[CR]Velo Rendezvous Day Two

(Example: Production Builders:Cinelli)

Date: Mon, 08 Oct 2001 19:18:47 -0700
From: "Brian Baylis" <rocklube@adnc.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Velo Rendezvous Day Two

Sunday began early for Maurice and myself. Up at 6am to be at Chucks' by 6:45am which meant loading 8 bikes into my truck like sardines to take over to the "hidden meadow" Chuck had selected as the site of our swap and show. We arrived early to make certain our choice would not be occupied by another party. Chuck had a plan. Make the area look like a murder scene to scare off any potential takers. He taped off the whole plot with yellow police tape as we moved in to stake our claim by depositing my eight bikes. The morning ride was to begin from the parking lot near where we were setting up. This beautiful meadow had the ideal balance of shade and sunlight(charged with that October feel) that provided a perfect backdrop for a California style show. I'm sure when the photos start appearing, everyone will see how natural a setting this was for photos and displaying bikes. People started arriving and taking up the parcel we had claimed and the grounds filled with swap blankets and bike displays. I then had to go with Chuck to his house and we came back with eight more bikes of his. By that time the ride departure was awaiting my appearance so we could hit the road. The assembled group was fully decked out in cool bikes and ready to take advantage of this pristine morning in Southern California. As we clowned in the parking lot just before leaving, Jan Johnson advanced the art of making shy short little framebuilders blush by giving me the most embarassing hug I've ever had in my life. Those who saw me turn beet red laughed histerically; but you would have had to have been there to fully apperciate why it was so funny. Anyway we hit the road for the loop that is traditionally taken on Chucks' rides, and had the traditional fun time as we rolled along the base of the Angeles Crest National Forest. I would be willing to bet one could not have been here on a finer day. The ride went quickley and all too soon we were back at the enchanted forest and the event had expanded to near its' final size. From that point on it was nonstop looking at bikes, eating catered food, talking about every subject you can imagine. When I'm at these events people ask me tons of questions and ask for my opinions on all kinds of subjects. I bounce around like a ping pong ball all day. It's difficult to avoid completely of course; but I prefer to minimize talking business in favor of answering questions and sharing each others passion for these vintage steeds. At 3:00 the judging results for the bike show were announced. Chucks' system of popular vote choosing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice was simple and worked like a charm. Third place was a 1950's Gillott that belongs to Chuck Schmidt. All original and very cool. Second place was awarded to Rex Gephardts' 1962 Masi Special track bike, which I think was an excellect choice. Since I never got around to casting a ballot, the crowd must have similar taste as myself. First place was awarded to Gino Londis' Umberto Dei. Nicely restored old Italian iron that apparently won by a considerable margin in the popular vote. Forgive me for not remembering the exact year of this example off hand.

The day goes quickly under these perfect conditions and before I realized it, it was time to reverse the process and evacuate our little paradise. For me that meant loading up Chucks' stable first and taking that to his house and then comming back to load up my stuff. It was a long day but worth every effort. Down here in San Diego our plans changed at the last minute when we realized the expense involved in renting the truck for the period required. I'd like to extend a special thanks to Sterling Peters for being my "wing man" as he escorted my lumbering bike filled bomber from San Diego to Pasadena and back in his BMW 2002. We made the out and back trip and I felt safe with Sterling drafting me the whole time. Also I'd like to thank those people who helped carry bikes and helped me load at the end of the day. That's when it matters most. I made it home shortly after 9 pm Sunday evening.

I just talked with Chuck on the phone a short time ago and we both feel similarly about the event. This is where it's at. These non commercial, purely for the love of it gatherings where us with a common interest can share experiences like this with each other. The Velo Rendezvous was born from the phone conversation Chuck and I had right after we came back from the Cirque this year. Chuck was all over it instantly. The result is the past two days of riding, sharing, and commaraderie. The neutral atmosphere gives the event a real comfortable feel that I think is important to a gathering of this nature.

From our conversation this evening, another brainstorm blew in. Chuck and I both realized how impressed we were with what Rex has accomlished with Alberto Masi. We also realize that very soon the Masi Legend will cease to develope as Alberto retires. I told Chuck we should form a "society" dedicated to gathering and preserving as much information and history as possible before the artifacts and people involved pass away and so on. Also I thought it would be seriously cool to start a Masi Registry for the United States and other parts of the world as well. Chuck suggested a "pilgrimage" to the Vigorelli before it's too late and I just realized that he is 100% right about that. I think we should organize a trip with Rex in attendence to pay homage while we have a chance. All you non Masi types can just ignore our little fetish, but Chuck and I and I'm sure Rex also are in up to our necks at least. Anyone interested in joining, going on the pilgrimage, or signing the Masi Registry just stay tuned as we formulate a plan.

Brian(Masi Dork)Baylis
La Mesa, CA