dreams grow small’, I for one hoping the author will continue to live her dreams and pass on her adventures. I also feel that the now pair of books will soon become a trilogy, the third potential volume something to be looked forward to, Ms Cano’s capacity to inspire verging in infectious, travel, biking and writing as liberating to Ms Cano as it is absorbing for the reader.

 

‘Southern Escapades’ by Zoe Cano is published by Road Dog Publications USA ISBN No: 978-1-890623-49-4 and is priced at $21-95 USD or £15 via the author’s online bookstore. Copies of both books can also be acquired by visiting with Zoe Cano at one of her numerous book signings, the benefit of which is that you’ll get to meet her in person. For further details visit www.zoecano.com or www.roaddogpub.com.    

ME AND MY MATE GRAHAM

 

For whatever reason I keep being asked what it like to appear on the radio...well it's nothing extra special especially when you've been doing for as long as the Aged Rocker. But for those so interested appearing on BBC Radio Lancashire's Breakfast Show with my mate Graham Liver the format is as follows.....

 

 

Alarm goes off at 5:15am with the usual shower and pot of coffee. Out of the door no later than 6:10am and drive to the BBC Radio Lancs studios in Blackburn, a journey that usually takes about twenty minutes. Park round the back and hit the security switch on the staff entrance door, let the production booth staff see the face on their monitors and one quick buzz later you're in!

 

 

Head into the Library Theatre nodding to producers Leanne and Kate before gathering up the morning's papers and a paper cup of coffee. The name of the game is to find about eight stories that can be discuss making sure you lay off politics, troubles or anything controversial. Draw a red ring round them, remove the pages from the paper and sort into order, then wait. With a live feed running throughout the building it's easy to work out the show's running topic, this morning being the first record you bought since its Record Store Day tomorrow. A nob from Kate and it's through the production booth and in with Graham, red lights on meaning you keep as quite as possible since all the microphones are live. Sit down, position the mic where it needs to be, wait for Graham to cue me in and away we go. Ten minutes later the first stint is done with twenty minutes or so before doing it all again. And that folks is how it's done!

 

Alarmingly, Graham was at pains to explain that as soon as he gets home he changes into some work out traccy bottom along with the fact he wanders round the studio in odd socks. Graham's a nice lad but there are one or two things that do cause the old Aged Rocker to worry about him!

The big thing about this morning's appearance was hooking up with a guy called Paul Townsend from Townsend Records in Clitheroe. With vinyl making a serious come back which means turn tables are once again the thing to have, Record Store Day is when real music fans will be able to get themselves some new limited edition proper LP's and EP's such as the Iron Maiden one I've just got for myself. According to Paul, it's these student types who have brought about this retro revolution, mainly because it's the sleeve artwork that gets them going, most of the sleeves ending up displayed on their walls.

Great thing is, is that it's sky rocketed the value of old collections, the old Aged Rocker's original LP copy of Pink Floyds' Dark Side of the Moon now worth about forty quid. This new interest in vinyl also means fewer of those poxy downloads. Vinyl has a warm, more mellow tone and since LP's and singles have to be played on a turntable, through an amp and listened to using proper speakers, no more of this ear piece lark. If you've never done vinyl or real records, get yourself out there and buy a few and listen to the next best thing when it's not live! Better still go visit Paul and start your own collection and do make sure you listen in when the Aged Rocker is on the airwaves!