Re: [CR]A funny story about a Mercian frame- a little long.

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Date: Mon, 22 Dec 2003 21:17:48 GMT
To: REClassicBikes@aol.com
Subject: Re: [CR]A funny story about a Mercian frame- a little long.
From: <brianbaylis@juno.com>
cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org

Martin,

That's one of the best stories I've ever heard! Priceless. I was hoping the frame was comming up for sale. I could see myself wanting it JUST for it's past.

I've know several customers who use the "all bikes the same color trick" to hide the appearance of more bikes. When someone tells me they want their bike a certain color and that all of their other bikes are the same; I know what's going on. I could blackmail these guys, if I was like that. Every so often I run into someone who just has a fetish for a particular color. Those people are easy to spot because their car is red, their shirt is red, their gasses, shoes, tie, and coffee mug are red. I've known a red freak, a yellow freak, and a orange freak. The Orange guy was the worst. I know Frank Zappa said "Brown shoes Don't Make It", but orange is a LOT worse!

Personally, I like a variety of colors, even though I have preferences. Orange I can do without.

Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA I hope "JJ" recovers from his physical problems. But at least he has that bright red Mercian.


-- REClassicBikes@aol.com wrote:


I want to share this one as it really made me smile! It put some light in to a sad subject.

I was in a local bike shop last week delivering some goodies. When chatting with the owner i asked about a red Mercian Frame that was hanging in the shop. Obviously a 60s frame and recently re painted.

I was told it belonged to "JJ" a well know Scottish cyclists, who is all ways busy organising events and working as a time keeper. He always has a good put down for those riders who line up in front of his watch. Unfortunately he is suffering from cancer of the tongue, so his quick one liners may be missing next year (that is the sad bit). Back to the frame. Apparently JJ bought the frame, nearly new, back in the 60s. Not wanting his wife to know of the extravagance he sneaked the frame in to his house and hid it behind a wooden panel at the back of the boiler in the scullery, intending to build it up at a later date.

His wife, being very domesticated, decided the scullery needed redecorating and without consulting JJ set about repapering and painting the room. JJ returned from work to find the frame was duly sealed in. Not wanting to get caught JJ thought he would let it lie a while and eventually forgot all about the frame. 10 years later, the boiler had to be replaced and the plumbers had to get at the pipe work. Imagine Mrs JJs surprise when the trades man walked into the Kitchen and passed her a bright red Mercian frame, asking if she knew that this was in the wall?

The moral of the story, make sure all your frames are the same colour, it is much easier to pass off a new one as one you have owned for a while!

Regards
Martin Coopland, Scotland, http://www.BatesBicycles.com