Celebrating MOTO 2020 - The Year in Review

How come a global crisis inspires people to sing from their skyline windows?

Why did we binge watch Netflix all 2020 instead of mastering a new language or learning to play the harp?

It's because we're human. What's the shame for? At the end of the day, what we really want is to connect and feel good.

In the god forsaken name of 2020, lets pay homage to the people who nurtured the motorcycling world through the hard times. There are still good things and good people, and a lot of talent informing the industry. New records, magazines, short films and technology were made this year. Stop and smell the roses. 

AWARD WINNERS

FASTEST SPEED WHILE PERFORMING A HEADSTAND

Marco George, stunt-rider from Hampshire, UK, not only broke the record for fastest speed on a motorcycle while performing a headstand, but over doubled it.

George is being added to the 2021 Guinness World Records for riding 76.17 mph while doing the headstand, the speed he was traveling when this photo was taken.  

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

BEYOND THE STREETS 2020

On December 5th and 6th, Beyond The Streets hosted a virtual art fair of street and generally outcast artists including Vicas icons (among many, many other iconic things) Estevan Oriol and Mister Cartoon. The 2020 lineup included modern tattoo artists, critically acclaimed sculptors and illegal graffiti artists alike.

ADAM NICKEL ILLUSTRATION

An honorable mention to MOTO culture as it continues to grow and evolve with the times. Adam Nickel has a style particularly ironic yet comforting for the concerns of 2020. Nickel has an expanded library of work beyond his motorcycle art, though motorcycle illustrations continue. 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

ISSUE 90, DicE

Each DicE issue is a dreamscape of MOTO history and culture, globally known and sold.

By the photography alone, the newest Issue, #90, nods to the worlds socioeconomic distress by capturing life and class through texture, material and style. Vintage inspired Honda bikes and cars are captured with crisp, cafe racer aesthetic. The silver bike of a night rider comes eerily alive by city light. Vintage complements the grainy softness of new paint.  

VOLUME 019, META MAGAZINE

The newest META issue, Volume 019, speaks to the existentialism and opportunities of 2020 as much as its artists and authors have used that space to create with wanderlust and purpose.

The Alien Among Us could stand alone as a photo essay, though it can be watched and read. The Alien Among Us symbolizes our collective loneliness and vulnerability during quarantine using the oddly lively flat planes of Last Chance, Colorado as location for a lone rider. 

MOVIES

THE WHEELER DAIRY KILLINGS, META FILM

META Magazine continues on, leading in motorcycle short film. They curate quarterly, multi dimensional experiences in both print and film. Each short is paired with the published written story and graphic or photographic renditions of the tale.

Perhaps their most groundbreaking film thus far is The Wheeler Dairy Killings, a composite piece of film, illustration and written story published this past October. More surprising than the successful execution of a country motorcycle horror story, is the craftsmanship of every element, each building on the other like clues in a mystery novel.  

LONG WAY UP, Apple TV

Apple TV recently premiered the new series "Long Way Up," staring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, two seasoned long-distance motorcyclists, as they travel 13,000 (unscripted) miles around South and Central America in 100 days. The caveat, that they're going electric (but still keeping it classic Harley Davidson). 

Also, it got 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. This should've been put in the Award section.

TECHNOLOGY 

2020 LIVEWIRE Harley Davidson

Speaking of electric Harley Davidson bikes, the motorcycle that McGregor and Boorman ride are prototypes of the 2020 LiveWire bike. 

SERIAL 1 Harley Davidson

Coming 2021, is the Serial 1 electric bike from Harley Davidson, inspired by the original 1903 Harley Davidson. Promotional campaigns launched this Fall and e-bikes are available for pre-order.

Tax Incentives for electric motorcycles are set to expire this December 31st, which means now is the time to buy! If you purchase a hybrid model in 2020, you could claim credit on your 2020 tax return. This year might be good for something, right? Check which bikes qualify here. 

AND WITH THAT, HELLO 2021!

If you're here, thank you. And savor that. Find little joys and fleeting inspirations. 2020's almost over, but it's just an idea. The journey will not end on January 1st. What do you want to see in 2021's rewind? 

Stay safe, stay healthy... now pick a direction, and go.