Well, the Cirque is getting close now. If you haven't made your plans
to attend yet, why not? The hotel has rooms left as of today, but not
many. Even though registration is running somewhat behind the number
at this time last year, we believe there will be a great crowd that
turns out for 2009. We think that the Cirque will be really special
this year. We've got a lot of new and interesting things on-tap, and
the local buzz has been great. With the Cirque recently being
mentioned on PezCyclingNews, no less,
(http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&idi59) who knows what
the future will bring. Go to the website for more info.
http://www.cirqueducyclisme.com/
Here's the latest update on the schedule as it's coming together so far.
Auction
Despite reservations by a few, the Auction will be back, and back with a few surprises. With a more social and multi-faceted perspective, there will be something for everyone, silent and live auctions, and even some \u201cfreebees\u201d, where you\u2019ll have the opportunity to take home something without ever coughing up a penny. Details about some of the \u201cpremier\u201d offerings for both the silent and live auctions will be made available soon, but there are some very special things pledged already! This year the beneficiaries will be bicycle-focused, with proceeds from the Auction going to the US Bicycling Hall of Fame and Bikes for the World.
Seminars
The Seminars Series is shaping up nicely. The order may change, but the line-up is as follows:
Dave Wages (Ellis Cycles), winner of Best Track bike in the Craftsman category at last years Cirque and winner of Best Lugged frame at this year\u2019s NAHBS, will give a presentation on his background and experience that lead to him creating Ellis Cycles in 2008. Dave worked for Serotta and Waterford before going out on his own, and has quickly established himself as a unique and very talented builder.
Jan Heine will look at the history of racing bikes from an early racing high wheeler to a modern hour record machine. Using studio photographs from his latest book "The Competition Bicycle - A Photographic History," Jan will explain the features of the bicycles ridden by the great champions. By putting them into their historic context, Jan will show that the old bikes were well adapted for the races of their times. As road surfaces changed, so did tire sizes and frame geometries. New materials developed for aircraft and racing cars quickly found their way into racing bikes, as shown by aluminum bicycles from the 1930s and 1940s and carbon fiber wheels in the 1990s. When racers resisted new developments, Jan explains the reasons for their "conservatism." See all this history illustrated with the bicycles ridden by great champions and amateurs alike, and learn about the background behind these amazing machines.
Peter Weigle, renowned frame builder and multiple award winner at the Cirque, among other notable events, will give a presentation that could possibly be titled \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid, it might be okay to NOT be \u2018Period Correct\u2019 with your next project\u201d. Many of you will remember Peter\u2019s wonderful Motobecane from last year. Well, this year he\u2019s back with his 1971/2009 Schwinn \u201cParismo\u201d. The Parismo might just be what the Paramount P-15 should have been from the beginning. Maybe the talk should be titled \u201cCreative expression in bicycle restoration\u201d. Either way, a presentation not to be missed!
Workshop
Earle Young will give a demonstration on tensioning and truing a wheel, and might just drop some hints about what makes a great, strong wheel for your vintage, and not so vintage bike.
Ever wonder if there\u2019s a \u201cproper\u201d way to mount a tubular tire? Or maybe ANY way to mount a tubular tire? Larry Black will demonstrate at least one way to do it!
More to come in the Cirque Workshop!
Awards Reception
The Awards Reception will host the craftsmen builders attending the Cirque this year, and give everyone a chance to chat with the builders and see some of their latest offerings. Our special guest speaker at the reception will be Keith Anderson. Keith, a builder himself and highly respected painter as well, will talk a bit about painting bicycle frames from both the restoration and \u201ccustom\u201d perspectives. This will be Keith\u2019s first Cirque too, so don\u2019t miss the chance to welcome a new member to the clan.
Special Displays and Exhibits
There will be a number of special vintage trade show and product displays, but you\u2019ll have to come to the Cirque to see just what\u2019s in store. You won't be disappointed! There will also be a special Pino Morroni exhibit, with some very special and unusual items. If you are coming to the Cirque and have anything \u201cPino\u201d that you would like to have included in the exhibit, please let me know.
Thanks. Looking forward to seeing everyone in June!!
Wayne and MJ
Wayne Bingham
Lovettsville, VA USA