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