Well, I've been on this list for over a year now, mostly lurking but with the occasional contribution, but I have been remiss in providing an introduction for myself.
On the basis of better late than never, here goes.
I currently live near Sydney, NSW, Australia and I've been involved with cycling since about 1974 when I was a 8/9 year old. I come from a cycling family, my father, paternal grandfather and great grandfather were all racing cyclists over the years.
I started racing as a 10 year old and although I've had a couple of lengthy breaks over the years, I still race as a 41 year old. I also ride Audax Brevets and similar endurance rides, 600 km is my longest to date, but the 1200 km Paris-Brest-Paris beckons next year.
Getting on to my bikes, my collection includes the following on-topic cycles or framesets:
c1947 Rob Special Racer by George Robinson (Aust) c1955 Holland (Bates of Coburg) 531DB Road (Aust) 1968 Royal Star 531DB Road (Aust) c1973 TI Raleigh Track (UK) 1976 Harry Middleton 531SL Road (UK) 1979 Falcon Black Diamond (UK) c1979 Europa Road (Aust) 1980 Carlton Professional (UK)
And amongst my off topic but definitely KOF lugged steel: c1986 Guerciotti Columbus SL Track (Italy) 1987/8 Fellini (Technotrat) Oria Road (Italy) 1992 Hillman 531C Custombuilt Road (Aust) 1993 Hillman 531C Custombuilt Road (Aust) c1998 Wayne Roberts Tange Prestige Road (Aust).
Currently I'm researching Australian framebuilders, particularly looking at Rupert and Norm Bates of Coburg, and George Robinson of Blackburn.
Peter Tutty Londonderry, NSW, Australia
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