This is a little bit later than usual for a couple of reasons, but I saw this race live in the flesh, having flown out to the Midwest and driven for hours on end to follow the fortunes of Red Torpedo-sponsored riders, Jared Mees and Shayna Texter. And it was a great experience. My full story will be in the next issue of Sideburn with photos by Ed Subias, but here are some thoughts. The race is promoted by Jared and Nichole Mees. That means they put up the money to bring the A

Our friends at Moto Safari have another South African adventure ride coming up in October and they are offering 15% off for Sideburn readers. This is how they describe their adventure... As we descend down from the Baboon Valley to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, the desert turns to green rolling hills, beach sand and dunes that beg to be ridden, wild and unruly waves and deep blue, cold seas. Our prayers to the Gods of Dirt are answered as the blacktop quickly turns int

Rebels Alliance are organising a party and car park race for the Saturday night of Bike Shed Show weekend, that's THIS WEEKEND. So if you're in London for the show, make sure you get round to their spot on Sclater Street, which is a short walk from the Bike Shed headquarters, and about 1.5 miles (30 mins walk) from the Tobacco Dock show venue. They're putting on a mini bike race, live band - The Pearl Harts (see below), food trucks and good times to extend the fun of the Bike

Continuing reactive reports and thoughts the day or so after AFT races, here is the latest. Because this was a west coast night race I only caught the first few laps of practice and the Singles and Twins mains. Here goes... TWINS I went to bed thinking this must be the easiest year ever for a rider to gain their national number. There were only 19 riders entered for a 16-rider main. Make the main and you get your national number. Go back to Pomona, another So Cal race, in 201