Hello, Just a quick note to introduce myself. I was born in Whitstable, Kent, England. My parents didn't drive but we were a four bicycle family. My first bicycle was purchased when we lived in SE Asia. It was a wonderful tank of a machine with rod brakes I think it may have been made in India. The name on it was "Camel." After that I owned an RSW 16, Triumph 20, Hetchin, Puch and a Carlton Clubman. I wish I still had everyone of those machines! (Especially the Hetchin!) These days I own two English lugged frame bicycles: a Mercian and a 1960's Raleigh Sport. The Mercian is my dream machine and equipped with as much traditional European touring components as possible. I also have a Japanese made lugged frame--don't know if that really counts as a classic but I still enjoy it and am trying to restore it to what it had on it when I first bought it in 1981. These days I live in Tacoma, WA, USA. I have recently returned to the cycling fold after not riding for a number of years. Anyone on the list from the Tacoma area??? Well, this was longer than I intended. I'll keep it shorter next time--consider my wrist smacked!!! Lawrence P. H. Bradley