[CR]Never raced but there must be something to it old family story attached

(Example: Framebuilders:Brian Baylis)

From: <Wornoutguy@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 9 May 2002 23:08:17 EDT
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Never raced but there must be something to it old family story attached

When I was in my late teens I took up road bike riding. I did not realize one of the bikes in the family garage was my Grandfathers 1930s track racer.
   I had a Schwinn 12 speed and was so proud of my bike. I went one Saturday to see my Mother's second cousin Santo Spina. I was told he had raced when he was young. He was in his 70s when I went to see him. He took out his old scrap book and talked to me with a gleam in his eye about track racing in the 1930s and 40s. Turns out he was quite a local hero and almost went to the Olympics. He took me downstairs to see his Paramount track bike - it was every bit as impressive then as in 1938. I don't know how he had such an early one I never asked. Our family was poor that bike was worth a fortune in 1938 His is serial number A53. He showed me wheels he won as preem prizes and other old memories. I showed him my 12 speed with its gears and brakes and then realized 22 lbs was not light when his bike was made in the 30s and was 21lbs. I am sorry to say he died not too long after that day. Boy I wish I could have my Grandfather, Uncle and Cousin in a room with my old bikes to tell me stories. That is what collecting old bikes is about to me honoring the people who raced them. Sam DiBartolomeo Riverside, CA