My observations and impressions...
Numero uno: Dale Brown deserves all the thanks he's getting and even more. To run a successful bike shop, and the web site and this list AND put on the Cirque...how he does it is beyond me.
Thanks for all the complements on my Austro Diamler Vent Noir "hot rod" (including Dale's...blush) It's a great ride, and very comfortable.
Thanks also to Jerry Moos, for having Mafac brakes. I hadn't dialed in my pads right and they were squealing, but Jerry's were drowning them out...;^)
Brian goes to the top of my "when I hit the lottery" list. I had a summer job with Georgena Terry working with Bob Stowe back in the 80's. My fingers still hurt when I think of how much effort goes into a bike frame. Brian made it look so easy and effortless, and with such enthusiasm and panache, I didn't realize that he does the paint too! Wow...
I know the reason why Dale's moving the shop... the Krispy Kreme is next door instead of across the street!
Lou Deeter's joke about what he'd be wearing made me bring some nametags. Of course I should of brought the whole package (but they don't stick to Lyrca well, especially over 25 mph). I did have a custom nametag I made, I'll make them for everybody next year ;^) Face it, most of us think of the bike ridden to place the name... "oh yeah, he was the guy on the ..."
It was super to see all the stuff we talk about in the "flesh" (up to two weeks ago, I hadn't even seen a Rivendell or OX-1!)
If you're not planning to go next year, sell the bikes and get into macramé... the Cirque is a definite must! Don't worry that you don't have a good enough bike or that it's too far, or that nobody will talk to you...you'll have a great time!
Thanks again to Dale and his crew, Brian, Alan, and Mike for the seminar's, Ray Etherton at dinner, Lou Deeter for the wine, and everyone else who came, rode, exhibited, sold, bought, and talked bikes, rides, and life.