t’s only been a couple months since we launched In The Garage, but man, a lot sure has transpired in the world around us, hasn’t it? We’d expected to attend a handful of events, from our initial announcement at Goodguys Del Mar to the always highly anticipated L.A. Roadsters Father’s Day Show, but as each week passes, each one has been postponed or canceled altogether. Understandable, absolutely—but sad nonetheless. We just want the opportunity to get out in front of people and reconnect the names with faces … just to emphasize that while the magazine may be new, the people behind it are anything but!

Over a quarter-century ago, I began life as a “gearhead” magazine editor. But it wasn’t until roughly 15 years ago that I first cut my teeth reporting on the classic truck segment of the hobby, which even at that point in time was far beyond its infancy and progressed quite a bit from its beginnings. As my career progressed, it took me back to my hot rod roots, and away from mainstream classic trucks—but in that short span of time, the hobby experienced its biggest growth spurt ever. Now that I’m back, it really feels like an entirely different hobby altogether—new builders, new companies, and, most importantly, new hobbyists. All good as far as I’m concerned … just means I’ve got more re-familiarizing to do on my end, as I’ve been the one MIA, not the other way around.

Unfortunately, with the current social climate conditions, I’ve been having to do my socializing the new-modern way: via social media. It’s not the same as the traditional meet ’n’ greet way, but it’s better than nothing, that’s for sure. Growing an Instagram account, as well as Facebook, has been a bit challenging, but both platforms seem to be reaching the right people. And same goes for our website, which in and of itself is an entity all its own. But to be totally honest, the safety of socializing via the comfort of my own home just isn’t the same.

Whether it’s the end of summer via some of the bigger national events, or the end of the year via SEMA and some of the not-so-big non-national events, I think we’re all ready to get outta the house and back on the road, right? In the meantime, let’s do our best to stay safe—and healthy—and do what we can to get those old trucks ready to roll when the coasts (and valleys and mountain passes) are clear!