Bob,
I suspect your hunch about the possible connection between Mike Walden and the Flying Scot is a good one. Since research is not my game, nor cycling history, I won't be abel to help but I'm sure someone on the list can turn up something. Since I'm searching for a color scheme for my bike(s) perhaps a replica of one of the USA team bikes (if they do exist) would be keen. If anyone can ferret out the info that would make both Bob and I happy. Second choice would be a British team replica if nothing can be found about USA bikes. I assume you have plenty of information on those frames? Are the graphics standard for the period or were there some special transfers? I know my frame was built in 1957; would it be similar to the 1960 bikes?
I can totally relate to the "short arms and deep pockets" concept; although unless you wear your pants around your neck held up by your belt so you can reach your pockets like I do, you don't have a leg to stand on! My arms are so short I can scratch my armpits without bending my arm. But I always look on the bright side of life (as I invision the closing scene of Monty Pythons' "The life of Brian") and rejoice in the fact that when we finally meet I will be easy to recognize!
I love Keith Moon and have read the book about his life and death. But Keith didn't collect many kits; buy the time he had destroyed about 20 custom kits, Premire cut him off of free drums. After that he had to pay for what he ruined! Actually my favorite Premier player was Mitch Mitchell (a replica of his early Premier oyster finish kit is currently the centerpiece in my living room) who was with Jimi Hendrix and the only drummer whose ability Keith Moon felt threatened by, and for good reason! See what I mean by getting me started? I'll stuff the sock in myself.......
Blahh grumpph doodde doh blah blah. Mmaahh blee blaaahb blu fruff?
Sorry, I can't type with a sock in my mouth. I'll just shut up.
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Walk softly and carry a big drumkit! FDR
>
> Thanks to Brian and everyone else for that matter for their compliments, and
> for the invite to this years Cirque. Much as I would like to come across, I
> doubt it will be this year - I'm only in year three of moving away from
> nose-to-the-grindstone "employee" status to "permanently worried" LBS owner.
> (most LBS owners past & present will recognise the signs) or as the saying
> goes here - I've got short arms and deep pockets......:-)
>
> Brian, you are more than welcome over here should you ever get the chance to
> come across. I'm sure there would be plenty opportunity to reminisce about
> bikes and Keith Moon's last two concerts as part of The Who prior to his
> Death. Now there was a Premier drum kit collector.............Classic
> content ? what more can I say.
>
> While we are on a roll with Flying Scot's, two items mentioned in recent
> postings prompts me to ask two related questions again.....
>
> I've heard from a countryman in the US who has one maybe two Flying Scot's
> that were allegedly part of an order for six for use by the U.S.A. Cycling
> team at the Olympics in 1960.... Can anyone do anything to help me verify
> this ? does anyone have any contemporary articles or photographs of the
> actual bikes used. They were used by some of the British team at this and
> other Olympics but it's the first I've heard of a USA team involvement.
>
> Fellow list person Mary Lanphier's parents have two Flying Scot's that were
> imported to the US via the late Mike Walden and his Continental Bike Shop in
> Detroit in the late 50's..... Is there anyone on the list an ex-employee or
> friend of Mike or have knowledge of the shop from the late 50's / early 60's
> ?
>
> The Edgar Wallace in me, has me thinking that there might actually be a
> connection here between Mike Walden (He did coach US Olympic riders ?) and
> the importing of the six Scot's.........
>
> Any help would be much appreciated.
>
> Best regards
>
> Bob Reid
> Stonehaven
> Scotland.