Motorcycle State Of Mind
From the Editor
With this being our January issue and the New Year upon us it seems relevant to talk about New Year’s resolutions. While motorcycles or motorcycling might not be the first things that come to mind when you start planning how the coming year will bring a leaner, meaner, tougher, and healthier you, one thing that often gets overlooked with New Year’s resolutions is mental health.
Unlike automobiles, motorcycles are not an absolute necessity as a means of transportation for most people. The majority of people own or ride motorcycles because they want to, not because they have to. And those who do own and ride motorcycles know the joy, relaxation, peace of mind, and serenity that can be found in a simple putt around the block or slipping into the garage and tinkering on the bike for a couple hours. So with that in mind, when you start planning out your new weight loss routine, or how you plan to kick that smoking habit, try to work in some motorcycle-related resolutions as well. Start small, like resolving to ride at least 50 miles a week, or spend at least two hours a week fiddling with your bike, or tearing it apart piece by piece and bolting it back together—becoming more knowledgeable about your bike’s components and its inner workings.
It seems like every year when I get back from Sturgis and retell my experiences to friends and family, someone will make the comment that they’ve always wanted to ride to Sturgis. And I’m sure there are plenty of you or people you know who keep saying the same thing. Well, the 72nd annual rally is still more than half a year away, which means you’ve got plenty of time to plan, make reservations, and save money. From backyard camping to sharing a room at a local’s house, or staying at one of the many hotels in the surrounding areas, Sturgis can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be. There are many ways to cut corners and save money. Heck, the cheapest trips often make for the best memories.
Sure, getting out on the road alone can be great, but motorcycling can be just as enjoyable with others as well. So if there’s someone in your family who has expressed interest in motorcycling, maybe start inviting them over to hang out and teach them about bikes. Or ask them if they’d like to take a ride on the back of your bike every once in a while. Better yet, encourage them to take a motorcycle rider’s training course and get their motorcycle license. Maybe you need to brush up on your riding skills, so a resolution to take an advanced riders course might not be a bad idea—many insurance companies offer a discount for those who complete basic and advanced rider’s training courses. Whatever it is you choose to do, incorporating more motorcycle time into your life can really help your state of mind and mental health.
On a more serious note, I am sad to report that a few months back we lost a former editor and friend of the magazine, Courtney “Tito” Halowell. While he passed away at an early age, Courtney had an illustrious and impactful career in the motorcycle and automotive industries as a respected journalist. Courtney was equally knowledgeable about hot-rodded four wheels as he was with raked and flaked two-wheeled machines. Throughout his career Courtney played an integral editorial role as associate editor for HOT BIKE, editor for Baggers and Street Chopper, editorial director of our American Motorcycle Group, editor for our sister publication Mini Truckin’, and worked on several magazines outside of our Source Interlink brand as well. Courtney was a big influence to many and left a joyous lasting impression on everyone he met. Courtney had many friends in the automotive and motorcycle industries, and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. RIP Tito.
Until next time,
