[CR]Dead Mans' Party

(Example: Framebuilders:Cecil Behringer)

Date: Mon, 26 Aug 2002 00:00:31 -0700
From: "Brian Baylis" <rocklube@adnc.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: [CR]Dead Mans' Party

Hey gang,

I mentioned I was going to a birthday party today and to ride with a few friends. It was one of the finer days we've had here in SoCal recently; although a tad hot. I decided to ride my 1969 Masi special which I've never ridden before. It's too big for me (in measures 54.5cm c-t) but I can still ride it with an 8cm stem and the saddle down quite a ways. It actually rides better and steers better than my 50cm 1962 Masi special mainly on account of the small frame has a too shallow head angle conbined with too much rake. The larger frame actually feels pretty close to "normal" because the head angle is standard and the fork has noticeably less fork rake. The short stem helps to minimize the effect of the relaxed geometry. Once I was on the bike I did not feel as if I was on a larger frame. It's a really cool bike and I'm glad I can still fit on it within reason. There were several other cool classics in the crowd and we set off for about 40 miles or so on the Calif. coastline. The company was delightful and the route was flat (to most people, personally I classify a freeway overpass as an hors catagoire climb). I thought for sure if I shaved my legs I would go faster. Instead I inflicted severe retina damage on 16 of my closeset friends. I'm ashamed of myself. I was out of gas halfway through the ride but kept on plugging, motivated only by the knowledge that there was cold beer and hot pizza waiting for our arrival. I went up the last overpass so slow I swear I should have been leaving a slimey clear trail behind myself. On second thought I probably did; but it was slobber! I had forgotten to stuff my pockets with fig bars before the ride. Rookie mistake for a veteran like myself.

I had a great time, saw some neat bikes, stuffed my piehole with pizza, and emptied three beers at once into my open mouth upon my arrival. No wait.....that was someone else. We talked bikes and told jokes all afternoon and then the clock struck the time I had to hit the road in order to make rehersal on time this evening. After practically dying on the road, sitting behind the drums is not as fun as it normally is. Thank God my drum stool is considerably more comfortable than a Unicanitor #3! Buffalo, probably. Padded, my ass doesn't think so!

Exciting announcement! A deal was struck during this outing that will result in a new set of graphics for Baylis Cycles. Two sets in fact! A set that compliments the style of ornate lugged frames, and a style that compliments a "classic Italian" style frame. This is exciting news, folks. The graphics will also serve as the artwork for my badges when they are made. I can hardley wait to see what the maestro creates for me.

Well folks; the time has arrived to start beating the bushes and flush out those of you who are within striking distance of the Velo Rendezvous comming up in October. I guarentee you do not want to miss this event if at all possible. I personally happen to know that there have been MANY significant acquisitions amongst our regular members. I also know there will be several new collections from people who did not attend last year. The volume and caliber of the bikes that assemble here most certainly rival any gathering of lightweights anywhere in the world. I don't think I'm stretching that, either. Perhaps you should attend to see for yourself.

I must also add that these gatherings are where the talkers and the lurkers converge. The quality of the company is second to none if you like vintage bikes. Our "regular" group here in SoCal is quite friendly and we love to have a good time. Nothing has to be said about the weather. October is my favorite month of the year and conditions for this event will most likely be to die for. The air will be cool and crisp but not cold. The sun will be bright but not intense. You will get very few chances in your life to ride with a LARGE group of vintage buffs all at once under such ideal circumstances. Make plans to attend, if you haven't already. I know one thing, most of my very best friends will be there. No lie!

Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA