[CR]More Cirque Commentary

(Example: Framebuilders:Jack Taylor)

Date: Wed, 09 May 2001 18:48:52 -0400
From: "Chris Beyer" <beyerc@mailserver.volvo.com>
To: classicrendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]More Cirque Commentary

Howdy, Y'all:

Much of what needed to be said already has been, but positive redundancy is OK, no?

Once again, it was great to connect the faces with the names on the CR list. I was pleased to meet so many new people, as well as to see so many of the "old guard" return for another great Cirque. Beats a high school reunion any day. Heartening to see how far so many people were willing to travel for the Cirque: Brian, Chuck, Bill Mattison (sp?), Lee Berg, Lou Deeter, Joe Bender-Zanoni, and especially Ray Etherton.

It was personally gratifying to see the good-humored chortling over the chartreuse Meral transmogrify into the recognition that it ain't such a bad bike, after all (tho' a long-cage Simplex would greatly improve things). Thanks to Larry, Jerry, and Russ for letting it slip from your hands.

Memorable events (beyond those already described): Aldo's Rube Goldbergian derailleur; Michelle the captivating barkeep; watching Joe scrub away at a myriad of chainrings in a feverish attempt to maximize the value of his componentry, and hence whittle away at his law school expenses (the horse trailer story helped, too); finding a Cyclo Super 60 (thanks, Sam!); selling much more than I bought through almost no effort on my part (thanks, Joe!). The wonderful sense of camaraderie seems to get better every year. Also enjoyed the extemporaneous tour of the neighborhood which Joe, Alan, and I undertook after the Saturday ride leader felt it unnecessary to wait until everyone was ready.........

Thanks to Dale for choreographing such a memorable event, and to Brian, Alan, and Mike for both adding to my knowledge of, and increasing my enthusiasm for, vintage and artisan bikes. Now I need to get a frame built, instead of buying another "off-the-shelf" item.

A lot to look forward to for next year, including having Krispy Kreme right next door!

I'm sure I overlooked something, perhaps lots, but this will have to do for now.

Chris Beyer
Balmy Bloomfield, NJ