Last updated on December 19, 2019
Perry Morrison – Publisher
It’s just too difficult for me to settle on a single highlight over the last twelve months, as the diversity that VMX Magazine offered us in the last four issues really is astounding. Like many on the team, I learned a lot about the history of so many brands, especially some of the rare and little known models that we get to feature. And like editor Smith, the Gilera and Villa 125’s in issue #79 were two of my favourites, but I can’t go past the beautiful Husky 400 Cross on the cover of issue #80 as a real highlight, simply because On Any Sunday was so instrumental in unleashing my love of dirtbikes, as with so many others who share that passion. I even used to make my new recruits watch the movie as part of their induction to the motorcycle industry!
Much of my spare time this year was absorbed in Classic Dirt 15 at Queensland Moto Park, and despite much blood, sweat and tears along the way, this event charged my very flat batteries and was a ripper. I can’t get enough of the vibe from good people, good mates and lots of superb vintage bikes to enjoy. Roll on VMX Magazine Classic Dirt 16.
One notable highlight was receiving an early morning text from Ken that alerted me to a MAR Ossa for sale less than two hours from my doorstep. This was a model I’d always admired and had hoped to find. To cut a long story short, I managed to buy the bike at a fair price and it quickly joined my eclectic mix of favourite vintage off-roaders. Just need a bigger shed.
We’ve never featured a Mick Andrews Replica Ossa in the magazine so maybe one day mine might find its way in there for everyone to enjoy.
Speaking of sheds, mine is still full of restos waiting to be attended to. They include two Suzuki RM370s and an RM250A all received in plastic tubs of little more than nuts and bolts, plus a few others that need a tidy up like my 250 Alpina and a very tired, rusty old TY250A that’s going to be a lot of work but lots of fun. Plenty to do before CD16 so I’d better get on with it.
Thank you to Ken, Sou, Jeff and the mighty team of contributors from all over the world who make VMX Magazine so special, and Merry Xmas to all our wonderful readers and subscribers. It’s been another memorable year in the vintage dirt bike world.