Well it’s been a bit quiet here in progression of late, our tech expert and web-master has left the area.

I would say he’s moved to sunnier climes, but he’s moved to Scotland, and we all know it always rains there – and it’s cold, anyhow, we all wish Arthur Yarwood (Mary) lots of luck in their new life and venture.

Because of this loss, we have struggled to find a tech expert to sort out our Progression Magazine so that’s why we haven’t done one for a while. So if there’s any tech experts out there who fancies helping out on the technical side please feel free to help us.

Well what else is new ?  SARS Covid 19 dare I say it seems to be mutating to a state where can get closer to our previous normal lifer, but it seems to continue to rise again. The general concensus is it’ll be with us forever (like the common cold) but less of a problem in terms of requiring people to go to hospital for treatment unless they are quite old or “clinically vulnerable’. Our riders are getting out and about more and more, maybe finally even going on that long awaited pre-Covid tour they had planned for 2020.

The recent rise in the cost of petrol hasn’t helped. We are all feeling the pinch especially when you consider other energy costs increasing as well.  There’ll be a lot of riders who have to consider giving up biking while these costs are squeezing them so much.

I’m really a fair weather rider and use my bike for pleasure, I love the actual riding process, it’s a fabulous hobby, maybe if I had to use my bike all the time I wouldn’t love it so much , it may end up being just a means to an end.

On other note , the MCN Show earlier in the year was interesting, a lot smaller than previous years, but attendance was good, possibly because people just wanted to get out and about.

One good thing that happened was trading standards attended the show and as a result they shut down a few stalls selling dodgy unsafe clothing and the like.

You may say, well if you buy cheap stuff you sort of deserve it, I’ve felt the same and often used the phase if it sounds too good to be true , then it normally is dodgy. However if your’e new to biking , how much do you expect prices to be ? If someone’s selling armoured jeans for £80 you don’t know if you’re getting a good deal or not. My personal advice has always been buy from a reputable source/store , but buy in the sales, you can get genuine bargains and be safe in the knowledge that the goods are at least genuine )if not the latest fashion).

So it’s good that the more vulnerable people , we’re getting protected at the show and future shows

One thing I have noticed , especially in this hot weather is riders riding in unsuitable attire.

Riding in vest’s, shortish and flip flops , clearly isn’t a wise move , in fact it’s plan stupid , yes I might sound like your mother ,but surely wearing protective clothing ,that keeps you flesh attached to the bones ,is a good idea,there’s plenty of safety clothing,that’s made for that hot weather such as it is and has been.

You may feel cool in your summer shirts and shorts, but having a skin graft, and permanent or even fatal damage to your body clearly isn’t cool. Please wear appropriate clobber your Mum would approve of.  If in doubt, use the ELAM Forum for a great knowledge base from very experienced riders who know the score and will give you hinest opinions.

All the best for the rest of the Summer – STAY SAFE and ENJOY your riding., say safe and enjoy your ride 😁