Re: [CR]Vintage Bikes, Vintage Skis, why the difference?

(Example: Racing)

From: "Chris Plunkett" <westown@earthlink.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Subject: Re: [CR]Vintage Bikes, Vintage Skis, why the difference?
Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:35:52 -0500


As a former who really cares anyway, I understand there is a market for Vintage skis in major mountain regions, take Norway. Don't think they aren't living and breathing vintage skiing as we do vintage bikes. So from my vantage point here is the real allure of vintage vs. new. While skiing out of Saas Fee atop the Mittelallalin where the danger of falling down a glacial crevasse at any moment is real. On a grade severe enough to freak even the wild at heart. Here come some vintage gentleman telemark skiing (open heel) on wood skis with leather bindings. I won't even attempt to explain the skill and dexterity required to keep upright on such primitive equipment. But there lies the challenge and the inherit value to many; to do so much with equipment that is so simple while paying homage to the orgins and heritage of the sport. Physical preparation is more in play here than anything. Same allure that has drawn many to steel bikes, there are other alternatives that are lighter, easier and faster but, where is the challenge in that? I may be getting older but I am not dead yet.

Chris Plunkett First time I have seen the sun in 5 months in Westown, Chicago, Illinois. USA