Interestingly, most of the bikes that Tim mentions below won awards. The Mercian with the spare wheels mounted to the front won Best Original British. John Pergolizzi's Singer won best original French. The chromed Herse won best French. Peter Weigle's personal bike with the chromed (or stainless) lugs won Best of Show. And, yes, there was no Best Japanese bike because there wasn't one entered. The Shogun on sale at a booth could have won it had it been entered!! I think the only other bike that won by default was the early Batavus, which won Best Benelux. But, it was a nice bike nonetheless, even if it did happen to be the only bike that I can recall that was from Belgium, Netherlands or Luxembourg. The Delong Paramount touring bicycle that won best touring bike was probably one of the rattiest bikes I've ever seen, but you can't argue that it wasn't a touring bike as it was Delong's personal bike and appeared on the cover of his Touring Guide. I don't know for sure, but it sure looked like it had been ridden 50,000 miles! Via Cycles owns it now and I would love to see a post from the owner that describes how he came about owning it. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL
"His knowledge on that topic is only power point deep..." MAJ (JS)
-----Original Message----- From: Tim Fricker <tymncycle@gmail.com> To: CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Sent: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 07:59:07 -0400 Subject: [CR]My first Cirque
Well, I experienced my first Cirque this weekend... or part of it anyway. A truly wonderful event... thanks to Dale and all involved!
Annie and I didn't get there until about halfway into the first seminar... too bad, as I would have liked to catch more of it. But for a first taste, it was a fun trip. We really enjoyed the seminars... and the chance to finally see a Peter Weigle bike in person... wow. Absolutely lovely work he does. And it was fun to hear about his life, as well as David Moulton's.
We missed out on the rides... camping at the former KOA isn't ideal for getting into town early, especially if you have to pack up to leave that day. Next year we're planning to come down earlier and stay later.
Anyway, the swap meet/bike show was incredible! I haven't ever seen that many wonderful bikes in one place. My personal favorite was Mr. Crumb's (I think I have that right) '50s Mercian... and the chance to talk to him about what it was like to race and ride back then. Lovely bike, very interesting guy. There were so many other wonderful bikes it's hard to single any others out. But I am glad I finally got to see some I had only heard of... not just Weigle's, but Herses and Singers... I've lived a sheltered life, and had only seen pictures before.
One funny thing... I had briefly thought of bringing my '78 Centurion Professional in to the show floor... but chickened out. Could I have walked off with Best of Japan by default???? LOL... nah, just a silly thought. Next year though, I need to roll a bike or two into the hall. Probably my Lenton Tourist and the Centurion. Or who knows what I will have by then.
Anyway, just wanted to say I had a great time, and I'm looking forward to next year.
-- Tim Fricker
bikes@vienna, llc
Vienna, VA USA
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