Dear CR Listmembers,
We're at that time of year again when one begins to plan what one would like to see happen and what we would like to accomplish in the coming ye ar. I have some major plans and changes in store this year and much of i t has to do with my business related to bicycles. For the past several y ears I have been trying to find and train people to help with the volume of vintage restoration and repaint work that constantly comes my way. 2 007 and 2008 can be categorized as "no good deed goes unpunished". As mu ch time and effort as I've spent teaching painting and frame building sk ills to a number of local aspiring persons, and all that I have contribu ted to getting a place for everyone to work and share knowledge simply h as not paid off in so far as adding to the pool of people who can work i n this industry as full time professionals that can maintain the standar ds that are expected of me.
On account of this I have reached a crossroads. I now have more work pil ed up and behind than I had when I started. It is now much more difficul t to get to both of my locations and get significant work done. The dist ractions take more time and energy than the time I have to work. I have been losing ground for over two years now. The time has come to take bac k my personal workspace and redirect my efforts to my work and only my w ork. To that end, finally the construction of my new 1400 sq. ft. worksh op is underway. Soon I will have all the space I need to become organize d and efficient and a place to work where I am undisturbed for the major ity of my time. Since the shop is on my property there will be no commut e and no loss by having tools spread out over two locations, which has b een a big problem. I'm very much looking forward to getting my operation s under control.
The construction does require a certain amount of my time and attention; but soon that will be over and the benefits can begin. There is one oth er project that has been taking much more of my time than I had hoped fo r and planned on. I should know better at my age; but I couldn't keep my self from again trying to have a positive effect on the progress of the crop of new frame builders both here and all over the country.
I have not been making a huge issue of the custom bicycle show that we'r e putting on here in San Diego in early April 2009. This is a regional s how in that most of the builders and exhibitors are fairly local to Sout hern California or at least the Western States. I have been waiting to s ee what our show is going to take on as a "personality", since every sho w is different and every location has different things to offer. We feel here that San Diego is one of the best, if not the best location, for a bike show. I have discovered during my efforts to get our first show of f the ground, that there are MANY layers of cyclists in this part of the country. Many of the "layers" do not interact with one another even tho ugh everyone has cycling in common. That is in fact one of the best aspe cts of cycling. It takes on various forms to suit all kinds of people. O ur show is going to bring together cyclists from at least 7 different la yers of cycling interest together for one show. There will be low rider bikes, road bikes, mountain bikes, commuters, recreational riders, vinta ge cyclists, and the new "fixed gear" crowd in attendance. There is also a large triathlon tradition here in San Diego along with your road, tra ck, and MTB racers.
Our show is going to also focus on the emerging "bicycle culture" in San Diego and a particular few neighborhoods in town where the bicycle life style is really alive. Both North Park and South Park are redeveloping i nto places where coffee shops, bike shops, eateries, and specialty shops (antiques, etc.) are abundant and have the type of character that invit es people to come and spend some time. Time where they can enjoy a casu al atmosphere under warm sky and with friendly people. San Diego is a pl ace where you can come for a family vacation and everyone will find thin gs to do that are uniquely San Diego. We will have LOTS of rides arrange d with a wide variety of cycling groups and choice of terrain like very few other places. San Diego is a VERY cycling friendly location. You can go to the beaches, the mountains, all over town, up the coast, South of the Border, and just about anywhere. There is also the Zoo, the museums , Sea World, Legoland, shopping up the wazoo, and places to just relax a nd soak up some California sun. There is no place like San Diego. Even t hough L.A. and Orange County are within 1 to 2 hours away by car; San Di ego is like being in another country in comparison.
This is going to be an annual event. Our first one has been sort of diff icult to put together. We're learning a lot. But our event will be like no other. The special conditions in San Diego make it an ideal location for such a show and we're finally hooking up with certain businesses and members of the community that are helping add flavor and variety to the event. I would recommend spend a few extra days here if you can, it's t hat nice here. Make sure you book a room at the host hotel to catch all the action. If you spend a little more time here you may be able to arra nge a visit to the workshops of CyclArt, Joe Bell, myself, or maybe even Jim Allen of the Cyclesmiths; since many of the nations top painting sh ops are in San Diego County. There will be a party at the workshop of Jo e Bell on Saturday night of the event where we will also have roller rac ing and a carne asada dinner, NOT TO BE MISSED!
So, even though the San Diego Custom Bicycle Show has been a huge burden on me, I'm looking forward to the show and all the fun we have planned. Aspiring frame builders and interested public will be treated to live f iling and lug cutting seminars before the show opens, so no one has to m iss anything at the show. Check out http://www.SanDiegoCustomBicycleShow.com fo r information on the show and hotel information. We will be signing up b oth frame builders and industry exhibitors right up to the last minute, so if you want to be in the show please contact us. We even have booths for small specialty bike shops and such, in addition to frame builders a nd bike related businesses. Join us for the best vacation you ever had!!
Brian Baylis
San Diego Custom Bicycle Show
La Mesa, CA