on 2/5/01 3:26 PM, Bingham, Wayne wrote:
>
> I particularly want to thank all the list members that I hadn't previously
> met, who made the special effort to come by, introduce themselves and chat.
> It's great to meet additional CR members and to put some new faces with
> familiar names. Of course, I also want to thank all the usual suspects.
>
> I've sent some pics to our fearless list-leader, and he's promised to post
> them so all can take a brief peek at the event.
>
Hi:
I've got photos of the meet that I'll send to Dale ASAP, though I have to get them sorted out first...
Observations:
1. It's more fun going with a friend, I drove down with Glenn Flick who's going to become a member real soon now...
2. I made a nametag with the Ernie Clement / Jean Kent photo and the lists I'm on (CR first!). It's great walking in the door, and having someone say, "Hi Roy, I'm so & so". I'll make some blanks for the next meet I'm at.
3. Again too, it's great to meet the people I've been reading for the last year.
4. Like life, don't expect much, and you'll be pleasantly surprised. There wasn't anything in particular I was looking for, and like Wayne, if you bottom feed" you can pick up bargains. Two Blackburn bottle cages for $1, a VAR stand for $2, Record headset for $15, pair of Campy skewers $5, leather covered toe clips $5, a beat-up Specialized dirt-drop stem for $2.50 (think Nitto), a new Rhode Gear rack pack for $8, and the deal of the day... a new Look Ergo stem, unused, for $50!
4a. If there's something you absolutely need, it's not going to be there...
5. Hang out at Larry's and eat his munchies, stamina is needed. However stay away from the barbecue chips if you're going to dip in the salsa...<burp>
6. Like Wayne said, join forces. I was finding stuff for Glenn, and he was finding stuff for me. If you do the buddy system, wear something noticeable in a crowd...like Jill; but don't change it...like Jill <G>
7. If you're really into it, prepare to be there the entire time, from when the doors open, until the venders pack up. The first ones through find the outrageous deals. As vendors sell their fast moving items, the inventory changes to the interesting stuff. If there's something that's been sitting for the entire time, start making deals when the dealer starts stirring and packing the boxes.
8. Take a notebook & pencil to jot down names & numbers, & to pass out information. Tape measure, ruler & calipers are handy for examining those interesting items. Wear comfy shoes & clothes with plenty of pockets.
9. Keep your ears open, I passed out list info when I heard people talking about older bikes. Look around, checking under the tables and along the walls, ask if there's any boxes you can look through.
10. Have a good time :<)
Roy H. Drinkwater
Lititz, PA