Listmembers,
At the risk of being a little premature, I would like to announce some late breaking news about the framebuilders show in San Jose. In light of the recent debates over photography, and wheather to attend or not, consider this provacative tidbit. The distinct possibility of live entertainment at the event is gaining momentum. I suspect the issues of personal cameras will be resolved in time for everyone to record for their pleasure the "happening" we are planning. You will most certainly NOT want to miss this one!
It came to me a while back, when I realized that Paul Sadoff from Rock Lobster was going to be present at the show in San Jose, that possibly an opportunity to make a fantasy of mine come true could be there. Having seen Paul and his band perform classic rock and surf music at a few "Salsafests" years ago, I have since longed to jam with him and play for a bunch of cyclists the kind of music we both enjoy. We are in the early stages of planning such a performance during the show in San Jose. Not that this is a reason to attend the event, BUT if you do not attend, for whatever reason, you will be missing some seriously fun times and some of the finest bicycles the world has EVER seen! I personally promise you both. Paul is a master musician and you will see me play my heart out to keep up. Worth the price of admission for sure, even if only to see me try to play my way out of a wet paper bag.
Bikewise, there is only one thing to say. Miss this and you will miss getting a peak of the future of handmade bicycles. I you don't have a clue by know, I suspect every builder will be bringing something SPECIAL and totally exciting. Never mind the camera conflict, it will be resolved and the work on display will stun you. A camera will not do justice to some of these pieces, trust me. Your eyes won't even believe themselves, if I know what these slick framebuilders are likely to bring to the party.
Don Walker is a fine fellow. His heart is in the right place. He has undertaken a difficult task for sure; and really to benifit mainly us framebuilders but just as importantly, expose us to you and you to us. Personally, Don is my hero. I'm sure in the near future Don will be recognized as just about the soul responsible party for bringing about the new age of handmade frames. Lugged steel is comming back, trust me. Not for racing, but for road riding and personal pleasure and pride of ownership. I am personally eternally grateful for his efforts and will support him to the hilt; right up to the camera issue. There I must agree with those pro camera opinions, having read both sides, been to the event, spent time with several of those who were there and posted their opinions on the list. Perhaps I can sweet talk him. Let's give it some time; and think about surf music instead.
Hope it all comes together. If we make a CD of the performance it should be good for a laugh at least!
Brian Baylis La Mesa, CA Maybe we can hire a stripper to keep Don busy while everyone sneeks some photos.......no, no,no, of the bikes, stupid! Maybe Don will end up on a porn site this time. It's just one approach.