BACKFIRES
LETTER OF THE MONTH
For The Love of Moto!
I
mpressive issue once again. Black and white photography somehow always eclipses color, and that was an amazing array of photos from long ago in the June edition. And remember, those shots were printed on paper in a place once called a “darkroom,” where chemicals were used and a red light was the only one allowed so as to not fog the prints. And before digital there was stuff called “film” that came in little plastic canisters containing either 24 or 36 exposures, and that roll better be rewound before you opened the back of that 35mm SLR… otherwise you’d have shite! I was an Army reporter and combat photographer in Vietnam in the year 1966. Got a medal for my photos, in fact. What today’s generation might find interesting and yet hard to believe is that when I returned from the Mekong Delta to Saigon with my film I thought I might have some good shots — but never really knew for sure until they were developed. Assuming I got the shutter speed correct and the light meter dialed and, most importantly, was my 35mm lens in focus and not covered in slime? (This was Vietnam, after all). Had to be sure the canisters were clamped tight, as I was many times up to my waist in rice paddy water. Will never forget waiting with my Editor for the contact sheets to return and looking at his face as he smiled, a smile that said I’d nailed it. I am sure Bill Petro did the same thing when anticipating his Jim Pomeroy shots. And he, too, must have smiled when he saw that contact sheet, because he nailed it, too. Brian Halton | San Francisco, CA
Red Light Blues
Joy Burgess’ Red Light Blues article really hit home. Like most motorcyclists I have struggled with traffic signals not recognizing me and my motorcycle. It is annoying and in a
way can create a dangerous situation. Here in California, many intersections are now controlled by, I believe, video devices, which do not always “see” motorcycles. These devices also change the signal timing to better regulate the flow of traffic. At times,
I have approached one of the two of these in my town where I am the only vehicle approaching the intersection from my direction. If there is another vehicle in the opposing left-turn lane I am given a quick yellow and then red while giving the other vehicle the green to go ahead. This sometimes causes me to brake quite hard approaching the intersection, which could almost be considered a panic stop. This is definitely a hazardous situation for motorcyclists, as it could possibly cause a fall, or worse, running a red light and possibly resulting in a collision. Motorcycling is hazardous enough without DOTs throwing up additional hazards. Karl Bishop | Quincy, CA
Pomeroy and DeCoster
Great photo of the late, great Jimmy Pomeroy. The cross-up photo I have is similar and my all-time favorite. Not sure who photographer was (Codiva?) but I’m fairly certain it precedes the one of Pomeroy. (Check out the helmet.) I was sent this image from Mr. Roger DeCoster after my mother wrote him a letter for me. We got a wonderful letter and this photo of him in return. My
Letters to the editor are the opinions of the AMA members who write them. Inclusion here does not imply they reflect the positions of the AMA, its staff or board. Agree? Disagree? Let us know. Send letters to submissions@ama-cycle.org; or mail to American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147. Letters may be edited for clarity and brevity.
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