We arrived to the velodrome at 9:15 (probably missing any great opportunities). I had a great time, though. Tom Witkop (on this list), Jim Hargett (another vintage affectionado) and a friend (Robyn) from the raceteam I'm on came. My first task was to find her a race bike. I had a good chance to see all the big stuff, but nothing small nor in boxes. The swap wasn't earth-shattering, but I had a good time and thought there were several incredible buys. There was a mint Bottechia fully pantographed, Ultegra STI, chromed fork, etc.... for $500. It was a perfect size for my teammate. She was hesitating, though, because it was steel and she wanted titanium. We continued on for about 15 minutes and then I just couldn't stand it any longer and had to go back to buy the bike. It was a 49cm, too small for me, but I thought Larry Black might want it. Someone was looking at it and bought it right then and there. Oh well..... There were some older, cruiser-type bikes and lots of track stuff. I almost bought a Colnago Super. At close inspection the lug work was marginal - almost tacked on. I know that some of those super's were built in Mexico and not of high quality. It was not a "got to have" bike. I also saw that Bob Jackson with the Hecthins-like lugs and Campy 50th groupo. They guy told me he paid $1700 for the bike. Lots of wheelsets! Robyn bought a Navigator-issued Litespeed Ultimate frameset. A LOT of money, but a perfect fit and in 1999 mint shape. She rode a friend's Ultimate and had her heart set on one. She also bought a Mavic Cosmic wheelset. I bought a 52cm Paramount. It isn't mint (Tom said it had a repaint - decals and badge are all on, though) but 531 frame and fork and some Campy stuff. No chrome and a somewhat odd mix of components: Sugino cranks, nuevo record derailleurs, one campy brake caliper, the other DiaCompe (yuck!), Specialized saddle, no pedals. Tom thought it might be an early 80's bike. It'll be fun just to ride a bike that has a nice "Paramount" decal. Tom bought 2 framesets (Bridgestone MB-4 and some other roadbike I hadn't heard of), a beautiful DuraAce wheelset, a cassette, a nice drop-out alighnment tool, some Sachs 8speed ergo-type levers, a few seatposts and something else. Jim bought a few small things: Time pedals, cleats, and some other items. Much of the fun was in the car up and back. It was a really nice roadtrip-like atmosphere. We had a blast. It was also just so nice to see all the rendezvousers! Larry Osborn (that Mt. Washington climb was great for you!), Harvey Sachs, Curtis Anthony, Chris Beyer, Paul G., Peter Naimen, Wayne Bingham, and others! I was sorry that I couldn't visit longer with everyone! I had to dash back for a backpacking program. Knowing all of you rendezvousers makes these swaps meet much more rewarding than what just the bikes can offer. Sincere thanks!
Jill DiMauro Maryland (a warm 45 degree evening camp-out under the stars)