Letters
LETTERS
Letters to the editor are welcomed and should be addressed to: Cycle World Editor, 1499 Monrovia Ave., Newport Beach, Calif 9266 All letters are subject to editing and cannot be returned.
AFTER THE FACT
After high-siding on an uncharted oil spill I had a good month to recuperate and regain my confidence in riding. Back on the road a week ago, some do-dah almost creamed me and I remember grabbing the front brake . . . possibly three inches worth. This is something one doesn’t always consider until after the fact, that no matter how good a rider you are you still cannot control the other guy.
I read Introduction to Motorcycling from front to back and even with the things I thought I knew, I still learned a lot. I was already a front brake fan, but you just reaffirmed it.
Paul Stokes Phoenix, Ariz.
RUIDOSO RIP-OFF
I’ve just returned from the ’81 Aspencade motorcycle convention convinced that I should have my head examined for having donated to the village of Ruidoso and the high priced registration fees.
For $50 my wife and I were allowed to go into the parking lot and ogle motorcycles and attend the dealer show. I was told that my registration also included the poker run. At the poker run I forked over another $5 for a ‘validation sticker’ in order to be eligible.
In July I attempted to pre-register by telephone (a savings of $10) and wastoh the forms were in the mail. Well the] never arrived and all I heard was the *Tn sorry” story at the registration booth.
Years ago at Aspencade we paicf each which included a barbeque dinnei tickets to a race and entry into the conven tion center. Inflation has certainly raised prices but after spending $50 all we had were two pins and two patches.
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Aspencade has become an over-commercialized, money-making operation fot Ruidoso and Til Thompson. It's a rip-off for all touring motorcyclists.
John Glidewell El Paso, Texas
THREE FOR THE PRICE OF ONE
My September issue of Cycle World was delivered with three covers. Two stapled on, one just wrapped around. All three in perfect condition.
Is this a permanent addition?
Will it require an increase in price?
Do I owe you money for the extra covers?
May I keep all three?
R. M. Ball
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
No, no, maybe, maybe*.
*You owe two covers to people who didn 't get theirs.
USING YOUR HEAD
I enjoyed your Roadcraft, Part II in the October, 1981 issue. Many of us can relate to motorcycle safety and I only wish the classes provided in California were available in every state.
As a Cycle World subscriber I hope to see many more articles such as this.
George Harper, III Quincy, 111. >
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HOW DO YOU SPELL RELIEF?
Robert Jones (Letters, October 1981) has saved himself some tax money because of his knowledge of the state tax regulations. Street motorcyclists do no‘t have to pay sales tax on such items as helmets, goggles, face shields, etc. because they are considered safety equips ment. Because of his efforts, all motorcyclists in New Jersey will benefit.
I would suggest that if any street rider in New Jersey has recently purchased such items that they send a letter and a copy of their receipt to the State of New Jersey, Department of Treasury, Division of Taxation Refund Branch, RO. Box CN019, West State and Willow Streets, Trepton, N.J. 08646. (This pertains to street riders only as off-road riding equipment k, considered sports gear and therefore, taxable.)
In addition, motorcyclists in other states might check their tax regulations. There may be relief in their state because of the New Jersey ruling.
Involvement by all bikers in similar matters will keep motorcyclists riding with a minimum of hassle.
David P. Cushing
Motorcycle Education Association
Willingboro, N.J.
EUROPE ANYONE?
During the summer of 1980, my wife and I toured many European countries o?i a motorcycle we had purchased from a dealer in London. I made my own arrangements and everything worked out qui%; well.
We are planning to tour Europe again V\ June and July, 1982 and would consider renting our bike after the tour rather thaifi selling it back to the dealer.
Anyone interested or wanting more information is welcome to write me.
Bob Wisemseki 57 Glenwood Ave.
Lake Hiawatha, N.J. 07034
COLORADO DREAMIN’
Last August my wife and I left from Oregon on a trip to Colorado. She was orr»a Suzuki 550, full dress including bedroll. On my GS1100 I carried bedroll, tods and full dress. In the mountains west of Denver I ran those roads that Richard Chase referred to in Letters (November, 1981 ) at speeds well past 65 mph. I always had to wait for the wife at the top of the hill. I think Colorado’s roads are just right for a well-balanced GS 1100 at top speed».
Calvin Hanscom Gold Hill, Oreg.
TELEVISION TWISTIES
Sorry about the handwriting but my throttle hand is in a cast and I still had to write about the CBS news program 30 Minutes of Sept. 19, 1981.
I saw it just after getting home from the emergency room, after backing down from a confrontation with a Datsun. Thanks to my leathers and Shoei S-20 the injuries were not too serious.
The program hurt as much as the broken bones. Nothing in the program said anything about the responsibility of car drivers for the destruction of cyclists. 1 know, thanks to the television show and the attitude of the police and the medical people at the hospital, that I am a second class citizen.
I intend to remain second class. It’s better than no class.
David Seafler Ventura, Calif.
CBS television is a continuing pain in our, uh, side. The TV guys and the magazine guys are owned by the same corporation, and both divisions are allowed free rein. Nobody tells Cycle World what to do, but that also means the television shows don’t have to play fair with motorcycles and that they ignore it when we complain.
PRAISE BE
After watching the movie. Return of the Rebels, I was pleasantly surprised to see bikers portrayed as the good guys for a change. I think the TV media is finally seeing bikers as the greater part of us are instead of a bunch of primitive barbarians who go through the countryside looting and making trouble.
Maybe someday we’ll be accepted as normal, civilized people who just happen to love bikes.
James Ruble London, Ark.
COMING UP SHORT
I love motorcycles. And motorcycle mags. Including yours. But. One thing irritates me. The way Honda uses incomplete sentences. In their ads.
Does it bother? Anybody else?
Eddie Grimes Nacogdoches, Texas
AUSTRALIAN EXCHANGE
In April, 1982 my wife and I intend to tour the west coast of the U.S. including Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico. We’re going to buy a motorcycle (possibly a BMW) in Los Angeles and then sell it before we return to Australia.
Perhaps among your readers there may be someone who is planning a similar trip to Australia and we could exchange information. Specifically: motorcycle insurance, weather conditions, club tours and the address of the BMW club.
Tony Rowe 10 Fraser St. Wentworthville, N.S.W. 2145 Sydney, Australia
The address of the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America: P.O. Box 74, Newark, Calif. 94560 and the BMW Riders Assn, is P. O. Box 8280, Asheville, N. C. 28814. S
