Time to read
Two-wheel life from a bygone age
W hat a difference a month makes. Four weeks ago, when I sat to write this column, we were excitedly preparing to be ready for the joys of spring, the start of a season’s classic motorcycling, a hopefully long and hot summer, all kicking off with the Pioneer Run and Stafford show, fast approaching and with all manner of fun developments on the horizon.
Now, things have changed dramatically, and darkly, for the worse – and with the virus situation developing so quickly, it’ll have changed more by the time these words are read. We can, I think, take it as a given that the vast majority – probably all – of the events we’ve all been looking forward to, won’t be taking place, though, really, that’s going to be the least of the worries of many of us.
Mass gatherings and self-isolation are going to be things many of us will have to deal with, best we can, and the prospect of getting out and mingling with our fellow enthusiasts will have to be put on hold. Hopefully, in a few months we’ll be able to get back to doing what we like best, but it feels assured, in the meantime, we are going to have some tough times ahead.
We at The Classic MotorCycle will continue to keep producing a magazine, m to the best of our abilities, and a hopefully provide a form of escapism e from the scary situation.
So, if we can’t ride, how to pass the ti ime? Well, to try and not constantly r ead and re-read the news on the in nternet, or watching TV all the time, it t’s time to start going through the bookshelves b and picking out a few old o favourite motorcycle books. Not being b someone who just wants to read about a bikes, I will split them into a one o in every three can be a bike book, I ’ve decided. On my list so far, I’ve the th excellent Stealing Speed by Matt Oxley – the story of the Ernst Degner defection in 1962, leaving MZ and East Germany for Japan and Suzuki – which I have read before, but want to read again; Ian Falloon’s Moto Guzzi history; and Joey Dunlop’s authorised biography. They’re the first three. If we can’t ride, we can at least read about it.
In that vein, maybe it’s the perfect time to take out a subscription to The Classic MotorCycle? That way the magazine will be delivered to you – call us on 01507 529529 or visit www.classicmagazines.co.uk
‘‘ ‘‘‘‘ Im t’s ti e to start g oi ng th rough the bookshelves and picking out a few old favourite motorcycle books