“The times, they are a-changin’”

Probably the most pertinent cultural catchphrase I can think of for current times, even though it was penned over 55 years ago…
On the surface, there is much changing in the world around us. Politically, socially, economically, and ecologically, things are changing, and fast.

Regardless of your political stripes, and regardless of your views on these aspects of our lives, we can agree that things are changing in our world, and also in our motorcycling world. I began riding on the street in 1985. But I had already been riding off-road for 6 years, and even at that young age, I witnessed great changes in motorcycling then.

Fast forward to 2020. We are lucky, in some respects now, compared to those years. Initial reports indicate that new unit sales of motorcycles are up, and those sales seem to be coming from the result of a younger and more diverse group entering into the sport. This growth, supported by a healthy increase in safety training, means these new riders will be equipped to enjoy the sport for years to come. Most of us know that as our experience grows, we tend to trade our smaller bikes for bigger and/or more specialized ones; inviting other new riders into the sport through this shift. It’s organic growth at its finest. Add to this the incredible innovations in technology and the promise of electrically-powered motorcycles, and these changes serve to brighten our long-term future.

Covid still has us isolating from one another, and looks to keep us in this state for the foreseeable future. As we all agree, riding answers this need, and serves as a mental reprise from chronic social anxiety. Adventure riding has never looked more enticing, as it brings out the free-spirit in us all. You can ride with a friend, be distant enough to be safe, yet still feel that social connection. What a solution.

There are two fundamental responses to change. An organization can contract and cautiously prepare (and wait…) for “worse case scenarios”. Alternatively, we can strategize, plan, and ultimately capitalize on change. The MCC has chosen to take the latter route. We are moving in new directions with plans to change from within. We have a vision and we will see it through. There are many wheels in motion as I write this, and I am excited to share news in the not too distant future.

In the meantime, enjoy riding your motorcycle, and keep moving forward into a bright future. We’ll do the same.

Chris Bourque CRM
Chair