[CR]New member intro

(Example: Component Manufacturers:Chater-Lea)

From: "SherryB" <catlover@ii.ca>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 18:56:23 -0800
Subject: [CR]New member intro

Hi everyone,
   As highly encouraged, I'd like to post a brief intro. Despite browsing the CR site many many times, I never knew there was a mailing list!
   Being of a certain vintage myself, I absolutely adore vintage bikes, especially circa late 60's to late 70's. I owned two Falcon's, one of which I gave to my sister, the other was stolen. I still miss that one. Currently, I own a mid-70's Gitane TdF. Ok, I realize it isn't special to most of you folks, but it's very special to me. I bought it brand new in 1977, and have ridden it continuously ever since. The purists here will hate me....I've heavily upgraded my TdF. The practical side of me hated the plastic derailleurs that shifted like they were falling apart.
   MAFAC brake levers were evil. I never knew if the AVA stem was going to snap on my next ride. To me, bikes were meant to be ridden and enjoyed, not parked and cursed at. Yet, the romantic in me wishes I'd have left it stock....
   I have a wish list, but it's several orders of magnitude greater than my budget. But I do visit every LBS, eBay, and other likely sources for another Falcon, maybe a Holdsworth, possibly a Raleigh Professional, or even a Motobecane or two. One can dream, can't they?
    For now, I'll just lurk awhile and catch up on the messages. Thanks for allowing me to join.
   Cheers,
   Sherry Buttnor
   Victoria BC
   Canada