Ups & Downs
Ups & Downs
UP: To us, for not killing ourselves anymore. During a four-year period in the late 1990s, Angeles Crest Highway, the popular stretch of Southern Califor nia blacktop known officially as State Highway 2, saw 24 deaths and 285 in juries, most of which were reportedly motorcyclists riding beyond their abili ties. As a result, the Angeles Crest Highway Safety Task Force was formed. An increased police presence, lower speed limits and improvements to the road itself have made a real difference. According to the California Highway Pa trol, there have been no fatalities on the highway since September, 1999. If we continue to behave ourselves, maybe the police will go away...
DOWN: To Motorcycle Cruiser magazine, for fostering the spread of footin-mouth disease. When anti-gun readers of the magazine questioned advertisements from such companies as Henry Repeating Arms Co. and Smith & Wesson, the editors responded, “The truth is, all of us at Motorcycle Cruiser despise guns. The gun ads have disappeared. But in the future, please bear in mind that scum grows in every pool. We’ll keep yours as clean as possible.” The throttle-jockies at the NRA’s Rifleman took offense, responding, “We’re not sure if Motorcycle Cruiser regards those who bought ads in the magazine or all those who lawfully own firearms as ‘scum,’ but you can be sure our coffee tables will be ‘clean’ of Motorcycle Cruiser tor some time to come.”
UP: To Harley-Davidson, for being named 2001 Company of the Year by Forbes magazine. Tipping the scales in The Motor Company’s favor were its continued growth and record sales, plus strong overall financial performance. Harley’s devotion to its enthusiasts was key, as well. “Harley-Davidson stirs passion in its riders, its dealers and its employees, and translates that into profit,” the publication noted.
