Re: [CR]Collecting and riding old bikes

(Example: Framebuilders:Alberto Masi)

From: "Paul Williams" <castell5@sympatico.ca>
To: "Doug Smith" <doug@kingsweir.plus.com>
References: <004f01c601bc$89ff7ee0$722b5c54@usertmf38sji6p>
Subject: Re: [CR]Collecting and riding old bikes
Date: Sat, 17 Dec 2005 08:14:50 -0500
reply-type=original
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

I too hope that Doug is with us for many, many more seasons (not the least of which is that he is very kindly looking after a frameset for me until I can get myself sorted out to get it painted and shipped back here).

Doug and I have been regularly corresponding for over two years now. We have never met but have become "friends" through CR and keep in touch over broadband. For those of us who are interested in British bikes, Doug and many of the "veteran" Brits - Norris and Mick included - have been an invaluable source of information, help, and expertise.

It is through correspondence with such knowledgeable gentlemen that my interest in collecting has been kindled.

Now if only I could get myself together and get on the road half as much as Doug - who at 30 years my senior puts me clearly to shame! I hope that Doug doesn't mind me mentioning that he very recently turned 75 years young!

Let's treasure all the wonderful wealth of experience, interests and expertise on this fabulous list - and if that is an "attaboy" please forgive someone who is getting into the Christmas spirit.

Best wishes of the season to all,

Paul Williams,
Ottawa, ON, Canada


----- Original Message -----
From: Doug Smith
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2005 4:14 PM
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