Issue 126 marks my final stint in the editor’s chair.
Twenty years have passed since this masthead was conceived and dragged into production, accompanied with some scepticism by a few. But not many. From Day One, OBA seemed to capture something that was missing in Australasian ‘classic’ motorcycling – our own magazine that did more than regurgitate the subjects dear to the hearts of the magazines that flowed from the Old Dart. For these two decades, I have tried hard not to fall into the old trap of
serving up the same meal with a slightly different gravy. There are more than enough genuine home-spun personalities, events, history and happenings to guarantee that this ethos has been faithfully adhered to.
But having the good intentions is one thing, the execution is another, and none of this would have been possible had it not been for the hundreds, if not thousands of contributors who selflessly dug into their own archives and memory banks to keep the ship on an even keel. There are so many names that it is impossible to name them all, so in fairness I won’t try, but I thank you all most sincerely. However two that I really must mention for outstanding
devotion to duty are Mat Clancy, Art Director from Day One, and my wife Sue, who has been a rock of support, including for six years, picking up the poisoned chalice of advertising getter, a job no-one wanted at the time but which was crucial to the survival of the magazine. And of course, many thanks to Pete ‘Cob’ Smith, whose column has graced these pages for every issue except the first one, and has decided to retire from this role, although you’ll still see him around the swap meets.
In the course of steering the show I have made many new and wonderful friends, and I have lost quite a few as well. Editing the endless stream of obituaries can be a little depressing at times, but I am proud that these people have been acknowledged and appreciated by their peers within the pages of OBA.
Following the publication of this issue, OBA will have a new owner, Adventure Entertainment, headed by Toby Ryston-Pratt. There are already eight magazines in the Adventure Entertainment stable, so OBA is in good company. In this issue’s Buzz Box you will find an introductory piece from OBA’s new editor, Shane Downey, who will take over from issue 127. I will be staying involved as a contributor and adviser, working with the new team. For the time
being at least, I believe OBA will continue pretty much as is, so loyal readers can continue to look forward to their favourite magazine on a regular basis.
Thanks everyone for the past twenty years.
Jim Scaysbrook, OAM
Editor
