Hello all,
I should properly introduce myself. My shoe post prompted a couple of "who are you?" and "how did you come by the list?" responses off list.
I am John Autry of Charlotte, NC, USA. I am a native Tar Heel (local slang for native North Carolinian). I grew up in Fayetteville and moved to California to attend college in 1972. I ended up joining the Navy and served 4 years. Upon release from active duty I enrolled in Cypress College and bought a new Nishiki to commute with. Within a year I had a full Campy Paramount and was turning wrenches in the LBS, ABS Cyclery in Anaheim (later to become Curtis Cycle Center). I rode with the Orange County Wheelmen and the LA Wheelmen. A year later I had a Fuji track bike and a Viscount single speed with a front brake.
In '78 I took a position on the national order desk for Cycles Peugeot in Compton, CA. (Ted Ernst was one of our best customers) I got to put together John Marino's PX-10s while there. Late in the year I was spirited away from Peugeot to go on the road for Western States Imports. Western States had the Centurion brand and was developing the Diamond Back brand at the time. I covered LA and Orange counties. Then in '79 an opportunity to move to Seattle came along and I transfered with Western States to Seattle, WA. in 1980 and covered Washington, northern Idaho and western Montana. (I still have my little screwdriver from R&E Cycles on my keychain)
I relocated to Charlotte in 1981 upon learning of the ballooning film business in NC. I relieved myself of my bikes to finance my move. I packed up and moved back east to pursue my ambition to work in the production industry which I have been engaged in since. In 1999 I directed a public service announcement that won the nation Emmy for PSA in 2000. I'm currently involved in eLearning (Training across the Internet) and politics. I hold a public office as a supervisor on the Mecklenburg County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. I'm involved with environmental and veteran issues through Carolina's Clean Air Coalition and Veterans for Peace.
Cycling fell by the wayside and other things took it's place. This year I decided to build up a bike to commute with. I want to combat high blood pressure and shed some mature pounds. I did not want a plastic bike. I found an old Colnago frame on eBay and went about collecting parts needed to make a bike the way I always wanted. (With some compromises re: rims and tires)
http://homepage.mac.com/
Looking for traditional frame builders in NC I came across the COHO site and that led me to some articles with KOF in them which in turn led me to the CR site and the listerve. I enjoy the variety of threads on the list and have had several "Oh yeah, I remember that" moments in the month I've been receiving the posts. The variety of knowledge and expertise are sometimes overwhelming but always engaging. It's like a flash from the past.
Hope I haven't rambled on too much and let me know if you come across some old school shoes and cleats in size 43 or 44. ;-)
Peace and Justice
John Autry
Charlotte, NC USA