Small world

I always try to patronise small businesses (see OBA 61 editorial), i.e. buying motorcycle apparel, equipment at small shops (vs big box stores), as I have been self employed and know well, what’s involved. However, might I suggest, in part, the small shops also have a role in their own situation. If I may, several years ago I bought my first ever, brand new motorcycle (at age 55), a BMW, from a smallish dealer. At the same time, I also bought a BMW soft pack for rear luggage rack (not cheap). Imagine then, my surprise when after I rode the BMW home, I discovered that not only was the soft pack made in China, but the underside had also managed to abrade the “finish” off the luggage rack, making it look like it was 20 years old and suffered hard use. As a result I modified the