Its that time again

The reports late (again), I am desperately thinking about what to write, I know what I want to say but I am just trying to write so it makes more sense than your average 5 year-olds birthday wish list. Just as I begin to get it sorted out in my head, Billy Connolly comes on the telly. Talk about a distraction!

Now I liked the fellow before, I have always thought he was one of the best comedians ever, but to find out that he is a true gent as well, In not only agreeing to present the Men & Motors TV documentary on the NABD, but also donating his fee to the association. What a damn nice fellow.

Due to the tremendous amount of work we have managed to get through recently, Rick was unable to get the Open House magazine finished in time to let you all have The details of the NABD documentary (though it has been publicised on the web site for some time now and In much of the bike press). If you didn't get to see it, phone the NABD office and we will see if sort. you out with a copy of it.

As always I am sending out regular press releases about various things the NABD is involved in. If you know of a motorcycle or disability publication that has not had anything in about the NABD, drop a line to the NA6D office with details and I'll see if we can get them interested.

A couple of weeks ago someone asked me "Why do you do that?" Work was getting me down, things whore difficult at home and everything seemed a little dark. So the bright spark says "Why not ditch the charity work, you don't get paid for it, in fact it costs you money!" So I did some thinking.

All my holidays this year have been taken up with bike related stuff, if it is not running the NABD stall at a rally or doing the national rally or doing a bike show. I have managed to grab a couple of days up in the lakes or with my friends but it has only been a couple of days. "It costs you money". This is true, maybe it is my own fault, but every info pack I send out costs money to post, every time I go to the office it costs petrol and it costs for every phone call I make.

So "why do you do that" (I am sorry If I am sounding gloomy but I'll try to explain). At a local bike show we where sat there with the usual crowd shuffling past not really looking at anything but the big named bikes and the clothing stalls. Then one person comes up and say some magic words "It is all well and good, but my arm does not work any more so I will never get on a motorbike although I would love to",

We give them a couple of magazines and leaflets have a chat about what is really possible and what help we can offer, and they wander off Into the crowd with a strange expression on their face. Soon after they are back at the stall, full of questions and ideas and a look of determination and enthusiasm. What everybody had told them is impossible is now within their grasp. Now how much more payment would any of us need? (there is more than one form of currency),

So next time I feel down and feel like packing it in I will remember what we have achieved and (more importantly) how many more people we (as an association) will help, and I won't feel too bad at all.