Fellow framebuilders,
I have begun to add the expences that I will incur as a result of attending the Handmade Bike Show. I was a little bit surprised how much the airfare is for a round trip from San Diego to Houston. As I figured the cost of my lost time at the shop (working alone, when I'm gone there is no money being made), the cost of shipping 5 frames both ways, the bill for the table, hotel room, and incidental shuttle travel, along with the money spent on meals, props for my demo, and the time spent preparing exhibits; I'm beginning to realize I can't afford to make this trip. I have nothing to sell, no products to peddle, no other intentions other than to inform and entertain whoever is attending and interested in what I have to say. I will cost me a bundle to pass this information on to everyone.
I REALLY want to attend, but the numbers are not adding up. There is talk of a cut of the take from the seminars; but I have no idea how many ways nor how much money MIGHT be involved there. The talk of a CD of my performance, and possible money generated from same is nebulous, at best. I have 5 frames I think everyone would enjoy seeing that would be great examples of the topic of which I am scheduled to speak. I have a Pacenti lugged frame I'm very proud of, a track frame from the early 90's (the one with the "famous" Shane Dawson BB cutout, a full chrome (hand polished by ME) replica of a 1961 Masi Special track bike, my fixed gear road bike with modified Nervex Professional lugs, and my "Double Vibrant Hellenic" road bike with the fancy Condor/Hurlow pattern lugs. I would like to share these with everyone and explain or answer any questions about how such things are accomplished. But the fact is, I can't afford to do this on my own right now.
So, here is my thinking. I'm wondering if some company or some person? might be willing to sponcer my trip for about $500 or so. I am and will be a loyal representative of the sponcer; therefore it will have to be someone and something that I believe in and can in good conscience support in all sincereity. If there is anyone who is willing to make such an effort, please contact me off list to talk about it. Offers that are not up my alley will recieve a sincere and polite thank you for the offer, but I'm not for sale. I just want to attend and contribute. I have to get to the shop right now; so I'm going to push the send button on this and book out of here. If one wants to talk about this on the phone, I will be in the shop today from 1pm to 5pm to talk. My number is (619)449-5977. I'll be around all day tomorrow and beyond if you need time to think about the possibilities.
Thanks to anyone who is giving this some consideration.
Brian Baylis
La Mesa, CA