PHILIP ALAN SCHILLING

PHILIP ALAN SCHILLING, 74, died on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, in Santa Barbara, Calif. He was one of the world's foremost motorcycle journalists. Born Oct. 2, 1940, in Fort Wayne, he was the son of Lois Summers Schilling, an elementary school teacher, and Irvin Earl Schilling, a farmer who raised Shorthorn cattle. At an early age, as Phil put it, he "fell in love with the internal combustion engine." He graduated from Northwestern University in 1962 and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa for academic achievement. He then pursued graduate studies in American History at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. At the same time, his interest in motorcycle road racing and moto-journalism grew steadily. He began to write articles for Cycle Magazine, the premier title in the field. In 1970, Cycle Editor Cook Neilson invited Phil to join the staff in New York and made him Managing Editor. Phil's fluid style, sense of humor and keen appreciation for motorcycle culture set a new standard for writing in the field. This was the high-point of motorcycle popularity in the United States and a golden era for magazines. He and Neilson enjoyed a close and productive collaboration and their friendship endured over the years. Cycle moved to California in 1972. Phil's reputation grew as he authored a successful large-format book, The Motorcycle World, published by Random House. In March 1977, he and Neilson astonished motorcycle fans by winning the Daytona Superbike race with a Ducati 750 Super Sport. The two had engineered their own entry, overcoming highly-financed factory-sponsored competition from the likes of Kawaski and BMW. In 1979, Phil became Cycle's Editor-in-Chief. For the next nine years he gave leadership to a spirited group of writers, photographers and designers. In a technically fast-changing environment, Phil kept Cycle at the forefront. It carried beautiful photographs and innovated artistically as well as editorially. Allyn Fleming, who joined the staff in 1978 and rose to be Managing Editor, became Phil's partner. The magazine attracted an intensely devoted readership. Many consider Cycle under Phil's direction to be the pinnacle of motorcycle journalism. Cycle was down-to-earth but classy, sophisticated, adventurous and literate. Phil took the time to mentor young writers and racers. In late 1988, as new owners took over the magazine, Phil stepped down. After Cycle, he and Allyn moved to Santa Barbara, where he wrote articles, rebuilt historic motorcycles and was active in the motorsport community. He remained an icon to his many fans. He was inducted into Ducati North America's Hall of Fame in 2006 and into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2011. Phil died peacefully at home after a battle with Parkinson's Disease. He leaves behind his wife and partner of 35 years, Allyn Fleming; sister, Susanne Paul of New York; and numerous kin. He is mourned by a large following in the motorcycle world and many others who were touched by his generosity, kindness, friendship and gentle humor.