[CR]Stash and the Spouse MY TURN

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Ideale)

Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 16:47:56 -0500 (EST)
Subject: [CR]Stash and the Spouse MY TURN
From: <wheelman@nac.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>


I read all of the subject postings with interest. My situation is probably typical but here goes. I started many years ago fixing up gas pipe bikes in the neighborhood for a few bucks here and there. Word spread and soon it became more than I could handle. I made some money and began buying old bikes to restore. First balloon, then Sting Ray, always the unusual. I had my share of luck where I could buy a bike or part reasonably cheap and turn it around for more, sometimes a lot more. This lead to more bikes and parts and more activity. Soon I had a basement full of bikes and parts. Then graduation day when I began to take notice of the classic touring and racing bikes. Since my collection was built over time and made money there were never complaints unless I impeded traffic through the cellar. Now it is a matter of camouflage. I could put a part or bike down there and you would be hard pressed to find it among the others. Trust me I cannot find some things that I know I have. Now comes the good part. I am keeping my eye out for the gold nuggets that are out there. I know they will cost more but when I tell the wife that I could sell 3 or 4 of the bikes I have in the cellar and replace it with one good one she smiles. So far some nuggets have come in but not much evidence of the outbound bikes. Camouflage is a great thing, no need to divert from the truth and I can apply some of the other methods you have all mentioned in previous postings.

Ray Homiski
Elizabeth, NJ