[CR] Cirque 2009

(Example: Framebuilders:Chris Pauley)

Date: Wed, 10 Jun 2009 09:05:42 -0500
From: "Wayne Bingham" <blkmktbks@gmail.com>
To: Classic Rendezvous <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Cc: gary@sssinc.com, Jan Heine <heine94@earthlink.net>, Peter Gilbert <Peter@canecreek.com>, bikelarry@gmail.com
Subject: [CR] Cirque 2009


We just wanted to take a moment to thank all the people who came out to the Cirque this year. You all ARE the Cirque. It is important to us that we not lose sight of that. We try to put together a program that is diverse, interesting and engaging without getting in the way of the social aspect of the event, which we believe is the heart and soul of the Cirque. Thanks for all the positive comments we've received, both on and off the CR list. Thanks too for all the great pictures that are being posted. They're great for those who couldn't attend, and for people like us who miss so much in the frenzy.

We also realize that this is a tough year economically for many, and we appreciate that so many made the commitment to support the event this year. We missed seeing some of our long-time friends, but welcomed many newcomers. Not only did we get a great crowd, but we had so many willing to jump in and volunteer whenever we asked. We won't try to name names of all those that volunteered, because we would invariably miss some. You all know who you are. We just want everyone to know how much we appreciate the effort.

We also want to thank all those that contributed items for the Auction. Without them, there would be no auction. This year we not only had lots of really nice items, but also a huge number of 100% donation items. We will have final numbers from the auction soon, and want to thank our beneficiaries Bikes for the World and the US Bicycling Hall of Fame. Special thanks to Keith Oberg from Bikes for the World for his invaluable help in making the Auction a success.

We do, however, want to specifically mention those that made the extra effort to give of their time in support of the Cirque, in addition to their general overall participation. Those are, of course, our great presenters. Our presenters this year, Dave Wages, Jan Heine, Peter Weigle, Earle Young and Keith Anderson all made that extra contribution, that extra effort to help make the Cirque a success. These people are not compensated for their effort. They contribute because they believe in what we are trying to do, and we sincerely appreciate that contribution.

We also sincerely appreciate the support of our great sponsors; Larry Black and Mt. Airy/College Park Bicycles, Peter Gilbert and Cane Creek, Gary Prange and SSS Ink, Mike Kone and Rene Herse /Boulder Bicycles, and Jan Heine and Bicycle Quarterly. These people and companies make the monetary commitments that allow us to stage the Cirque and control the cost of participation. Without them, the Cirque couldn't happen. They deserve all Cirque participant's thanks and support.

Last, but not least, of course, a special thanks to our mentor and constant adviser, Dale Brown.

More information about the Cirque will follow, as the dust settles and we recover. We are already starting to plan for next year, and will be soliciting feedback on a number of things soon. Until then, thanks again!!

--
Wayne Bingham & Mary Jo Weier
Lovettsville, Virginia USA