Dear CR Listmembers and (specifically Brian Baylis):
My name is Joe Casey, I have been a list member for quite some time. I read a lot from the list, but I write little for several reasons:
1). I'm humbled by the knowledge of the list members. But I am compelled to write at the death of Dave "Built for Speed" Tesch.
2). I'm particularly interested in bicycles built in the 1980's but often post 1983, thus I'm off topic (generally). While I want to appreciate the older stuff, It is just not my "cup of tea".
Today I feel it is time to write, because I am verry appreciative of Dave Tesch, and I'd like to reach out to Brian Baylis, as I think I have some valuable information about Tecsh, and his view of building bicycles, and his opinion of Brian Baylis as an artist and craftsman.
3). My personal fleet includes 2-TESCH 101's, 2-Ron Cooper's, Medici, Andy Gilmour, mid 80's Richard Sachs, (a modern) Mondonico. and over the years I have owned my share of Masi's (GC's), Colnagos (Supers, Mexico's), DeRosa's, Mondia's, .....I've owned my share of collectible rides....
What do I have to say regarding Mr. Dave Tesch:
His designs were visionary, and his family ought to know what his skill was, and insight was into our world, as they lay their son, brother to rest. I think CR should carefully craft a write up of Tesch's contribution, and send it to them, so they know what his peers thought at the time of his passing.
I swapped e-mail with Dave exactly 1 year ago yestereday (12-18-03). While he answered many questions I was interested in about his bicycles (ie. 500 "101's" and 750 +/- s-22's were built), he also gave some great insight about what influenced his approach to building bicycles (and it wasn't MASI). Brain if you contact me off line I'll fax copies of that correspondence (610) 363-3916. He did not mention his illness, but he did answer my selfish questions about his work in the 1980's.
Lastly I'd like to say that I intended to offer a TESCH 101 to the CR list that I have for sale (NIOS). However, Brian if you are really going to put a tribute to Dave (and others) on display at Greensboro, NC I would be willing to donate this NOS frameset (60 CM ctoT) for that purpose, would there be any willing contributors of a grouppo? The frameset is painted what Dave called Killer Marine Blue (with a matching Sica) and the original reciept. Regards, Joe Casey "A-True admier of Dave Tesch works" Exton, PA