Gilbert,
There was no talk of Coppi and Masi in the early Carlsbad period. There was very little communication between the Italians and the Americans on account of the language barrier. Had we known to ask, I'm sure we would have got the whole story; but who knew at the time.
I realize there are more than enough "stories" and rumors of this and that; but in the case of Coppi riding Masis at some time, there is plenty of evidence to confirm this point from what I've seen. Personally, I feel safe swallowing this particular tale.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA
>
> Yo Brian and all,
>
> Sounds like a real possibility that certainly contributes to the well desired
> Masi legend. This sounds fairly authentic, and I have few reasons to doubt
> it's authenticity but things like this are hard to verify. I'm not doubting
> or trying to stir up controversy, just making a simple point.
>
> I've heard as it seems like everybody has; and seem to have (insert) ridden,
> built, painted, coached, managed, raced against, raced with, beaten, dropped
> (like I dropped Eddy Merckx on his 50th birthday when he was real fat like me
> on a big hill; he comes around sometimes here), worked on his bike, gave him
> my wheel(*Richie Sachs- I need it back! ); dated his sister, cousin, brother,
> father, mother, married (insert again), basic drop name stuff which I am
> familiar with personally like everybody with everything so I get a little
> suspicious when I hear claims of any sort like; Oh, gilbert anderson rode
> Cinelli's in his heyday though they had Windsor decals!
>
> Actually I rode Jock PenYays, Peugeot PX-10's, Schwinn Paramounts, Windsor's
> and Brian Rourkes which had Reynolds decals along with Durifort stampings in
> the actual tubing.
>
> Gilbert- Just a doubter, not doubting you _ Anderson
>
> * Just kidding , but I think we know somebody.
>
> Also Brian, any gossip on the Coppi to Masi connection from your old days.
> Gossip from1975 might be better than facts from 2001. And as they like to say
> in Can-i-dah, Ehh?
>
> In a message dated 11/7/01 2:32:27 AM, rocklube@adnc.com writes:
>
> << Gilbert,
>
> As proof as to wheather Coppi rode Masis, I offer this. One of the
> symposium speakers at the Velo Rendezvous this past month in Pasadena
> was Rex Gephart. He's kind of a Masi buff. He has established a
> relationship with Alberto Masi and has visited a few times already. At
> the symposium Rex displayed a handwritten letter by Fousto Coppi to
> Faliero Masi requesting 6 frames for the next racing season. The letter
> was posted from Rio de Jinero and dated 1952. The letter was the subject
> of an Italian newspaper article not too long ago, a copy of which
> Alberto sent to Rex along with the letter. The letter has been roughly
> translated but apparently is a little difficult to transpose on account
> of Coppi wrote in a "peasants dilalect" that many modern translators
> aren't familiar with. Charming, don't you think. Personally, I would
> consider this piece of evidence to be strongly in favor of Coppi having
> ridden Masis for some period of time.
>
> Brian Baylis
> La Mesa, CA
> I don't give a rat's ass who rode them, I still like them.
> > >>