(I know Dale won't mind if I use his list to siphon off a couple hundred list members for my new group!)
I have decided to start a group for enthusiasts of Mexican and Canadian bikes (Windsor, Benotto, CCM, Marinoni, Mariposa etc.) in an effort to create an on-line resource that would bring together as much information and literature as possible.
Although there are a significant number of "us", the list is dominated by fans of Italian bikes and parts. There's nothing wrong at all with that: it's just a reflection of the interests of a big majority of the list.
However, I've noticed that topics other than Italian bikes sometimes struggle for recognition and attention.
The idea behind the group is to form a loose association of like-minded individuals. I'm not talking about a list, here, just a bunch of people keeping in close touch about Mexican and Canadian bikes.
A main aim would be to make available to everyone in the group as much literature, information and bike photography as possible. All the useful information and pictures would be brought together on a new website. Think of the resource this could become!
There's an awful lot of information out there in the cupboards and drawers of bike enthusiasts all over the world. Guys like Carl Derrick could probably provide enough for a small library! Wouldn't it be great to get as much of this stuff as possible on-line? That's what I'd like to do starting with my own info about Mexican and Canadian bikes and adding anything that others would like to contribute.
There would only be one rule: bikes and bits would have to be Mexican or Canadian.
I held an international competition to find a name for this new body and, from the many entries, chose the highly creative-
"Mexican and Canadian Group".
Anyone interested should contact me with Mexican and Canadian Group in the subject line.
Thanks,
Chuck Schmidt
South Pasadena, Southern California