Editors Comments
That you have in your hand is proof that given the opportunity, encouragement and large doses of hopeless optimism, anything is possible. Our first issue was a great success – not because we actually managed it, but because so many people in the past month have sent positive messages and told us how much they enjoyed reading it. Thank you to everyone who has given us their support – and welcome to Issue 2!
Despite the present climate of economic doom and gloom, with weather to match, I’ve seen more bikes than ever on our roads. Why is that? We should be safely indoors conserving our fossil fuels, wrapped up in cotton wool (in line with latest ‘Elf n Safety’ dogma) and saving every penny for the next banking disaster. But we’re not! By simply getting on our choice of bike and heading off for nowhere in particular we are doing something non bikers will never understand, which is why they will only see the negative image of what we do. When was the last time you jumped in your car and went for a drive just for the fun of it? It’s this sense of personal freedom and enjoyment that matters so much to us, a good ride will always put a smile on your face!
In the first issue I mentioned the almighty stuff up created by the government in their attempt to introduce a new bike test. I’ve watched with disbelief all year as a series of DSA idiots declared the new test, however unworkable, would be forced upon us and sod the consequences. Then, with only two weeks before the deadline, they announce a six month delay to the new test without even telling their own staff! The new test will now start at the end of March 2009... Maybe.
Since the last issue, we’ve seen the Brighton Speed Trials, the Ace Cafe run and Brightona – all hugely successful and well attended by thousands of bikes and riders of every description. The great weather enjoyed by these events clearly helped, especially as we’ve not had a good summer. Now, as the evenings draw in and the days get colder, most riders will be thinking of putting their bikes away because people don’t ride in winter... But is that still true? With the latest bike clothing, sticky tyres, improved handling and yes, better road surfaces, there is no reason to park up your favourite ride. And with all this talk of global warming, we may have had a cruddy summer but the payoff should be a warmer winter!
We are very lucky in the south east that we have some of the mildest winters, so make the most of it. If you peek out of your window on a winter’s day, you’re not snowed in and you have time on your hands, grab the keys and come out for a ride. You may be surprised at how many others will be doing the same!
Peter Karmios,
Editor