Hi Crew,
I haven't been stung in the heart by a sting ray, just looking after
family and business (day job) at the moment. Have had some downtime
which means an increased raft of decals will be available in a few
weeks, most of which have been requested by CR members in the past. Also
tying up some loose ends in regards promises that I do my best to keep
on special jobs.
Have been saddened by Robbie deciding to pull the plug on the campy
hoods. There are a few special people that make my hobby/interest
do-able...my painter, frame builder/repairer, wheel builder, chromer and
guys like Robbie that provide certain services that are unique. Maybe a
break for a while might recharge his batteries.
I wont buy into the debate whether the Cr list is a correct noticeboard
for business interests, but it is a gray area which is inhabited by
'ebay outings' of one's own items and direct 'for sale' notices. I could
have a weekly notice to broadcast my new offerings but decided not to go
that way. One fact is certain, the availability of services like
Robbie's, my own, custom painters and of course the suppliers of vintage
spares only increases the number of folk who share this interest. A
small, but good example is my frame refinisher Peter Flemming who has
had decades of experience in refinishing bike frames and who's father
was a frame painter/liner at Malvern Star. His business was dwindling
due to the imports of cheap new bikes and the consequential reluctance
to refinish older bikes. Over the last year or so he has seen an
increased amount of trade come into his workshop with vintage steel
frames (more than half using my decals) and is now running a very viable
business. This is a good reason to 'cut some slack' for Robbie. He might
not realise it, but he is part of the backbone of restoration services
that we need and maybe take for granted sometimes. Also, if you work out
the hourly return on the time it takes to produce the product and deal
with incredibly fussy and particular people (and I am guilty of being
one of the very worst) it would pay better if you were flipping burgers
at the local fast food chain.
Greg Softley
Coffs Harbour
Australia