Following on from the subject my approach to collecting was purely and plainly for nostalgic reasons. Many members already know I was involved in both road and track racing in the 1950/60's leaving the sport for a number of years before starting up after taking early retirement from work in 1985. When I moved to Dorset in 1987 I became friendly with a chap who owned the local bike shop and it was there that it all started.
I soon began to discover there were some of the older bikes still around including items of accessories not required by the modern cyclist who wanted to buy the latest machines and many of trade in old lightweights were up for grabs including my 1948 Holdsworth La Quelda which mentioned riding out only a couple of weeks ago. After that others followed with my main aim to collect and restore British made frames and parts. Many of my present and past classics came by this source and once started it continued up until 2005 when I decided to be satisfied in keeping just the few. My interest has not diminished as they keep me busy maintaining them in good order plus the odd change of equipment from time to time.
Its been a great 20 years reliving the past not only for the owning and riding but enjoying, meeting and sharing it with the like minded folk both here and abroad. Not once would I have ever dreamed of owning and riding these bikes of my youth , its been a great experience which I will never forget. Hopefully it will continue! Keep up the good work folks!
Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK