[CR] My profile, revisited

Greetings Folks,

After an absence of about 2 years, I recently re-upped my CR membership, and am delighted to be back. Explanation: Parkinson's knocked me for a loop 2 years ago and I had to back off a number of favored activities. Modern medicine (and meds), a positive attitude to emulate Michael J. Fox, and reemergence of the collector's bug, I am now back on the saddle - figuratively and literally. However, I no longer do my own pin-striping. The key factor of 'my success' has been our son Ben, who's own crazy passion for (new) racing bikes and racing and 'all things bike' has been for me totally gratifying and inspiring. First it was Ben who physically guided me to sit on a bike and peddle again: Today I'm on a growing bandwagon of P.D. folks who believe in the therapeutic value of cycling, especially to recover strength and balance. Enough said...

My garage-shop is the haven wherein I keep and fiddle with my bikes, frames and favorite bike-hauler, a 1937 International Harvester woody. Bikewise, and in no particular order, I own the following:

(1) 1948 P.T. Stallard Montlhery Special (not mine, but see http://www.classiclightweights.co.uk/stallard.html); (2) 1939 Bonnefont Special (Saint Etienne) -- strictly preservation class; (3) +/- 1950 Freddie Grubb; (4) 1960s Urago - but, not yet confirmed; (5) 1960s Viking Severn Valley (6) 1963 Tornado reincarnated as the "Whimbrel" -- I bought this Swiss in 1964 when I was 12 and it has always been my daily rider; (7) 1970 Tigra Professionnel (Swiss; restored with all NOS comps and pieces); (8) 1972 Paramount Tandem (gorgeous original, but which I am thinking of selling); and, (9) Something else I cannot remember

My wish is to find and capture a 1963 Olmo track bike like the one I rode as a kid and to college but soon after traded for a brand new Nuevo Record gruppo. Second would be a nice Tornado, this time to preserve. Finally, I sure miss the Pasadena classic gig and look forward to attending a Cirque and becoming better acquainted with so many of you, and your wheels.

J.B. Froke, Ph.D.
Pebble Beach, California