I would have added my version to Dale's description of our journey to Veloswap sooner, but to be honest, I've been playing with the spoils of the trip all week. Four list members turned loose on unsuspecting bike shops and swap meets is not a pretty thing to watch.
We were in University Cycles so long, photographing their vintage bikes and talking with their employees, that they finally bribed us with free waterbottles to leave. They have so many great bikes on display. I think my favorites were the Cinelli and Raleigh track bikes.
Then it was on to Vecchio's which is best described the pro bike and vintage fan's dream come true. None of that mainstream bike stuff to get in the way. Just the good stuff. Dozens of posters and jerseys, a reading area, and several vintage bikes on display. One interesting touch was that the repair area was midway back in a narrow store so it seemed to encourage you to watch and talk with the mechanic. Again, we were there for at least an hour.
After a delightful dinner with several list members at the Handlebar and Grill, it was time to get a very few hours sleep before getting up at o-dark-thirty so we could beat all the other "exibitors" to the deals. Some members of our party were more eager than others. Agreed wake up time-5:30. Knock on door at 5:30-fully dressed Ken saying "You guys ready yet?"
The day was a blur of running back to our table with armloads and going for more. Came up with TTT Gran Prix bars/stem, Mafac cantis, Suntour barcons,Var tools, Cinelli old logo bars, and some great modern stuff as well. Mike Kone's excellent vintage bike display was just across from us and it seemed to attract crowds all day long.
The fun really began as it set in that we had to get all "this stuff" home somehow. Add it up, a mountain bike, three frames, two sets of wheels, and large piles of parts. Our rental van went down the highway packed to the ceiling, four bike boxes and three healthy size parts boxes. One door wouldn't even close. Then we show up at Fed-ex at five minutes to closing time with this mountain of boxes. You just have to be Really nice and hope they are in a good mood. That got the load down to something that might pass for checked baggage on the flight home.
Then it was off to join the local vintage crowd for pizza at Mike Kone's house. Lots of like minded souls sharing stories of our bikes. Of course the tour of Mike's collection is beyond description. What a fitting finale to our Colorado vintage bike pilgramage. And we have enough toys to last us til Christmas!
Mike Richardson
Transportation Director
2000 Veloswap Expediton
Statesville,N.C.