[CR]Visit to listmember's collection

(Example: Production Builders:LeJeune)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Bianca Pratorius" <biankita@comcast.net>
Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2007 19:51:07 -0400
Subject: [CR]Visit to listmember's collection

A listmember and I recently visited another local listmember's collection of fine Italian bikes. First, let me say that Mr Dobbins' collection is stunning, but that's not all that impressed me and my friend. I know that there are a lot of beautiful bikes out there, and anyone with the means, the knowledge and the space to conduct the hobby can have a nice collection too. The special element which makes a really extraordinary restoration possible is a certain meditative patience. I have seen this quality in people who have lovingly restored classic cars, and old homes. You can't just pull these bikes apart and then have them fly back together. You need to take your time in the cleaning and assembly, lie in wait for the right parts to come along, and be willing to take the long way around to your destination if it improves the finished bike. That is what Ray has done. I won't even go into the issue of the bikes. They are special to say the least, but it's the little details like the absolute perfect matching of touch up paint colors, the best possible methodology in parts polishing, and good taste with a basic understanding that less is more. For those that have visited his site, you know that he's done a great job with the photographic details too.

Garth Libre in Miami Fl. USA