Well gang,
It's time at last to finish my report on the 2002 Le Cirque because starting immediately afterwards I will be filling in all those interested as to what they can expect from Velo Rendezvous II in So. Pasadena, CA this comming October. If I get my way there will be some astounding news forthcomming. Please stay tuned. My apologies to those individuals who are awaiting answers from me to questions posed to the list and personally who will have to wait a little longer for me to get back. The past four or five days have been amazing in that I have spoken with a number of very interesting and informed sources who have helped clarify many points concerning Masi, Mario Confente, and related persons and events. Again, for those not interested it's really too bad. These events are part of history now and relate directly to our interest. Mario Confente in particular was an amazing, complex, and interesting personality and the forthcomming information will enlighten all of us, I promise.
This final segment of the report is neccessary only because I feel strongly that the two random acts of kindness and "Southern Hospitality" need to be acknowledged. Both of these things took place on Sunday after the show/swap had finished, which is where I left off.
The first ramdom act act of kindness came in the form of a most generous ride from a passerby who took pity on myself, Matt Gorski, and Chuck Schmidt.
The swap had finished and breakdown of the setup had to take place within a certain time. As everyone scrambled to evacuate Chuck, Matt and myself suddenly realized that we had to make our way back to the hotel which was about 3 miles from where the swap was held and we had no ride to get there. My frugel buying (4 rolls of handlebar tape) suddenly paid off in that we were faced with walking the 3 miles packing everything we had bought plus the two frames I had on display. I was covered since pockets and two hands were all I needed. Anyone who really knows Matt Gorski is aware of what an excellent birddog he is when it comes to finding and buying parts and stuff. Chuck wasn't too heavily laden as I recall, but by the time we got organized all three of us were looking like pack animals. Matty had a full backpack, a frame slung over his neck, bulgeing pockets, and I think a pair of wheels in hand also. I had two frames and a pair of wheels, I don't remember what Chuck had but we set off down the road, resigned to walk and make the best of it with good conversation.
As we walked down the road looking "pathetic" suddenly an angel of salvation appeared before us. He was driving a big white pick-up truck with a large cab and a fair amount of room still in the back. He had just come from the swap and apparently had had enough self restraint not to fill up his truck to the brim. He pulled over and offered us a ride. This savior is named Chesley Sugg. Without him I'm sure our skeletons would still be bleaching in the North Carolina sun where we fell and died. I can just imagine Mattys' bones lying there with a Mark Nobelette "folding frame" still clinging to his neck! Not a pretty sight. Thank you Chesley, who mentioned that he's one of Gilbert Andersens' buddies (or vice versa).
After dinner that evening at the Outback Steakhouse (during which I wasn't feeling well, nor was Larry Osborne as I recall) Dales' friend Karen Schuckman generously offered to host the "late crew" at her home for coffee and conversation in a place where we could all actually hear one another. Truely a kind and thoughtful gesture which turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire event. Quite a few people hit the road directly after the swap including Richard Sachs and the John Barron Chris Kvale combo and several others. I left mid dinner but after taking some Advil and resting in my room for a short time I felt better and returned to the steakhouse shortly before the party headed to Karens' house. I'm so very glad I did. Matt Gorski, Hilary Stone, John Pergolizzi, Dale, Mike Kone and several others who's names I'm not quite as familiar with had a wonderful and intimate conversation relating to bikes but I don't remember exactly what the topic was. As I recall it was related to frame design, frame geometry, tubing selections and whatnot. The coffee was perfect, Karens' one cat made the rounds and made at least me feel like home, and we all had a quiet and comfortable evening that stays in my memory even today. I'd like to thank Karen Schuckman (whose company we all enjoyed thouroughly) for her hospitality and generosity while shareing her home with us crusty old bicycle types.
Well that's the bulk of it. Monday was filled with the leftover stragglers having a packing frenzy upstairs at Dales shop. Pergolizzi, Mike Kone, Matt and Jay, Jim from Texas, and myself jammed our bounty into boxes as we talked, told stories, and discussed the meaning of life and the cosmos. That was priceless.
Again I'd like to acknowledge the funny and pleasant dinner we had on Fri. nite at "Pastabilities" where I sat next to David van Hook's wife (and I'm sorry I haven't been able to do better on this) who was amused at this odd accumulation of people drawn together by our common interest. Meeting people and clowning around is what makes my sheltered life interesting during the few times I exit "my bubble" for a short time and dip my toe into reality for these events. Thanks you all for reading and thank you everyone, Dale Brown in particular, for making this event a magical memory that I personally will never forget.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA