Re: [CR] Somehow wiser?

(Example: Framebuilders:Chris Pauley)

In-Reply-To: <8fbd93d9e071daba4c535c805af83684@comcast.net>
References: <8fbd93d9e071daba4c535c805af83684@comcast.net>
Date: Fri, 29 May 2009 23:11:41 -0400
From: "Ken Freeman" <kenfreeman096@gmail.com>
To: Bianca Pratorius <biankita@comcast.net>
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Somehow wiser?


And to ride something that has planned non-obsolescence.

On Fri, May 29, 2009 at 2:57 PM, Bianca Pratorius <biankita@comcast.net>wrote:
> Snip ...
>
>
> Jerry wrote:
> If we are honest, I think we must admit that part of the continued niche
> interest in leather saddles and tubular tires is exactly their
> inconvenience, or to put it more kindly, the ritual connected with them.
> I'll frankly admit that I find the application of Proofhide a rather
> soothing ritual and the smell of Proofhide is like nothing else in the
> world. And this soaking and rejuvenating leather saddles kind of takes
> the ritual to a new level. Some also enjoy the ritual of gluing tubulars,
> and there may even be someone who actually enjoys repairing tubulars,
> though I haven't met him yet. I don't really share this one, which is why
> I ride Tufos these days. It's kind of like a fraternity or a lodge, with
> passwords and secret handshakes. Being able to maintain a leather saddle
> or repair a tubular makes us members of the "club" somehow wiser than than
> the general public.
>
> Regards,
>
> Jerry Moos
> Big Spring, Texas, USA
>
> end snip ....
>
> I believe the reason we find ourselves loving the ritual of caring for
> leather saddles and sewing up tubs is the same reason there is a revival of
> religion in our overwhelmingly modernized world. There is a need for the
> spiritual when all around are the supposed advantages of utter practicality.
> Cars are faster, so if the point is only to get from point A to point B as
> quickly as possible than why walk or ride a bike if a car is available? If
> the idea is to save energy and get some exercise than why not ride a modern
> bike with better shifting and a lighter frame? If the idea is to get
> somewhere without delay or any wrong turns than why not slap a GPS on the
> bars? If you want to really get in shape why not wear a heart rate monitor
> so you can ensure your in the target zone ?
>
> The answer is that the idea was never just to get in shape or arrive as
> quickly as possible to point B. The reason to ride a classic bike in an age
> of such modernity is to get in touch with ourselves.... to be self empowered
> ... to appreciate the craftsmanship of another's hand - to restore these old
> machines and in so doing appreciate our own ingenuity and handiwork. The
> idea is not to arrive, but to savour the journey. This is the essence of
> spirituality - the essence of all religion.
>
> To borrow from the timeless (no blasphemy intended - only respect) : La
> Ellah ila Allah - Wa Ina Masi rasool Allah.
>
> translation : There is no God but God and Masi (or insert
> your favorite) is his prophet.
>
> Garth Libre in Miami Fl USA