[CR]Topic Bike Shops in Melbourne Australia

(Example: Events:BVVW)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
From: "Alfredo Marcantonio" <alfredo.marcantonio@btinternet.com>
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:46:03 +0000
Subject: [CR]Topic Bike Shops in Melbourne Australia

Hi

When I was in Melbourne I took myself up to Little Italy and there on a corner of Lygon Street I discovered Borsari Corner....

A cafe and bike shop founded by an ex Italian Champ and local hero, Nino Borsari.

For a full history of him, his shop etc visit http://www.borsaricycles.com.au

They rent road bikes but unless you can coax one from their collection, they probably won't be KOF!

There is also http://www.rentabike.net.au/biketours/

Here's a bit from the Borsari website.

"He had an old iron bike for doing deliveries for the pharmacist, who soon noticed how quickly he did his job and when pro cyclists came through the town on training rides, my father used to try and keep up with them, and invariably was able to do so. One of them noticed that this kid was able to keep up. One day they set out to lose him, but my father managed to stay with them." After quizzing Nino Borsari, it was one of those pro cyclists that joined funds with the pharmacist to get him a new bike and start serious training. His progress was stunning and he went on to become the cycling champion of Italy and won a Gold Medal in the Four Kilometre Team Pursuit at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics (even though he was a sprinter).

After World War II, Nino settled in Melbourne and opened a corner shop in Carlton in 1941, now known as 'Borsari's Corner'. As well as doing cycle repairs, Nino operated as a secondhand dealer. His business soon expanded and in 1961 moved into the premises three doors down to 193 Lygon Street Carlton.

He had many business and social achievements that included the right to bring into Australia the Bianchi bicycle range, the European game of Bocce, and various kitchen utensils, including the first Capuccino machine. Before an Italian embassy was established in this country, Nino Borsari became unofficial spokesperson for the Italian people in Australia.

Nino Borsari became a benevolent benefactor himself and helped many underprivileged people and clubs. "In fact he gave away most of his wealth," said his son, who recalled his father buying shoes for an entire soccer club in order to help them get started.

Nino died in March 1996. The shop has some some memorabilia on show including a 90% wooden bike he built in 1940.

Hope helpful

Alfredo Marantonio

Twickenham Nr London England