Fabian: Thanks, Ham and Eggers is one that went out a long time ago, Fred
was a whole generation before me.
I think you are good on the meaning, rings a vague bell in that many of the
guys signed up to be pros, and were happy to ride along and not worry about
being competitive other than filling the field and eating, having their name
on the board no matter what position they were in the race, but they were
big gunner riders.
These guys only got about $45-50 bucks a day and were basically riding for
free when you figured in equipment and other expenses. But, they were on the
program for a few races until they went broke and then new cannon fodder was
signed up, to be ground up and spit out.
Once they turned pro they couldn't race amateur, so they were SOL and if
they wanted to race 6-days again, they had to pay the promoter any money
they owed before getting another contract. Times were hard.
Some guys got better and made the grade, and were able to ride for 5-10
years till WW2 and then right after, too.
It could be related to today's guys but I see a different mind set and
pattern in the guys mooching around to chisel all they can from the
sponsors, but it may be closer than I suspect. I'll muse on that aspect and
angle.
Ted Ernst
Palos Verdes Estates, CA
> Dear Ted,
>
> I believe "Il non legitimi carborundum" is translated something like :
> "this is not real sandpaper". I am of course open to correction (!).
>
> Seriously, I was wondering if you can shed some light on an old phrase I
> encountered many years ago in my cycling youth.
>
> I used to work at Kopp's Cycles in Princeton N.J. and I remember the
> owner, Fred Kuhn, used to derisively refer to certain riders as "HAM AND
> EGGERS". I never got a clear answer as to what a "ham and egger" was, and
> of course, Fred and his ilk are sadly long gone. I believe it had
> something to do with a six-day rider who was more interested in trying to
> get as much free food as was possible (a legitimate concern in the
> depression), rather than be "in" the racing.
>
> It might be related to the kind of rider who is more inclined to grab as
> much free sponsorship and equipment as they can, regardless of their
> ability or need. I have a feeling you might have encountered a couple of
> those along the years at your shop.
>
> Does this phrase ring a bell with you at all ?
>
> Thanks for all your postings, many of us really enjoy them !
> Mike Fabian
> San Francisco