Tom and all,
Needless to say, the "Grail" is different for each person, depending on who is making the call. One's thinking of such things does in fact change, or perhaps more correctly, evolves over time. I see it amongst our members frequently. It's part of collecting.
I see more classic stuff than almost anyone. I have seen it practically every day of my life for the past 30+ years. I see it when it's pretty and I see it when it ain't. I know good craftsmanship, design, and packageing (paint and graphics) when I see it. So it seems odd to me that unlike most of the rest of you, my holy grail is still the same. I've owned well over 100 bikes, probably more like 150, and my taste in bikes and my chaseing of the "Grail" have always been on the same path. My deffinition of the Grail may differ from some, most, or even all of you. But I know what it is; and equally as important, what it isn't. I know what it looks like, how it rides, and what makes it special and unique. I've never brought it out in public to show anyone.
I suppose it isn't really fair of me to keep it put away; but I have always thought it might be a bit too much to bring out amongst the "common" bikes, and the imposters. But maybe the time has come. Perhaps if I can make special arrangements next year for the Cirque, I'll bring it along. I'll even ride it!! Even if it rains like hell!
Yeah, a special occassion next year. What the heck...that is unless no one wants to see it. I will leave it home if that's what everyone would prefer. If it shows up, don't be surprised if you don't recognize it. The Grail isn't made out of gold and encrusted with jewels like many might think. She is far more sublime than that, and does not require a flashy exterior appearance. The Grail could easily be made of clay, could it not?
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Love to tease, but love to please. What'll it be?
This has just been asked in different forms by a couple of folks. I
strongly suspect that other collectors are as fickle as I am. I have had
several Holy Grails in bicycles. Each time I get one, the target shifts to
another that I don't have. It always seems for me to be the next one that
has thus far eluded my grasp. Once I get any of these from a Richard Sachs
to a Baylis or a Weigle or Roberson I suddenly seem confronted by yet
another that I have not yet acquired. Time after time I think I am about
done collecting and then off I go again. Holy Grail seems to be a shifting
thing...maybe I'm sick or something. There are just so darn many great
bikes that one could never own all of them...except maybe Dale...
Tom Sanders
Lansing, Mi