Nick Z. wrote
snip
>my memories are mostly about funny moments spent with others...<
Nick,,, nice, nice post. Isn't it funny how the bikes fade back and the folks move to the fore. Dale has created a community,,, more than a bike show. The bikes are like flowers surrounding a garden party, they're all around us to look at and admire, but its the people who take center stage. Theres not gonna be a dry eye in the house next year,,, bring your hanky!
Peter Weigle
Lyme Ct.
> My first Cirque experience was in 1999. I came to check out
> what was going on and for the chance of seeing some cool
> looking bicycles at the show on Sunday. I spoke with Dale
> briefly and said I'll be back. I was captivated by the bikes.
>
> Cirque Y2K & '01 was my first chance to meet some of the
> people, who owned the bikes, I so admired. My first three
> Cirques consisted of a couple of hours of fun with some
> kindred souls along with some shopping on a Sunday.
>
> For Cirque '02, I was stoked. Richard Sachs was on the Saturday
> program. Richie and I had numerous conversations prior to '02,
> but had never met in the flesh. Meeting Richie for the first time
> was a blast.
>
> Cirque '03 ... Previously I had always combined Cirque with a visit
> with old friends who live in Blowing Rock,NC., but this year I was
> staying at the Battleground so as not to miss out on any of the weekend
> frivolity. The Cirque became an even more cherished, not to be missed,
> annual happening. First impression of the Battleground was meeting Richie
> once again, & being introduced to Peter Weigle, & Chris Kvale, who were
> just hangin' together at the front door when I arrived. Peter Johnson's
> presentation made me feel like a teenager once again. Brett's collection
> was memorable; particularly his focus and philosophy of collecting.
> Dale's lawn party was way cool. Remembering JPW showing his prototype
> front rack and watching Kvale's hands carressing the vintage tubing
> procured
> from Dale's private stash are still vivid images. The boardgame betting in
> the lobby of the Battleground was also a hoot.
>
> Cirque '04 was like being there for the first time once again. I attended
> with
> a rookie and it was interesting to observe things from his perspective. I
> was
> now more interested in the people than their bikes.
>
> Cirque '05 was more yukking it up with the folks I usually only see in
> Greensboro.
> The bikes fade further into the background and my memories are mostly
> about
> funny moments spent with others.
>
> Cirque '06 more yukking and adding to the memories. The auction has always
> been
> fun and it adds relevance now that it benefits others not quite as
> fortunate as us. The
> seminars were the best ever and Ted Ernst could keep things spinning for
> at least a
> week or two with his tales.
>
> Dale thank you so much for the inspiration to undertake such an event. The
> endless
> hours spent by you and your staff are greatly appreciated by all those in
> attendance
> as well as those only able to view the pixs and writen documentation.
>
> Nick Zatezalo
> Atlanta,Ga