[CR]vintage Bike Activities, DC Area, September 13

There are three different "organized" events Saturday, September 13:

First: WABA bike swap meet (actually a consignment sale), 0800 - 1230 or so. For info: http://www.waba.org/new/gear/index.php. Frankly, I keep helping with it, but it is a small thing, perhaps 1% as much vintage stuff as CR or the Trexlertown meet. But, there have been surprises: I've gotten a Medici, a Paramount, and a RomaSport fixed gear bike there over the years, and occasionally someone shows up with interesting parts. If you bring stuff to sell, WABA gets 15%, and us vultures will buy anything at the right price.

Second: VINTAGE Ride, 1400, hosted by Ken Sanford, starting from his house in Kensington, MD: Ken wrote to me:

"Directions to ride start will be sent individually to anyone who requests them from <kanford@comcast.net> (that way I will have a guesstimate as to how many will attend) Route WILL be 'fixed gear friendly'! (as I will likely ride fixed) Probably mostly on Beach Drive. Basic route will be circa 18-20 miles with options to extend should our foul weather actually improve. Refreshments available after the ride. Note that the ride start is only 3 miles from the site of the WABA Swap meet scheduled that morning." (Editor's notes: (1) It is better to park at Ken's than to leave the car at the small shopping center with the Swap meet. (2) Ride may be fixed-gear friendly, but that doesn't mean that Sanford pace is. But, can't get lost on Beach Drive! (3) In places, Beach is not the smoothest pavement around, unless recently repaved. Full-weighted riders may want to leave their track silks and 280gm rims at home, but normal gear works fine for me.)

Third: MOONLIGHT MEMORIALS RIDE. This is a benefit for Hostels International (formerly AYH), organized by Larry Black of College Park and Mt. Airy Bike shops. I think they're asking something like $20, which includes a reflective T-shirt, I think. Larry writes:

"Get ready for the fixed gear friendliest ride of a lifetime. start 2130 Sept 13 555 Pa Ave NW, between 5th and 6th (future Newseum parking lot) park in the city streets or take metro. Moonlight Memorials. Back again after 20 years, the famous DC fall ride under the Full Moon. In addition to honoring the second anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy at the Pentagon, this ride will visit the City's favorite memorials in an inspirational and somber light few have seen. In the early 80's a series of rides to visit many of the Nation's memorials drew huge crowds. Traffic is low, weather is just right, and parking is easy. After the ride, leaders are planning to visit local eateries and talk about everything from elections to the Tour. Hains Point, the full moon reflecting across the rippling waters of the Potomac, and the illuminated granite and marble wonders of our Nation's most noted monuments and buildings are among the sights and sounds that will long be remembered. The ride is for the benefit of the local Council of Hostelling International (formerly American Youth Hostels) and a small fee may be associated to defray their administrative costs through sales of a non-required but suggested long-sleeve T-shirt with reflectorized graphics and arm stripes for turn signaling. Volunteer marshals are needed and qualify for a goody bag and food. Roving on-bike mechanical support will be provided by professional mechanics. Working lights, visible reflectors, and sounding devices meeting Washington, DC vehicle regulation are mandatory for this event. Bright clothing is suggested as well. For updates, keep in touch with ride leaders Larry Black [larry@bike123.com] 301/831-5151 or Chad Kayser 301/864-2211. Be there- it hasn't happened in 20 years!

In addition, 'Round supper time, some of us might Dutch-treat some pizza or other victuals designed to further harm our waistliines, but that's neither organized nor yet organized.

Heck, I might even bring some labels for name tags if someone reminds me.

Harvey Sachs
McLean VA