Fools, eh ? Ha ! Absolutely. As Mike so well describes we had a great time but darn if it wasn't a bit chilly. There was one hill in particular that climbing had me good and warmed up only to be followed by a long fast descent that Colorado's Jan. weather made for tearing eyes and chilled breaths.
Yep, the Colorado Vintage Wheelmen had a grand time on our first 2005 ride. Most likely this'll be our last group ride with Peter and I think we saw him off in fine fashion. For you San Diegoan's (San Diegoites?) be ready - Peter's a STRONG rider.
As Mike pointed out there was some fine iron at this meeting. From John's wonderfully vintage English steeds to Mike's elaborately colored Baylis. I took pictures, as soon as I get them developed (and scanned to disk) I'll email the list and anyone who wants to see them has but to ask.
I believe our next meeting will be in Feb (weather permitting - you just never know here) in the Boulder area. If you've not got your name on our email list and would like to come along let us know.
John "yes, I really do have an Alex Singer, so there Mike !" Price Aurora CO
My first check of the outside temperature today was 20 degrees after I rolled, yes rolled, out of bed this morning. So, I figured our first vintage ride for the year 2005 would be doomed from the start. But, instead of following my instincts to hibernate with my pup I packed up my wool kit and gently put my 1982 Mclean in the back of my car and headed up to Longmont to see what other fools, yes fools, would show and go.
WOW, what a pleasant surprise! Today was the best turnout we have had! Barry Goldstein hosted the ride and did a magnificent job considering he probably didn't know any of us from adam just a few weeks ago!
By the time we started rolling it was hovering around freezing but no matter. Good company and bike history rolling along gave me a warm and fuzzy keeping me nice and toasty, in spirit anyway. And, the promise of home brew and chili after the ride of course. Barry rocks!
I was convinced that the way the Socal boys organize their Rose Bowl show and go was the way to go but after today I think I kinda like way we are doing it out here in colorful Colorado.
The route was 25-30 miles with one surprise climb and a long downhill jam into Boulder. But, it's about the bike so after a little hiccup out of the gate due to Paul Patzkowsky having a problem with his cottered crank we regrouped. Paul switched to his backup bike, a wonderful orange Viking with a Sturmey Archer ACS fixed hub and Williams chainset. And we were off and it was a beautiful site! Barry was on a great looking Mike Appel, my size too! Peter Bridge was leading the way on his newest find, a Medici that he got for a ridiculously low price. Peter is leaving us soon for Insane Diego so I'm sure he will be joining the boyz on a Rose Bowl ride someday. He may even ride his early Colnago Super if you ask him nicely. Peter will be missed!
Even Mike Kone came out and played on his Brian Baylis. Rod Kronenberg was showing off his Mercian but nobody can take it for a spin since he is close to 7 feet tall! Mike "Big Mike" Gillespie was riding his Rivendell, an earlier one that I think is just a great looking bike. John Price even proved me wrong when he showed up on his Alex Singer! Yes, I can now confirm that it actually exists!
Douglas Wolf from the i-bob list was there on a Trek fixed gear conversion at the front of the pack with James Brodsky riding his Vitus. But, the class of the ride was Mr. John Crump, all of 71 years old but strong and young at heart. He rode his 1951 Bates and brought a gorgeous 1939(?) Claud Butler Path bike as well as some older magazines and catalogs including a reference to him as a junior racer! Now that is classic!
Not quite the Dirty Dozen but it was a sight, all vintage all the time! We saw packs of other riders in full matching kit hammering their brains out but we had more fun! And we had beer and chili too!
Mike Wilkinson
Castle Rock, CO