I'd like to mention that I'll be making a rare visit to the Interbike trade show this weekend. While I've been attending such gatherings since the very early 70's, I've become a little apathetic because of the too-rapidly changhing industry (for my tastes)
I have had what many might consider a successful go at the bike shop game. I have come to realize it's not because of what new flashy goodies I can see at the shows (gee, most consumers with gov. jobs that can surf the screen all day and read the rags have a better idea than most of us anyway) It's also not about the deal, the buying/selling, profit/loss, not even about creative promotions/advertising/merchandising- not even about seeing the occassional Big Eddy, Lance, Greg, or Mario Andretti - but I've come to know that what makes it happen is how well I and the people walking/riding in can interact.
But I will get to sip a bit with the likes of Chuck, Dale and Sheldon at the show.
This year, though, I got a call from my friends at Fuji- this is one of the few makers i represent that actually pre-dates my entry into this fabulous world of two wheel self propulsion. They date from the turn of the LAST century- 1899.
They want to have a few charity roller events and want to use one of my competition roller sets. I have been furiously restoring my 1950 J.I.C set and it's finally on the way out there. I'll be bringing my 1984 Mark Gorski special Fuji pro track racer (the oldest of their marque) outfitted with my 1971 Medaille d'or/Nuovo Pista/Clement 28 hole wheels.
The event should be one of the more classic showings at the show- and classic gets few and far between. After the event, Dale Brown will have a report and I'm sure that this year might be like the last few- waning classic frames, components, and concepts.
Roller riding has been on the wane for decades as well with the coming of cheap trainers and spinning classes. But the specatacle and thrill of racing and old bikes can't be better expressed indoors. we'll be doing some 1000 meter heats and finals raising money for the Special Olympics. tracy Lea, one of the world's most outgoing and proactive racers and bike advocates, spearheaded the idea. Her son Sid is a Special Olympian. Husband Rob has been passing people like me in the packs for decades as well.
Hope to see you all there at the Fuji Island
See y'all soon
Larry