I had the great opportunity to visit a listmember this past weekend---Ray Dobbins in Miami, FL. I can count on one hand the number of listmember's homes I've visited. It's always a special moment to walk into the sanctity of their "bike room", whether it be a garage, basement, special outbuilding, or inside. And, I always come away with a better appreciation of the person too. Ray lives in a great city, in the south, but not a southern city. In fact, Miami is one of those places where you can say that the deep south is actually north of it! I was in town for a conference and being only 4 hours away by car, I drove. I delivered Ray a very nice Bianchi Especialissima. I know, it isn't supposed to have an E on the front, but, this one does!! Celeste of course, with pantographed parts. Ray is either very neat or he cleaned up for my visit. I was in awe of his tool bench and peg board. I've thought about all the bikes he has and other than a non-decaled Motobecane, I think all of them are Italian, very much like the little Alfa spyder in the driveway. Two bikes have gold plated lugs. He obviously likes unusual Colnago frames too as he has a bunch. After the tour, we hopped in my bike hauler and drove to South Beach. I've heard so much about this place, I had to see it. It lived up to expectations. But, before we got to the strip, Ray took me to a Cuban restaurant where he did all the talking. I think the only English words were between me and him. Great food. Garth Libre came over after we returned to Ray's house with his friend, who was shocked to find out that Ray lives about two minutes from his house!! They brought bikes to look at too, so we all enjoyed a little bike talk for a few minutes before I had to go play corporate boy again. Thanks for hosting me Ray. Lou Deeter, Orlando FL USA
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