Jim Blackstock

Jim’s first foray onto two wheels was in the late 1980s when he worked in an automotive repair garage after graduating university with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He used a motorcycle to pick up spares parts to help with time-sensitive vehicle repairs

However, he swopped bikes for cars for some time, beginning a career in publishing in the early 1990s and concentrating on the technical side of modifying cars as well as testing all manner of products, from In-Car Entertainment components to trackday tyres.

Following a spell away from publishing, when he was responsible for the PR and Marketing for teams, manufacturers and drivers in Formula One, the FIA World Rally Championship and IndyCars, he returned to publishing and joined the RiDE team in 2017, initially as Production Editor. However, his experience testing all manner of products, combined with his acute consumer understanding and technical experience and curiosity soon led to him being given responsibility for the magazine’s product content.

He also re-discovered a love of riding motorcycles, having evolved a more sedate approach to the British roads than his first encounter, when he joined RiDE. He went through the Direct Access process to get his licence and began riding again, eventually purchasing a KTM 790 Adventure, to allow him to enjoy riding in all the conditions and circumstances he enjoys; long distance, cross country and off road.

When not testing products, he enjoys touring and rebuilding old motorcycles that he is convinced will be worth a fortune but in reality, aren’t really worth anything.