...the dusty black ribbons pointing West will be free of their cold slushy blankets that keep my wheels from rolling. The miles I plan to ride this year will choke my odometer with their tiny numbers rolling over, and over, and over. Here's to the future my friends. Cut the ties that bind and push on, to the sea.

Since we lost our Staffie, Daisy, last August, I haven't been able to think about getting another dog to be a companion for our English bull terrier cross, Mabel. But I'm starting to consider the idea now, though the pain of loss is still incredibly raw.

I love Staffordshire bull terriers, and wish we could get another dog from the same Australian bloodline as Daisy. Her temperament was excellent: pure love for us, with an indomitable spirit when the occasion required. This is Daisy (top right) as a pup with her siblings, and a shot of her mother, Shari.

If you're not a dog lover, there will be more motorsickles along soon!

You might recognise this young fella... he's one of the publishers of the planet's other must-have chopper mag! His Pan chopper's the tits, and you can see more of it in the new issue, out very soon.

Dean's approach to the build is interesting, reflecting his ex-pat status... American chopper with English tank, fender, rims...

What a beautiful sight.