Prize winner*****
Time waits for…
I write in response to Alan Evan’s letter (‘No retros or riding tips’ – CMM December 2020), to offer an alternative viewpoint. My story is a variation on a common theme. About aged 18/19, I buy a 100cc bike, have some Sunday morning lessons, pass two-part test, trade up to a 250. After a couple of years, trade in for a car. Buy house, (get glasses), newer car; wife then kids (get stronger glasses). Now roll the clock forward 30 years to September three years ago. I’m worried, because two things are about to happen and both really bother me.
1. Winter
2. The next series of Strictly Come Dancing is starting.
UK winters are dark, cold, damp/wet and frankly a bit depressing. On the other hand, Strictly is great quality entertainment, but for me, I’ve seen enough. What to do? Actually, do what loads of other people have done; I bought the bike I’d always fancied when I was younger, but couldn’t afford.
In my case an XS650SE, which I accept is not everyone’s cup of tea, but simple 1970’s nut-and-bolt technology. I didn’t even intend to ride it and had no riding rid gear. The aim wa as to buy a bike wh hich needed TLC. I co ould learn some mechanical m skills, en njoy surfing the net for parts and revive something a bit tired to something that was actually OK and went well. I experienced the full breadth of emotions: aggravation, lip-biting and elation. I realised pretty quickly that you actually had to ride it to find out if what you had done was going to work. Those first few rides in 30 years round the village were butt-clenching (except the straight bits). After 18 months I was riding confidently, though I’ve never been quick. I came to fancy a bike that I could trust completely rather than where arriving back home seems like a success to celebrate (though the XS has never actually let me down). But the jagged looks of modern bikes are not for me, so thank goodness for the retros.
So where am I going with this? The magazine’s content needs to have variety around the main theme – and bluntly, sell enough copies to keep it viable. Whilst the broad subject matter for CMM is pretty clear, individual readers will have their own particular preferences.
Not all readers will be interested in an article about a particular two-stroke, racing, a weird import hardly seen in the UK, or a new ‘retro-style’ bike. But in reality, reading some of these articles, if well written, they
can become interesting! Every page in every issue is not going to widen the eyes of every reader. But hopefully by having a variety of articles, the aim each month is to have something for everyone. And occasionally, for each reader according to their particular interests, an issue comes along with a really good mix.
As a personal view, I’d agree with others and say leave the old Brit bikes to their own mags and readership. But I support having a mag with varied content, as one person’s pint of lager is another person’s G&T. Italian bikes and Hinkley Triumphs – I didn’t realise I could be interested; I’d even say the occasional Harley piece might be a good read as I know next to nothing about them.
But ah, perhaps I’ve gone too far now.
Steve Ferris
Bertie says: “Ha ha! We love your take on the mag Steve. Have some Bridgestone goodies! I’m pleased you keep an open mind on certain things.”