[CR]Collecting and riding old bikes

(Example: Framebuilders:Bernard Carré)

From: "Doug Smith" <doug@kingsweir.plus.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Thu, 15 Dec 2005 21:14:30 -0000
Subject: [CR]Collecting and riding old bikes

John Crump wrote :- (As Chevy Chase once said). Why do we collect and ride bikes??

In a nutshell my reason for collecting/restoring old bikes is because in many ways I am reliving my early days of being invovled cycling. Now after over 50 years I am still able to spend retirement with the same interest, a little slower ofcourse, but the enthusiasm remains the same. To still be able to restore these old machines and riding them takes up all of my spare time. Whilst indoors these dark and cold evenings the keeness still continues on my computor with all things conected with the older bygone bike world. What a pastime nothing beats it in my book in spite of the frustrations which crops up from time to time!

As long as I can keep in good health so it will continue to be my hobby and still enjoy every moment of it.I often think of those who because of the passing years cannot take part anymore and would still like to be part of our active pastime. They must reflect on this and its sad to know there are many like them .I'll continue to count my blessing and thank God I can continue for a long time yet.

For the younger members maybe there will be a different outlook but by sharing each others experiences both young and old is something I consider we should all continue to do.

Now what was my next project!!

Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK