Here here,
I though about this as well and some time ago on the list I posted with
what I thought was the most elegant solution (in response to those who
admitted 30+ bikes in their garage/shed/attic/basement).....
> Of personal interest to me is those who have 55-56 cm frames and
> unmarried daughters. I'd make darn sure my father-in-law's MANY
> grandkids knew all about how
> "pop's" was faster than Merckx, more stylish than Fonz de Wolf, and
> got fresh with more
> podium chicks than Cippo.
>
I would like to add that I would never out sprint or drop my newly loved father in law and I figure that any daughter who is already "trained" (bad word?) to accept that a man's need to have many bikes is normal, makes an ideal partner IMO. Im not saying Im young but Im certainly younger than many here and I would do this for love and to ensure classic bike collections stay in the family dynasty so they won't be offed on ebay to sport carbon wheels, 40 gears and be repainted with powdercoat. Im sure the Matteo's, Klakow's, Skryzypek's, Bissell's, Agree's et al (young bloods) on the list would gladly step forward to do the same. Maybe we could have Dale meister act as a civil celebrant an next years Cirque as we have our own 7 brides for 7 brothers. Heck we could even get some of our KOF artisans to make some custom wedding bands from nervex lugs ... actually, bad idea - we would then have to delay the wedding to Le Cirque '06 what with their long waiting lists. If needed we could entertain ideas of becoming mormons or muslims 'coz there is many more classic bike owners than us selfless souls who are prepared to carry the flame ... maybe some of you Frisco/Berkley peace and love type fathers might help here to make sure we hit the jackpot ..... oops I meant have the future covered. Sounds grand to me :)
But seriously, if a thing is of beauty and worth newer generations will pick it up and play it's song. There are plenty bikes, and some history dies but a lot hangs on and is refound. The future of our fancy isn't at all gloomy. I certainly know that I have learnt a lot and have shared it with brothers of my own age even though they aren't interested in being here. Every one of 'em has a timeline bike that i hunted around and built up for 'em at mates rates (cost). I never pushed or hustle them onto it but they sawe my passion and slowly they became curious, appreciative and then hooked. They know all about their bikes, are proud, see the beauty and then wen't off to learn and buy more. The ebay prices for vintage bikes and parts isn't rising just coz you older guys are getting richer - more stuff is coming to market and newer generations of enthusiasts are still exceeding the supply. There are plenty young peep's who are drawn to classic bikes and they are a pretty discerning bunch even though you may worry about their hair. Next time your at a swap (like T-town) have a look around and you'll see plenty people buying up stuff much older than them.
Have faith in the future generations ability to discern the better things in life and appreciate/understand the importance of history. Also, like a fisherman with a hook, cut a good deal for a youngin' who you think has potential and passion to keep this stuff alive and true. Oh .... And make sure Miss Funderbunk attends Cirque again and brings plenty of her friends too ;)
ciao,
Ben Kamenjas Sydney, Australia
>>> Hi Ted:
>>> Not sure exactly what you're looking to do, but CR isn't a
>>> Democracy, or
>>> even a Constitutional Republic or a Right-Wing Theocracy. we don't
>>> have
>>> sub-committees or blue-ribbon panels that make recommendations to any
>>> august body of decision-makers. ;-)
>>> Dale has spoken on this subject repeatedly - it is his decision, and
>>> his
>>> decision alone.
>>> Here's what I lifted directly from the "about Classicrendezvous"
>>> portion
>>> of the "join Classicrendezvous" page:
>>> "In this Classic Rendezvous mailing list, a discerning few bicycle
>>> enthusiasts celebrate the hand made craft objects that are vintage
>>> lightweight bicycles.
>>>
>>> We see the demise of the hand crafted bicycle as a sad turn of
>>> events..
>>> Indeed our society is rapidly discovering fast and robotic means of
>>> manufacturing everything we use in our lives. The bicycle, since it's
>>> invention, has represented a sublime blending of function and art.
>>>
>>> The Classic Rendezvous list focuses on bicycles made from the
>>> beginning of
>>> the Twentieth Century, up to 1983. We also consider "on topic"
>>> makers of
>>> very fine bicycles that can be seen as "Carrying the torch" for
>>> classic
>>> style cycling....New age welded, injection molded, or glued modern
>>> wonders
>>> belong in some other mail list, not this one! Ditto for mountain
>>> bikes &
>>> balloon tired bikes. Those items have merit, but they just do not
>>> belong
>>> here."
>>>
>>> If you're just talking about getting more people involved in pre-1984
>>> on-topic lightweight bikes that meet the stated criteria, then yes,
>>> that's
>>> great, go for it.....
>>> Greg "retrogrouch" Parker
>>> Dexter, Michigan
>>>
>>> Date: Tue, 21 Dec 2004 21:02:12 -0800
>>> From: "ternst"
>>> To:
>>> Subject: [CR]Time(line)ly Considerations
>>>
>>> Hello all: And a happy wish for you all to any and every persuasion
>>> that
>>> gives you solace, pleasure, and the strength to keep looking for
>>> those
>>> neato bicycle parts.
>>>
>>> A thought to ponder: Much has been debated and discussed re: The
>>> timeline. Remember the old capatalistic adage, "Grow Or Die"?
>>>
>>> I would like your thoughts and comments about having a sliding scale
>>> of
>>> age vs. style or construction of bicycles. Maybe an age of 25 or 30
>>> years
>>> may be in order. If the age is not able to keep in a reasonable time
>>> frame
>>> the old stuff will be ancient and it'll be in accumulation /
>>> collection
>>> depots and no one will be able to afford it, and then we limit the
>>> members
>>> to such an exclusivity and elitist group that it implodes.
>>>
>>> IMHO the flame must be carried from generation to generation, and the
>>> mechanism should be put into place. Today's younger people,
>>> collector's of
>>> tomorrow, don't know a world without computers, dvd's, jammed
>>> freeways,
>>> etc. How will they know the real old bikes, nail on cleats, leather
>>> chamois shorts, 5-sp clusters, toe clips and straps, one inch pitch,
>>> etc.,
>>> except in some digital repro =
>>> foto?
>>> Let's bring a younger group and newer tech construction into the
>>> fold,
>>> they'll collect their generational stuff and then branch into older
>>> and
>>> build bridges connecting the vintages.
>>>
>>> All bikes are collectible to someone or other. We can include and
>>> grow or
>>> exclude and wither.
>>>
>>> Comments? Is there a Board of Regents that would take this for a tour
>>> around the block after the august members of the CR hopefully enter
>>> into
>>> some timely and lively consideration and discussion?
>>>
>>> Ted Ernst
>>> Palos Verdes Estates
>>> CA 90274