The High-Tech Side of Jay Leno's Garage

In honor of my interview last Sunday for Jay Leno's Garage, here is a video brought to my attention by book designer Tom Heffron. The piece showcases a super-cool machine called the NextEngine 3D Scanner that creates a 3D digital pattern for any part. You can then use Dimension 3D printer to make a plastic prototype of the part.

Note that writer Lindsay Brooke pointed out that rapid prototyping has been around since the 1980s. What's relatively new about this development is the fact that the machine used in the clip is quite affordable. You can pick a scanner up for about $3,000--check it out here. Hmmm . . . does your garage need one? Mine certainly does!

P.S. More on my visit with Jay last Sunday to come shortly. 

Baja Off-Road Racing Documentary

I came across this well-done video of two mountain bikers who decided to tackle the Baja 1000. If you like the teaser, go to the Chainslayer Web site to see all of the episodes about the racing drama experienced by riders Radek Burkat and Andrew Krynen. Mountain bike cinemaphotographer Ambrose Weingart put together  the film, and it's worth a look. Not to mention an inspiration to ride!

Upcoming Film, American Cafe

This interesting film, American Cafe, was brought to my attention by fellow tractor journalist Guy Fay. The film captures the Cafe Racer society through the eyes (and on rides with) members of southern Wisconsin's Slimey Crud Motorcycle Gang, and also as they build a couple of cafe racers out of a Honda CL350 and CB650SC. Looks like a cool film and producer Jason J. Gullickson of Second Society is now putting the finishing touches on it. You can sign up for their Twitter feed at acmovie.

And since we are on the topic, you can sign up for my Twitter feed at leeklancher. I'm mostly Tweeting while on the road, but also am sending out interesting motorcycle news.

Happy new year everyone!!