Hole in the Head Moto Storytime Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Ellis, the Executive Director of the RPM Foundation.Obviously we're interested in what he's working on, but the RPM organization is doing some pretty critical work in preserving the rich heritage and skills needed to keep vintage cars and motorcycles going. As the leader of this non-profit dedicated to advancing careers in vehicle restoration and preservation, Nick provides a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the classic car and motorcycle community and the sense of responsibility that comes with owning rare and (sometimes) valuable vehicles. The RPM Foundation's mission centers around advocating for skilled trades and ensuring the next generation is equipped with the knowledge and expertise to keep these vintage machines on the road. Nick explains the foundation's focus on identifying and preserving "endangered skills" - specialized techniques and craftsmanship that are at risk of disappearing as older technicians retire and modern automotive technology advances. Through grant funding, apprenticeship programs, and hands-on educational initiatives, the RPM Foundation is working to bridge this gap and inspire young people to pursue careers in the automotive restoration and preservation fields. Nick shares insights into the challenges of engaging a generation that is increasingly disconnected from the hands-on, mechanical aspects of vehicle ownership and maintenance. We also discuss the profound personal and cultural significance of these vintage vehicles, and the transformative power of the experiences they can provide. The hosts and Nick explore stories that illustrate the sense of community, problem-solving, and personal growth that can emerge from tackling the unique challenges of classic car and motorcycle ownership.Covering:1933 Ford CabrioletBMW K 75 motorcycle1967 Firebird1950 Ford Meteor1966 Mustang1965 CamaroModel A FordHenderson motorcycleHarley-Davidson motorcycleBMW R60/2BMW R100/7Mercury XR-7Fiat X1-9Fiat 600 MultiplaThe Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We're regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.Find us on Instagram @holeintheheadEmail us: actually@holeintheheadpod.comGas Money: patreon.com/holeintheheadMore: linktr.ee/holeinthehead#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

Okey doke. Let's address the elefant in the room. When selling a car or motorcycle, the process can be grueling as the worst of humanity seems to seek you out.  We don't think it's intentional, so we decided to aggregate some of our experience and take a chance that ONE person might hear this and maybe be just a little less terrible when hunting down a project.Blaine and I have bought and sold more than we care to admit, and when it comes to these kinds of transactions, and we've learned a thing or two. In this episode, Andy and Blaine dive deep into the art of buying a classic car or bike. From establishing rapport with sellers to bringing it home, they share some hard-earned wisdom on navigating the ads on Facebook and Craigslist with honor and transparency.  We'll cover essential topics like negotiating prices, finalizing deals, and maintaining the right demeanor, even when faced with challenging situations. What did we miss??  email us actually@holeintheheadpod.com#VintageMotorcycles #buyingamotorcycle#BMW #rangeroverThe Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We're regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.Find us on Instagram @holeintheheadEmail us: actually@holeintheheadpod.comGas Money: patreon.com/holeintheheadMore: linktr.ee/holeinthehead#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

Part 2 of our catch up after a few months' break: heartache and joy of losing and acquiring old cars and motorcycles. - What to expect when you're expecting (your daughter to borrow your car)- Disappointing shakedowns- R80 stewardshipBMW R60/2R100/7R80 GSBMW e24Land RoverAJS, MatchlessMoto Guzzi V50The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We're regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.Find us on Instagram @holeintheheadEmail us: actually@holeintheheadpod.comGas Money: patreon.com/holeintheheadMore: linktr.ee/holeinthehead#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

We're back.It's been hot and eventful, but B&A catch up on a few things. This is a 2-part WIDOMSV episode: recap of Andy and Blaine's trip to Formula One in Monaco and a gas station, respectively.The Hole in the Head Podcast is an ongoing conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We're regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, with or without the emotional support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage BMWs, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.Find us on Instagram @holeintheheadEmail us: actually@holeintheheadpod.comGas Money: patreon.com/holeintheheadMore: linktr.ee/holeinthehead#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

Andy's getting ready for a big trip and Blaine wants to make sure he's prepared. Things we learn today:- How to pack for a 2 week trip to Europe- Appropriate gas station snacks- The correct Spaniard to root for- Fandom can be purchased- Don't talk to strange men on verandas- Andy doesn't like one Aussie in particularHow DO you say ketchup in French?Covering:Bultaco MatadorAriel Square 4Formula 1The Hole in the Head Podcast is an evolving conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow. We're regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, sometimes WITH the support of our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage Ducatis, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.Find us on Instagram @holeintheheadEmail us: actually@holeintheheadpod.comGas Money: patreon.com/holeintheheadMore: linktr.ee/holeinthehead#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

Every Moto Morini eventually gets to know Paul Compton - his YouTube videos have kept many a 3 1/2 on the road, including mine. It took wrangling three time zones, but we got the chance to chat with Paul; mostly talked Morinis and making fun of the French.  If he's not wrenching Italians, he's building Lotus EV's in his garage, nbd.  Check out his channel at youtube.com/@EVguru.Covering (a lot in this one):Moto Morini 3 1/2, 500LotusDouglas MotorcyclesVolkswagen SciroccoRoyal EnfieldLand RoverJaguarBritish Leylandand more.The Hole in the Head Podcast is an evolving conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow.  We're regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, sometimes WITH the support of  our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage Ducatis, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.Find us on Instagram @holeintheheadEmail us: actually@holeintheheadpod.comGas Money: patreon.com/holeintheheadMore: linktr.ee/holeinthehead#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

The BMW projects continue.To buy the parts lot or not buy the parts lot.We're committed to Mid-Ohio in July. Some multicultural insights....and Andy catches some expected Hell from Blaine.BMW R100/7BMW R65BMW HPN Rally bikesAlso: A Jeep FC170 (Forward Control) in the desert?? Stay tuned.Follow along on Instagram @holeintheheadmoto or email us - actually@holeintheheadpod.comWe have a Patreon!  patreon.com/holeinthehead

We're taking a break for some editing, so this week you get a motorcycle ... poem?Yep.Known for their reliability and ease of maintenance, I've had a couple instances when an Airhead didn't disappoint.  The most recent caused a bit of reflection. Don't worry, nothing too sappy. :)Hope you enjoy.Covering:BMW R75/5BMW R100/7

Blaine is sunburned and Andy is Beemer-rich - don't get cocky.Covering:Albin 25 (Boat!)BMW R65BMW R100/7Benelli 350Wards-Riverside

Road trips and British projects abound this week - we are officially Ariel Square Four owners!  Though one bike is considerably further along than the other. -and- Land Rover? I hardly knew 'er.Covering:Ariel Square FourLand RoverRange RoverFormula One

It's a pretty great day when your biggest problem is a fussy Italian motorcycle, but being stumped on a project can be pretty frustrating.  Sometimes all you can do is pause and have a cup of tea.Covering:Moto Morini 350Ducati 350 ScramblerFiat 128 CoupleGMC G1000 Handi-Van (Chevy G10)BMW R75

This week my friend Jason Wallace joins Blaine and I to talk rider personalities, European motorcycles, Land Speed records and more. This is our first release of an interview episode. Let us know what you think!Covering:Vintage MotorcyclesDucati NimbusDouglasBMW AirheadMoto MoriniYamaha YDSMoto Guzzi AmbassadorMV AgustaKawasakiLaverda 750 SF2American EagleMoto Guzzi LeMansThe Hole in the Head Podcast is an evolving conversation between Andy Taylor and Blaine Dehmlow.  We're regular guys who love all things vintage cars and motorcycles, but also building and mechanical projects of all kinds.Some of our worst ideas often come to life as we find and fix old, weird projects, sometimes WITH the support of  our significant others. Join us as we chase vintage Ducatis, old Studebaker pickups or clunky German watches.Find us on Instagram @holeintheheadEmail us at actually@holeintheheadpod.comGas Money: patreon.com/holeintheheadMore: linktr.ee/holeinthehead#vintagemotorcycles #motoguzzi #oldcars #oldtrucks #volvo #vintagevans #mvagusta #motomorini #euromoto #BMW #Ossa #Montesa #Bultaco #Ariel #AJS

In this episode, we acknowledge a special listener and have a HUGE 1-2 update: the Universe has done it again, in big way.Covering:Ariel Square Four(s)! 

Blaine broadens his IRA to include a British legend and Andy fusses over an Ossa Enduro.Covering:Ariel Square 4Ossa 250 Enduro

Pondering the sale of a department store motorcycle this week and we get a little deep-divey into the history of Benelli. Hear Andy's book report on the brand's origins and eventual pivot to shotguns. *New email* We've gotten some (very polite) notes, so if we get something wrong, email us: actually@holeintheheadpod.comCovering:Wards-Riverside Benelli

This week brought some Ducati luck for Andy's project and Blaine has an update on the Volvo project. Also, while we're cheeky with some of the vintage community, the Observed Trials scene hasn't lost its charm.Also Also, we learn more about our love languages.Covering:Ducati 350 ScramblerVolvo P1800Montesa CotaOssa MarBeta

In this episode, Andy is on the hunt for a 350 Widecase barrel, but finds the real struggle in getting a straight answer from an online community.Covering: Ducati ScramblerTriumph TrophyPierce Arrow

What did I buy again?  New parts, new perspectives.Covering: MV Agusta RS 150Volvo P1800Vespa VBA

Nesting, Market Values, Cheating.Covering:Ducati PasoCagiva ElefantLand RoverDucati Monza, Singles

An unexpected honeyhole, a new heart for an old Volvo, and an italian point of contention.Covering:MV Agusta 150 RSVolvo P1800Garelli MosquitoParilla OlimpiaDucati FalconeCapriolo

During our normal recording sessions, Blaine Dehmlow and I chat about our trip to Oklahoma in June to ride Moto Morini 3 1/2's and what's next for the Hole in the Head Moto Podcast. See more at www.holeintheheadmoto.com and find us on Instagram @holeintheheadmoto Gas Money! https://www.holeintheheadmoto.com/ https://www.patreon.com/holeinthehead

The season finale of Season 2 of the Hole in the Head Moto Storytime Podcast is here. After a series of conversations and coincidences, the Universe led us to find a dream bike and take it on an adventure. However, as things seem to go, the adventure is not quite as imagined - join me, Andy Taylor and my best motorcycle friend, Blaine Dehmlow as we brave a pandemic and converge on a little town in Oklahoma to find calm on a country road. I hope you enjoy this narrative episode, 'Everything is OK'.Copyright - Andrew Taylor & Hole in the Head Moto.

This episode marks the final installment of my conversations with one of my closest friends and motorcycle accomplices - Blaine Dehmlow. And as this recurring chat about motorcycles produced an unexpected Moto Morini, why wouldn’t the conversation about its delivery produce an unexpected road trip?*Sorry in advance for the insane amount of F-bombs in this episode. It was a rough week.____________________Any motoring story I have… started with a chat, and in retrospect, the adventure was an inevitable manifestation of a sometimes completely-unrelated conversation.For this season of the Hole in the Head Podcast, I wanted to see if I could capture that evolution in real-ish time by setting aside some space every week with a guy I’ve known for nearly a decade now. Join me, Andy Taylor and one of my best friends Blaine Dehmlow as we talk trash and have some meandering heart-to-hearts about old cars and motorcycles, our families and how they all fit together. …and eventually, accidentally build something out of nothing.

For a motorcycle podcast, we don't talk much about vehicles in this episode. However, the planning for the Moto Morini delivery is in full brainstorm mode. As I take a more cautious tact, Blaine questions our commitment to the Universe's offering.Check out more at www.holeintheheadmoto.com - or on Facebook and Instagram @holeintheheadmoto___Any motoring story I have… started with a chat, and in retrospect, the adventure was an inevitable manifestation of a sometimes completely-unrelated conversation.For this season of the Hole in the Head Podcast, I wanted to see if I could capture that evolution in real-ish time by setting aside some space every week with a guy I’ve known for nearly a decade now. Join me, Andy Taylor and one of my best friends Blaine Dehmlow as we talk trash and have some meandering heart-to-hearts about old cars and motorcycles, our families and how they all fit together. …and eventually, accidentally build something out of nothing.

After an overdue inspection of the Morini, I report back to Blaine and get a decision. This episode feels like it was made by a couple hyper little kids - making the decision to acquire a motorcycle is just plain exciting. My only hope was that the bike wasn't a lemon. No pressure!Check out more at www.holeintheheadmoto.com - or on Facebook and Instagram @holeintheheadmoto___Any motoring story I have… started with a chat, and in retrospect, the adventure was an inevitable manifestation of a sometimes completely-unrelated conversation.For this season of the Hole in the Head Podcast, I wanted to see if I could capture that evolution in real-ish time by setting aside some space every week with a guy I’ve known for nearly a decade now. Join me, Andy Taylor and one of my best friends Blaine Dehmlow as we talk trash and have some meandering heart-to-hearts about old cars and motorcycles, our families and how they all fit together. …and eventually, accidentally build something out of nothing.

Every adventure starts with a conversation, and this one is well under way. In our last chat we were in awe about the universe’s master plan to fulfill Blaine’s lifelong goal of having a particularly collectible motorcycle, without the pre-requisite of my untimely demise. A passed-up BMW led to a purchased BMW led to space becoming available in my garage, which was promptly filled with a Moto Guzzi, which introduced a very attainable Moto Morini 3 1/2. But of course, that’s all irrelevant until he actually gets the bike….Blaine is a little pouty again, but, with good reason. I dropped the ball and did not get over to see the Morini like I wanted to, but not to worry the guy hadn’t sold it, I was just having a particularly bummer week. Since before the pandemic, all the way back in 2019, my personal and professional spheres have been … hectic. I’ll spare the detail, but the long and short of it is - expending energy to chase something you don’t have any passion for is exhausting. And when it doesn’t go smoothly, living like a raw nerve isn’t pleasant for anyone.Find out more at www.holeintheheadmoto.com

This week's conversation was a turning point for our Pandemic Summer. A moment of Craigslist weakness for me leads to a new Guzzi project and a potential life-saver. Blaine and I cover a few things: a pandemic purchase; the need for a buddy bike, a powerful universe and of course... some new Italian motorcycles.___Any motoring story I have… started with a chat, and in retrospect, the adventure was an inevitable manifestation of a sometimes completely-unrelated conversation.For this season of the Hole in the Head Podcast, I wanted to see if I could capture that evolution in real-ish time by setting aside some space every week with a guy I’ve known for nearly a decade now. Join me, Andy Taylor and one of my best friends Blaine Dehmlow as we talk trash and have some meandering heart-to-hearts about old cars and motorcycles, our families and how they all fit together. …and eventually, accidentally build something out of nothing.

This season of the podcast is an evolving conversation with one of my closest friends that ultimately results in a ridiculous endeavor, so I do suggest starting at the beginning. In this session, the inevitability of adventure quietly expands. At this point in our recordings, Blaine and I no real ideas or scheme beyond just showing up, or really how this was going to be different than any other conversational podcast on any given topic. But you can’t connect dots that don’t exist, so we persevered, without any dictate of arc or motive beyond talking about some things that brought us a little joy. And if nothing else, we could just make fun of people who were very much like ourselves.So when an old topic returned from an unexpected direction, it seemed a coincidence, but it sets up a line of dominoes.

This season of the podcast is an evolving one, so if you haven’t heard the first episode yet, I suggest going back and starting there. Last week I said that every adventure starts with a conversation - and with a certain point of view I can trace some pretty major events in my life back to a single comment or informal sidebar that seemed irrelevant at the time.I once worked in an art gallery with a woman who also ran a yoga studio - she was the nicest person I’ve ever met, so I had no argument when she said I should give it a try. So I went to a few classes, was the only guy in the room and met this cute lady that I would eventually propose to in a hot air balloon in Turkey. I don’t want to overly proscribe some butterfly effect hooey, but the fact is one conversation an entirely new trajectory for my life. It’s a fact. And as I revisit these sessions with Blaine in the editing process, it’s kind of amazing to hear the unscripted groundwork we were laying, oblivious to the universe’s order or randomness - whichever you prefer. In our conversation this week, we cover some pretty disparate topics, but mostly make fun of my choices of words and use of business software. But as Blaine reveals what he thinks is a clever way to praise one of my fancier motorcycles, he writes a proverbial check, that we're eventually gonna have to cash.

The first season of the Storytime podcast was three episodes of scripted tales outlining some very life-sized motorcycle adventures. I’ve still got stories and some interviews that I want to share, but I’m not sure if the scripted audiobook format is appropriate at the moment. It’s a lot of looking back and remembering and frankly, more of an exercise in prose than adventuring. And any story I have… started with a chat, and in retrospect, the adventure was the manifestation of the conversation that started it. For most of my motoring adulthood, there have been a few guys who have either instigated or at least supported this ridiculous pursuit - and conversations with these guys often start around some dumb idea or shifting opinion, and they inevitably meander and evolve over a few more conversations into some dumb event we’ve somehow committed ourselves to.For this season of Hole in the Head, I wanted to try and capture that evolution in real-ish time by setting aside some space every week with a guy I’ve known for nearly a decade now. My friend Blaine and I have been in the middle of a few nowheres - and we even used to do a podcast together in San Francisco called Safety Third. When we started this project, I had no idea what it was going to be or where it would go. In fact, it’s still evolving. But, the meanders and non-sequiturs have taken root and begun a cascade of dominoes that lead to another adventure - this time, in the middle of a pandemic, I hope you’ll join us as Blaine and I have some meandering heart-to-hearts about old cars and motorcycles, our families and how they all fit in our lives. And please do forgive the audio for the first couple installments as we were sorting the technical bits of recording virtually.Let’s see what happens…. I hope you stick around and enjoy Season 2 - "Everything is OK" from the Hole in the Head Moto Storytime Podcast.

This episode is about a motorcycle that’s had multiple lives, reincarnating a few times to bring joy to not just me, but to an entire community of riders and friends. From a garage fire in Northern California to the Bonneville Salt Flats. I hope you enjoy this story of a unique bike and the guy that rode it flat out. Hear all the episodes at https://www.holeintheheadmoto.com/storytime *** I'm Andy and this is my narrative podcast about the joy in finding old cars and motorcycles and putting them back in service. Hear my small-to-medium-height tales of finding and fixing these old machines and the adventures of getting them back on the road.

The story of my Garage Sale Guzzi and my long-time partner in crime. I'm Andy and this is my narrative podcast about the joy in finding old cars and motorcycles and putting them back in service. Hear my small-to-medium-height tales of finding and fixing these old machines and the adventures of getting them back on the road.

Though, more accurately, the SON was the preacher. Welcome to the Hole in the Head Storytime Podcast! I'm Andy and this is my narrative podcast about the joy in finding old cars and motorcycles and putting them back in service. Hear my small-to-medium-height tales of finding and fixing these old machines and the adventures of getting them back on the road. ---- For our first episode, I'm diving into the story of my 1973 BMW R75/5. From a preacher's garage to mine, with some trials along the way. Hope you enjoy it!