This thread has given me a "true appreciation of what's real" and I'm not talking about bikes.
After reading all of these postings I gave my wife of 41+ years a big hug and some kisses. When I mention another bike she simply asks "Where would you put it?". (Good question. We have a small (1,000 Sq. Ft.) house with a business occupying most of the basement and one bedroom.) If I have an answer, I can get the bike. During prime riding season there is usually at least one "on topic" bike in the living room, usually one of hers.
She appreciates that I (usually) consult her before acquiring another bike, even though it's just a formality.
One time near the end of a vintage group ride, several of us were waiting for her at the top of a tough hill. (She's 63 and 40-50 lbs overweight.) I mumbled some vague apology about her slowing us down. Some of the guys made it clear that I was an idiot and that they would be thrilled to be waiting for their wives at the top of any hill.
At 1/28/2010 12:47 PM -0500, jeff holt wrote:
>"Have you ever:
>1. requested the package NOT say anything about bikes on it
>2. had a frame sent to a trusted friends house
>3. kept a watchful eye for the delivery personnel
>4. used rationalizations about investments and value (to no effect)
>5. lied by telling her you can probably make some money at it"
>
>1) Yes
>2) No...but I've had plenty of stuff delivered to my office.
>3) Yes...& check the UPS/FedEx tracking website every 10 minutes.
>4 & 5) Yes to both, BUT she usually responds with something to the
>effect that I better sell something
>NOW because she wants to use the money for something frivolous like
>food or rent.
>
>Also, have your ever:
>A) Hidden stuff in the basement, only to bring it out when your wife
>is out of the house
>picking up the monthly welfare check & food stamps?
>B) Told your wife that you're changing your will to specify that
>your NOS Campy NR grouppo goes to a fellow CR
>devotee with the stipulation that it will be mounted on a 60's Cinelli?
>C) Rec'd a nasty look from your wife when you suggest that instead
>of going on a cruise for your 30th wedding
>anniversary, that she might want to consider visiting Leesburg, VA
>the first weekend of June.
Mark Stonich;
BikeSmith Design & Fabrication
5349 Elliot Ave S. Minneapolis, Minnesota 55417 USA
Ph. (612) 824-2372 http://bikesmithdesign.com
http://mnhpva.org