[CR]Philosophy on Rides

(Example: History:Norris Lockley)

From: "Chris Miller" <dwcmpe1@charter.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: [CR]Philosophy on Rides
Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2005 20:19:12 -0800


While for the most part I agree with Felix, in Upstate South Carolina (about 100 miles from Cycles de Oro) there do not exist vintage rides of which I am aware. I would suggest that that riding our Classic bikes for 30 miles and on fair days only perpetuates the "Trailer Queen" stereotype seen in car and motorcycle shows. The Pebble Beach car show has recently instituted a "drive" requirement in one of itsclasses for this very reason. As we don't use salt in this area a lot of fun may be had riding 30 miles, 60 miles, or even 100+ miles. Please note I am not suggesting using 20 year old brake pads or tires, as rubberdefinitely has a shelf life, and may cause safety issues for the group. The aluminum components shouldalso be frequently inspected before each ride to insure fatigue cracking has not started, an inspectionprudent for new components as well. I am assuming the frame has not been compromised by rust or lug jointfatigue. It has been my experience that the Campy NR/SR components are extremely durable.This has the added benefit of exhibiting that steel frames are not outdated as some believe, increasing perceived usability/competiveness of the KOF frames. As we are all aware, the motor is the greatest difference between bicycle speeds.This would also have a benefit of bringing other riders into the hobby.I look forward to your comments.Thanks,Chris MillerArchive-URL: http://search.bikelist.org/getmsg.asp?Filename=classicrendezvous.10412.2141.eml From: "Felix Chiu" <fcjchiu@comcast.net> Date: Fri, 31 Dec 2004 19:07:19 -0800 Subject: [CR]Philosophy on Rides

Hi Jay and List:

I am responding to your request for thoughts on vintage rides.

As far as I'm concerned, and I hold to that believe when I organize rides, these rides are excuses to hang-out, a chance to ride your old bike, admire other's old bikes and in general, meet some other like minded individuals. These rides should be fairly flat, not too long (less than 30 miles), fair weather only, no drop, no hammer with plenty of stops and some kind of coffee/lunch break at the end where every one can socialize and check out each others bikes. I strongly believe in this and I found that to be the most enjoyable to me and most others that come out to these rides. I love looking at someone else's bikes and I especially admire someone that makes the effort to bring something different and interesting. For this reason, I always try to prepare and bring something that I think someone else would enjoy looking at. Sometimes this would mean that I would spend many hours the week before to get the particular bike ready which could be swapping on a more appropriate part, some extra cleaning etc. The bikes I have are not particularly special and I do not have any "WOW" bikes but in my own little way, I try to do what I can to make these rides more enjoyable based on my believe above. There are many other opportunities to ride in the rain, try to drop your buddies, hammer your brains out, ride your disposable modern bikes, etc. Please don't do it on one of the vintage rides and especially not on one of mine.

Maybe we can do a joint Silicon Valley, Sonoma County ride sometime.

Respectfully,

Felix Chiu

Foster City, CA

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