LOTS of state pride in Texas! Noticed it right away. Finally warm and sunny here in San Diego!
Well, the first annual North American Handmade Bicycle Show is in the can. For those who did not attend, I'll try to give my perspective on what I saw, who I met, and what I experienced. Before going into that, it is absolutely neccessary to begin with kudos and a sincere thank you to Don Walker for taking up the challange, putting in extreme effort, shelling out mucho casho of his own money, and putting together a milestone historic event it the world of framebuilding. Don, YOU'RE THE MAN! Your local friends and those who helped you out are to be commended also; I'm sure it took effort and willingness on their part to make this happen.
Where should I start? How about the nervous approach to the hotel at the hands of the shuttle driver. I was the last stop of three as the driver, who even until the last minute, didn't exactly know where the Sheraton Brookhollow hotel was located. Since I wasn't in a hurry or late for anything it was no big deal, but it was funny that we were driving down the freeway and suddenly a Sheraton hotel appeared on the right (with no visible sign indicating which of the 3 or 4 Sheraton hotels in Houston it was), so the driver suddenly whips off the turnpike and makes his way back to check if it happens to be the Brookhollow. Holy smokes! A small ground level sign finally announced that we had indeed made it to my destination. I could see people unloading bikes in the parking lot; so I made a beeline to that spot as soon as I got off the shuttle. The first great gift of the weekend was that it was my good long time friend and fellow framebuilder AND painter, Doug Fattic from Niles, MI. This was the first time I would have an opportunity to spend more than a few hours at a time with one of my favorite and most talented colleagues. We were amongst the earliest arrivals it turns out, and esteemed friend and colleague Richie Sachs was there also, setting up his display of beautiful bicycles. At last, for the first time I had the pleasure of meeting Don Walker in person. I knew immediately that our past encounters had dissolved and that we would be friends and enjoy each other's company and "war stories" throughout the event. Primary reason number one to come to these gatherings. Meeting people face to face and bonding on a personal level is a priceless opportunity that none of us can afford to miss. Unfortunately, I was not able to accomplish everything in this realm that I had hoped to, but it still helped me learn more about the people that I share vocations and interests with. Only one opportunity missed this time. Once the deal kicks off, it's nonstop action and a LOT of talking. Still trying to recover from a cold and sore throat, it turned out to be very difficult to talk and my throat was raw and burning the entire weekend.
Before moving on about what was there, I need to mention who wasn't there. I really missed Jeff Lyon at this convention. We were to share a room and I'm sure we would have had some more great times and good conversation as we have several times in the past. He fell ill and called me Thursday afternoon to let me know he wasn't able to make it. Bummer! I was also REALLY looking forward to meeting the phantom that we all know and have talked to many many times, the immitatable FREDDY PARR. I'm sure many of us felt the same way. I spoke to a lot of guys who deal with Freddy and have learned much from his advise and other things who were anxious to meet him in person. Freddy and I have lived within 100 miles of one another for over 30 years, both of us doing basically the same thing, and we have never met! I figured what the heck, if we can't hook up while live practically on top of one another, then maybe we could meet in Houston. Didn't happen. Bummed about that also, as were several others I talked to. Yo, Freddy! Where are you?? And last but certainly not least, was my good friend and other super talented framebuilder AND painter, Peter Weigle. He called me a day before I left to cheer me on and send his best wishes. I really missed having him around. He's always wise and funny all at the same time. The thing I love the most about these people that are so talented and giving is that in spite of all that, they are sincere and humble as well. For anyone trying to follow in their footsteps and finding inspiration in what they do and stand for, don't forget to recognize that stellar trait as a role model. It's very important. They treat every person, no matter who they are or what they do, as a valid person, treat everyone with respect; even though they themselves may be held as a superstar in the eyes of the perciever. As young developing framebuilders who may end up in the same place, don't forget to practice humility, sincereity, and respect for everyone; both those who have come before you and those who may follow.
I'll wrap up this part one of my account with a recap of the dinner we had Friday night in the hotel. The meals are always one of the highlights of these events. Out table of 12 or so had a great time. I really enjoyed talking with Jerry Moos and Doug and the others we dined with that evening. Doug treated the entire table to a free dinner (and free breakfast the following morning) when as we recieved our seperate checks he asked the waitress to remove the charge for the sprite that they failed to deliver with his meal. Apparently that was suffecient to cause their computer to blow a gasket, and from that point on they couldn't get the thing to do anything right. The end result was free dinner for all of us. I think another table got the same deal! The funny part was this manager guy who just could not apologize enough for having to give us a free dinner, and just would not shut up. He insisted on comping us for breakfast the following morning! Whatever. The following morning ther 10 free buffet breakfast meals for whoever showed up from our table. Priceless! No, really, it was priceless, TWICE! Off to a good start.
Got to get to the shop now. Anxious to get back after 3 days out of town. I'll continue the report this evening. Stay tuned. There was lots of cool stuff going on.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA