On Monday I announced a website that had put together, and also stated that I would add a "webzine" format with guest articles, reminisces, collections, and other info. I asked for contributors. On Monday the site received 1,653 site visits. And 3 offers to contribute. The first person to step up and offer something was Doug Smith. (for which I am grateful, Doug). Also offering contributions are Mick Butler and Toni Theilmeier. Anyone notice something? Two UK and one continental contributor. Please do not berate Mr. Smith for not offering another thread topic. He has already offered to do much more. Jay Van De Velde Seal Beach,CA
Greg and Darlene Pitman <gpit@ix.netcom.com> wrote:Okay, so Doug Smith has the audacity to express boredom with a long running thread, and gets told to put up or shut up.Hmmmmm.... then it hit me! Maybe that's what you guys are trying to do!!!!!!! Bore us into participating. Interesting psychology.
Doug is very knowledgeable about English bikes. He has an immaculate collection of restored beauties. Most of them are bikes I have never personally encountered. His favorites are bikes made by small builders in and around London. In his 70's he still rides and restores bikes. He seems to know quite a bit about little known brands. I personally would enjoy hearing some of his stories. How about it, Doug? Any stories about visiting shops, now gone, when you were younger? What did they look like? What were the people and building styles like? How about that Hobbs you just restored? And the one you're working on? What can you tell us about them? At this point, I've learned a whole lot about Masis et al. Tell us about British bikes. Which is your favorite? What you tell us will go into the archives and be available to those who care to look.
Hey, maybe the list could have a monthly theme, like the vintage rides. One month it's French, the next English, we could work our way down to obscure countries like Italy. (Sorry.....had a SpongeBob moment)
I'd also like to address the question of participation. I have a very limited amount of knowledge to contribute. If you want to know what it was like to bike around NYC from 1973 to 1977, I can offer some anecdotes. I can tell you a bit about Francisco Cuevas around '73-'74. I can tell you a bit about Zeus. And that's it! I'm here to learn more about something I love. I appreciate very much those who post and share their wealth of knowledge with me.
Greg Pitman Rancho Cucamonga, CA
"About this time the champion sprinter was Frank Kramer, whom of course I idolized. Once I managed to stay right behind him during one of his practice spins from Prospect Park to Coney Island. I remember him slapping me on the back when I caught up with him and, as he slapped my back, said, "Good work, young feller - keep it up!" That day was a red letter day in my life. For once I forgot about Una Gifford and gave myself up to dreams of riding in Madison Square Garden some day, along with Walter Rutt, Eddie Root, Oscar Egg, and the other celebrities of the track"
-Henry Miller "My Best Friend"