Hello all,
It just occurred to me that I have not properly introduced myself. My name is Dennis Stover. I live just a couple blocks away from fellow list member Duane Kennard.
I have been riding and working on bicycles since the late 60's. As a young boy, I watched my father try to rebuild a front hub using a bicycle repair book. For whatever reason, I was hooked. The book explained how to build a wheel. At 13, I removed all the spokes from my front wheel and rebuilt it. Of course I never told my dad I was going to do it. I used my frame and a ruler as a truing stand to help true the wheel. The wheel worked, but I doubt the spoke tension was correct.
While I was in 3rd grade, my parents bought me a Schwinn Stingray bicycle. I rode it to school every day. All through Junior High and High school I also rode back and forth to school. It was a 20 mile round trip. I did not even get my license until I was almost 18. I rode my bike everywhere. Dating? What was that? I had my bicycle to keep me company.
After graduating in 1978 (that makes me 42 years old now), I worked at Gus Dando's bicycles located near Balboa and Roscoe, right next to the Van Nuys airport. 3 years later I joined the Navy to become a machinist.
For a partial list of my bicycles, go to http://home.ix.netcom.com/
My first pro bike was a mid 70's Masi. I bought it while working at Gus's shop. I sold it to get my Gios Torino. Looking back, I should have kept the frame. I sold it with a NR headset and bottom bracket for $250. In 1979, that was a fair price for a used Masi frame.
Every memorial day weekend my family and friends go up north to Pasa Robles for the Great Western Bicycle Rally. 4 days of family fun on bicycles/tandems. If you have never been, check out http://www.gwbr.org for details.
I have completed several century and double century rides. My favorite is the Davis Double. I am currently training for the Orange County Wheelmen Amtrak century in September. Maybe next year I can go for a Triple Crown (3 doubles in the same year).
My current occupation is reselling Microsoft accounting software. I travel all over the US installing software. I take my Bike Friday with me so I can ride during the week.
I could go on for a few more pages, but I will stop for now. If you have not fallen asleep by now, thanks for reading all of this.
Dennis Stover
Arleta, CA