This issue brings with it a small amount of change to the staff here in our secluded offices in Orange County, California. John Gilbert and Bongo have left the building and the magazine - we'll miss Bongo. Our copy editor Kevin Hagan started this issue, but then left to join the Truck Group over in the Anaheim building. However, we did get lucky with the hiring of Taryn Funcheon as our new copy editor. Stephane Babcock has assumed the job of Managing Editor, and we'll try and keep from running him off for a while.
That covers the in-house personnel, and outside, let in only with a valid hall pass, are some familiar names from the past, Billy Bartels and Todd Canavan. Both Billy and Todd will contribute as freelancers each month. Todd has in his possession Mule 2, a bike we built some years back as a test bed for the magazine. Todd has made noises that Mule 2 was sitting unloved and unridden, so he has taken over the care and feeding of said test bike. Of course, any mumblings or whining on his part about the condition of Mule 2 should be taken with a grain of salt. At least if you're in doubt, ask him who blew up the engine in Mule 1. Billy Bartels has recently provided us with some great photos from Sturgis and some stunning bike features. In this issue, he jumps right in with a feature on installing Corbin saddlebags on his Street Rod.
There will be other names to add to our contributor list as the new year unfolds in front of us like a road map to the new year's adventures.
One last comment, then we're outta here. The photo on this page in the last issue was taken in the summer of 1967 by a friend of mine named Scott, but I can't remember his last name. What I do remember is that I had yet to tell mom and dad about the bike, so I was keeping it in Scott's garage at the time. I know, you dig the mufflers.
- Frank Kaisler