Rider Magazine, July 2018

I am a new subscriber to Rider magazine. Upon receiving my July 2018 issue, I eagerly read through the articles and digested the two-wheeled goodness. I am a happy man. I’m relieved that Rider is not another “men’s culture” magazine. Many of your competitors have switched to a lifestyle magazine that is full of fluff. Save me the premium cotton paper and the write-ups on how the mountain air of Wyoming aligns your chakras and connects you to the earth with a greater purpose. You know what connects me to the earth? A fresh set of Diablo Rosso Corsas.

Thanks for the stats and the review-based writing. Keep up the good work and journalism.

Mark Delaney, Raleigh, North Carolina

Clement, I have many of the same books (Road Tales, July 2018) in my collection: “One Man Caravan,” “Jupiter’s Travels,” “Just Passing Through,” and many others about ’round-the-world (RTW) or cross-country travel. Do you perchance have Roger Lovin’s 1974 title “The Complete Motorcycle Nomad?”That was my first moto travel book. Very interesting to reread and note how things have changed. For instance, when in need of gas money, you can no longer park outside of an elementary school and offer rides for 25 cents or a dollar. You’d have company (the kind with badges and red and blue flashing lights) in no time. 

I started a rather large collection of books and videos on the subject of extended motorcycle travel in the 1990s. I have printed George Wyman’s story of his 1903 cross-country trip off the Internet too. I never intended a RTW trip myself, but was so inspired by all this reading that I did it in 2014 and 2015! I crossed 15 countries in five months, riding a little less than 21,000 miles on my wife’s faithful Suzuki DR650. In fact, I printed my own book by transferring my ADVrider.com forum thread to hard copy, “Round the World the Easy Way—On a Motorcycle.” It’s just for family and friends, no copyright or ISBN number.

Robert Echard, State College, Pennsylvania

In July’s Road Tales titled “The Rider As Reader,” Clem mentioned Neil Peart. It reminded me of something Mr. Peart said in one of his earlier books: “When touring solo, your reading material is your closest companion.” For me, that is so true. Thanks for reminding me of that.

John Holdheide, Englewood, Colorado

Getting back into riding after a 30-year hiatus, I devoured articles and reviews on the Internet about everything from bikes to apparel and everything else. Many of the most informative articles came from Rider, so when I pulled the trigger on a print mag it was an easy choice. But little did I know that such a big payoff would come in my second issue: the Texas Tornado Boot Camp article (Riding Around, July 2018). Riding with friends on a borrowed Honda CB919, which I love and will soon buy, I’m keenly aware of how little I retained of what little I knew about riding three decades back. Enter Ken Condon’s article. The paragraph about managing limits of traction, especially the line referring to “panic in the event your bike slides on a wet or sandy road” virtually screamed, “This means you, Jeff!”

But wait, it gets better. With a lingering question or two, I called and left a voicemail for Shea at the contact number on the website. Minutes later I’m talking to Shea, affirming the core concept of managing traction at the limits of adhesion for all types of riding, along with answers to my specific questions and info on the camp dates in spring when I want to go. From the you-can’t-make-this-up timeliness of the article to the hyper-professional response from Texas Tornado Boot Camp, it simply doesn’t come any better!

Jeff Wischer, Salina, Kansas

Dear Mr. Trow, I just got finished reading your article, “What’s your Handicap?” (Riding Well, July 2018) and it was a great wake-up call. I have owned motorcycles off and on for more than 35 years but never ridden enough due to other life priorities. I am going to use your motorcycle scorecard to improve my skills. Thanks so much for the great advice. Every motorcyclist should use your list to check their “handicap” and improve their skills!

Bob Cloud, Knoxville, Tennessee