The 2006 Cirque was my sixth or seventh. Thanks to Dale and others involved in the details the annual event has evolved into one that accomodates those wanting structure or others seeking the casual, the happenstance of an event.
This year, though this may show my ignorance and the brevity of my retention rather than a depth of insight, I found the lectures particularly informative, interesting, and entertaining. Whatever the line is from Milton's (I can hear the groans already) Paradise Lost about illuminating the darkness that is his understanding, that is how feel, but probably not quite on the Miltonic cosmic level, about those presentations. What I liked was, that even if I didn't learn anything, I thought I did. And deceiving myself has always been a passion of mine.
The meeting up with old buddies, the making of new ones, seeing virtual neighbors and pals showing up, all made for me a worthwhile weekend adventure. In addition, there is the spectacular drive through West Virginia, almost heaven.
I also share or echo the appreciation that there seems to be a core of younger folk becoming interested and loving the stuff we like. I noticed this at several Trexlertown Swap Meets, and that they would make the trek to North Carolina demonstrates a passion for the stuff. In addition, those from California and Colorado, England, Canada, certainly demonstrate a passion for bikes by simply making the trip.
Even though this is the first Cirque where I came away without purchasing anything, except an extraordinarily rewarding and informative experience, Cirque Nine ranks for me as the most memorable (please see previous note about retention).
Thank you Dale and all.
Cheers.
Tom Hayes
Chagrin Falls, Ohio