The Vietnamese people use a simple scale from one to ten to judge events, things and feelings. Number 1 is the worst, number 10 is the best. Going with that measurement, next year will be the best one yet.
Let’s hope so.
The problems of the international banking system certainly cast a pall over the motorcycle industry in 2009. We in Australia have been relatively well off; our market is down, but not disastrously. It’s more like a correction after several years of very strong growth. Things have been considerably worse overseas, especially in the US.
What we need to remember, though, is that motorcycling has lost none of its attraction just because the bankies stuffed up. It’s still economical, enjoyable, time-smart and a great way to express yourself. There is no shortage of new bikes – the total number may be down, but if there’s anyone out there who can’t find exactly what they’re looking for (albeit at a price, but it was ever thus) then they’re just plain too fussy.
So I reckon it’s going to be a pretty good year if we only let it!
Just as well. The past year was not really a keeper. Apart from the Big Money Shamozzle or whatever it was called, 2009 also held some more intimate tragedies. Here are just a few.
The greatest shock was the death of David “Davo” Jones, one of the best-loved motorcyclists in Australia. Davo, who rode the new 1400GTR Kawasaki across Australia and back for us, leaves not only a grieving family but also a devastated long distance riding community.
We lost a good friend, and many people lost an irreplaceable mentor.
Very sadly, we also just lost Peter Smith. I’m going to his funeral tomorrow.
Better known as Mr Smith, he enlivened first the pages of BIKE Australia and subsequently Two Wheels with his own anarchic brand of gonzo “journalism”.
Smith was an original, and we shall not see his like again – we’ll have a bit of a tribute in ARR in the New Year.
And Pete Lawrence from Adelaide has news of a truly despicable theft.
"Ian Corlett, late secretary of the SA Historic Motor Cycle Racing Register, passed away just before Easter 2009.
“In a sad postscript to his death, Ian's 1912 Triumph racer was stolen from a locked garage at his family's home in Adelaide in September 2009. Ian's restoration of this bike was a labour of love over a 10 year period. Its last outing was in the parade laps at the 2009 Adelaide Clipsal 500. Ian's Triumph was displayed in pride of place inside the Church at his funeral.
“His family are quite distressed at this loss, and would love to see this tribute to Ian's love of motorcycling returned to them.
“If you see this distinctive and rare Triumph, or any bike which you suspect may be Ian's Triumph, please report the sighting to BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
But that’s all the sadness you’ll get out of me. Now’s the season to be jolly – until ’10 kicks in! It’s going to be a huge year, folks, with lots of projects, trips and other plans.
Hope I survive it.
With good will to all womankind and mankind and whatever other kind there is out there, and all the best wishes to you and yours, your Bear.
Peter “The Bear” Thoeming
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Comments
I have just read, with great sadness, of the loss of Mr Smith. Like many I have grown within the motorcycle world over many years to the writing/ramblings of a unique character, Smith. His outlook on life, usually from the corner of his eye, viewed our society from a point of view from one on the outer (by choice) as so many of us chose to do. I have enjoyed his wit and rememberences, always triggering my own thoughts of adventures past. The ability to make us reflect is one of the many reasons
that I will miss Smith. To those near and far whose loss is greater than his circumference, I share your loss, knowing though, his words, humour and spirit will live on. Mill.
For me, the world was a better place for their having been here with us. Life goes on for the rest of us and dwelling on what we've lost doesn't make it any easier.
They ride on in our hearts and minds.