The Omelenchuk's had a store in the "suburbs" of Detroit, and the father built bicycle frames. This store catered to a lot of the Wolverine Sport Club riders, which is based in Detroit also. I had an old race program from the early 1970's that has ads in it from Omelenchuks, which I'll try to dig out. Also, regarding the wood rims, I can't prove this, but I've heard from 2-3 "old timer's" in the Detroit area that these wood rims were actually made in Adrian, Michigan, then rebranded by various shops etc. Gene Portoesi (sp?) did this, along with Mike Walden and Omelenchuks. I guess production of these rims continued in Adrian until the mid to late 1950's. I tracking down more info on the production of these rims, so I'll pass it along if and when I'm successful.
Dave Patrick Chelsea, Michigan
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-admin@bikelist.org]On Behalf Of Mark Poore Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2002 10:51 PM To: H.M. & S.S. Sachs; classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: Omelenchuk, was [CR]Anyone want to guess what this is?
Harvey, You have made me try and open that part of the grey matter that is dark and dusty, but I will give it my best. At the 1963 National Track Championships in Northbrook, IL I believe Johnny Phillips introduced myself and friends to a Jennie Omelenchuk. She was a national class sprinter and speed skater at the time. Her bike was ridiculously light compared to the track bikes of the time, I want to say 15 to 16 pounds and there were many steel parts that her, I believe father or husband made on the bike. Not to say that the gentleman was older than Jennie, I just can't remember the relationship nor the age. He might have even made the frame as I recall it didnt have much eye appeal, very plain black perhaps without decals. Now I could be wrong, but it seems to me there were steel cranks, which he might have made as well. I do remember the stem that he made and various other parts as well. Dont recall if the rims had his name on them or not.
Now I know this is all very vague and probably not worth much, but it might get someone with better recall on track. Too bad Johnny isnt around as he would probably have some answers for you. Bobby or Zay might be a source of information.
Regards,
Mark Poore
Slatyfork, WV
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