Indisputably, one of the most informative magazines of all times is Cycle World.

Surprised by that?  Just give us some time; we’ll convince you it’s so. Long-time Cycle World columnist and Editor-at-Large, Peter Egan, wrote recently about the Winds of Change.

Amidst economic woes, Egan mourns the passing of Buell motorcycles, the bike shop (Corse Superbikes, Saukville, WI) whose crack professionals are now unemployed, and editorial/biking comrades forced to downshift when the pink slip catches ‘em in the turn.

Peter’s February 2010 “Leanings” article offers poignant insight into a time of struggle for many:

“These are strange and interesting times – a little too interesting for some.  I know things change, and objects in the universe realign themselves.  Sometimes readjustments are overdue, and other times they’re hard to fathom.

But the only consistent pattern I can see in any of it – whether at Corse Superbikes, Buell or on the staff of this magazine – is that all the people mentioned here are crazy about motorcycling.  Think about them all the time, look at them, ride them, collect them and repair them, talk about them with our friends.  Pore over glossy brochures or pick them up in trucks and bring them home in parts.

We were just born to it, or it came upon us like a gift or a sudden conversion like the bolt of lightning that hit Saul of Damascus, and there aren’t that many of us, really.  All these closings and setbacks aren’t just business news; they’re personal.

Motorcycling is basically a happy business.  No one has to own a motorcycle in the country – cars are often cheaper and more practical – but we buy them because they make us happy.  And we ride and hang out with other riders for the same reason.  Bikes and motorcycle trips add color and texture to life, in the same way that rock n’ roll brought new life to gray ol’ Liverpool when the Beatles came along.  Like that music, they stand out in sharp contrast to everything predictable and ordinary.  Those of us who know this have to stick together.

How do we do that?

I don’t know.  Maybe go buy a bike.  Or install a new chain.  Put some chain lube on it.  Change your handlebars, take a ride, get a new rear tire or go to a swap meet and buy a Bultaco T-shirt.

It’s dark out there.  We’re gotta keep the lights on in this little house of ours.”

Editorial notation:

In the popular 70s book, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, author Robert M. Pirsig dives deeply into his love of life, and motorcycles.

Life, like machines, needs maintenance and an occasional stir.  Relationships, too, need a good, seasonal lubricating.

So, as Egan asks, how do we do that?

Well, one answer is to join the fellowship at EditorialMachinery.com.  What’s your ETA?

We’ll keep the lights on for ya.  – JV