The Classic MotorCycle

Two-wheel life from a bygone age Things to look forward to

It’s over a month we’ve all been in lockdown – and, typically, it’s been a month of glorious sunshine, when it would’ve been lovely to have been out on the bikes, out riding and enjoying ourselves. But a sense of responsibility means that isn’t an option, so, instead, we potter about in the shed, doing bits and pieces and daydreaming about when normality returns.

And of course we will ride again, things will gradually come back, though it’ll be like a sensory overload at first – so many things to do and so many possibilities! Where to go first… The pub? The chip shop? The seaside? The cinema? A museum? Concert? No, it’ll be a nice, long, aimless ride for me, probably to the coast, though maybe a pub and a chip shop will be thrown in for good measure. Those times will come again.

What has made the timing of this more frustrating me personally is that, for the first time in years, I’d actually approached the spring with three bikes ready and raring to go, one which had been sick for 18 months but is now restored to health, with the other two new acquisitions that I hadn’t had a chance to ride, having been waiting (im)patiently for some better weather. So my biggest dilemma when I emerge from the house, metaphorically blinking into the sunlight, as I rush eagerly to open the garage, will be what to use for the first ride? At least it’s something internally debate in the meantime.

Though the thing that this will perhaps make us all appreciate, is that we have to take the opportunity to make the best of our time (and freedom) available. So perhaps if you’ve always fancied that trip, the ride or indeed that classic, perhaps this will lead to a reassessing of what you want to do with your motorcycling.

That you’re reading this paper means you’re interested in motorcycling… That you’re reading my waffle means you’ve an interest in classics and, while you may already have one, you perhaps haven’t. While some of the things we cover and write about our admittedly cost prohibitive, the little Bantam in this month’s issue, say, is an affordable option. Likewise, while a 500cc Vincent-HRD single is an expensive item, a 1950s British big single from another maker offers much the same experience, and is an altogether more financially realistic prospect. And just the thing to ride to the coast on for a bag of chips when happier times return.

It’ll be a nice, long, aimless ride for me, probably to the coast...