Brian Baylis wrote:
>
> Chuck,
>
> Is there any particular theme for this gathering? I will attend. Ginos' is
> always a good time. I hope everyone in the So. Cal area can make this one.
> Let's see how many new faces show up; I get the feeling there are a lot of
> newer members on the list that haven't joined us for the good times and fun
> rides we always have. Maybe Matty will be back on the bike by then.
For those that are new to the CR list... Gino Londi started throwing this party back in 1997. There is always a large turnout, party because the food and folks in attendance are so great, and partly because its a chance to see Gino's amazing collection of bikes. Lots of perfectly restored Italian iron from the 1930s and 1940s, the collection stretches up through the eighties with the last Confente built!
Some of Gino's bikes are pictured on the Velo-Retro web site in the photos of Velo Rendezvous 2001 and there are also some on Alex Clarke's Vintage Velos web site in the virtual museum (check my links page).
The theme of Gino d'Italia has always been Italian or Italianesque racing bikes because that is where Gino's heart lies, but of course _any_ vintage lightweight bike is more than welcomed at the party! Until the advent of Velo Rendezvous three years ago, Gino's party was easily the highlight of the SoCal social calendar and always eagerly awaited each year.
People drive from Arizona and the San Francisco bay area for Gino d'Italia each year!
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, CA http://www.velo-retro.com (Timelines, reprints, T-shirts & Velo Rendezvous info)
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