[CR]Sad news from the iBoB list - Bicycle Classics

(Example: Events)

Date: Tue, 2 Dec 2003 22:29:38 -0500
To: classic list <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
From: "Roy H. Drinkwater" <roydrink@ptd.net>
Subject: [CR]Sad news from the iBoB list - Bicycle Classics

There were a few complaints on the iBoB list about service from Bicycle Classics and not being able to contact Alan Schaeffer. This was posted today:


>From: "JONES-BAMMAN, Richard (Performing Arts)" <JONESBAMMANR@easternct.edu>
>To: <internet-bob@bikelist.org>
>Subject: Re:[BOB] Status of Bicycle Classics? (LONG)
>
>I'm not here as an apologist for Al, but perhaps I can provide some
>insight into the status of Bicycle Classics that may not be obvious to
>those who only know Al as the proprietor of an internet biz. Most of
>Al's time is spent behind the counter in his lovely little bike shop in
>Danielson, CT, where he philosophizes regularly on all manner of topics,
>from proper bicycle fit to the state of our collective health, physical
>and mental. I've dragged everyone out to his place I can think of who
>has even the faintest interest in bikes (or things mechanical), and the
>majority have come away with some things to mull over, perhaps an
>article to read, and most often a strong conviction to start riding
>their bikes. Unfortunately, Al's business is not located in a spot that
>is well suited to his retail approach--Danielson is yet another dead New
>England mill town, with lots of empty brick edifices and unemployment
>rates that are staggering. There are a few regular customers like
>myself who make the drive out to his place, in part to throw some
>business his way, but largely to spend time talking and listening to his
>opinions. If not for Al, I doubt very much that I would have
>re-embraced cycling to the extent that I have, nor would I ever have
>stumbled into this particular forum. I rode very seriously as a
>kid/young man, but eventually gave it up for running; now I do both with
>equal enjoyment, but not nearly the intensity that came close to sucking
>all the fun out of both activities. At the very least, I owe him a
>tremendous debt of gratitude for helping me find my way back to a much
>saner and happier cycling experience.
>
>I believe Al's decision to take over BC a couple of years ago was driven
>by two factors. First, he was/is passionate about old bikes and old
>bike parts--the more arcane, the better. Second, I suspect the
>potential for some extra cash was a strong incentive, even if it meant
>more work than he could possibly undertake without changing some other
>aspect of his life. I don't have a clue about how that business has
>gone, thanks in large part to proximity: if I need something I drive out
>to his place and buy it. But, I am aware of what a drain it's been on
>him and his partner at the bike shop, Dave.
>
>I'm going to such lengths with this because I guess I want to avoid what
>really needs to be stated. As of today, Alan Schaeffer's Ordinary Bike
>Shop in Danielson is entering its last month of business. The building
>is for sale (and oh what a wonderful example it is of weird late 19th
>century architecture), and Al will be selling off the stock in the
>showroom, and moving a great pile of his other stuff into storage. I
>don't know yet what is happening to Bicycle Classics, but I believe Al
>when he tells me that it will continue in some guise. Al is moving on
>to an entirely different career, one that really fits with his strong
>faith and his belief in the good that inhabits all of us. To say that
>I'll miss him is such a hopeless understatement, but I can't think of
>any other way to express it.
>
>If you've had contact with Al through either of his businesses, or maybe
>through his long-standing support of various charity rides in
>Connecticut, take a moment to call him and wish him well. There are
>precious few bike shops out there, as we on this list continually
>bemoan, where a person can not only buy a good, practical bike, but also
>find a kindred spirit behind the counter. Sad to say, there's now one
>less.
>
>Richard Jones-Bamman
>Storrs, CT

Roy "sad" Drinkwater
Lititz, PA