Re: [CR] "Bisbee Bike Brothel" - a put-off?

(Example: Racing:Jacques Boyer)

From: "paccoastcycles" <paccoastcycles@sbcglobal.net>
To: <hsachs@alumni.rice.edu>, <r.clair@cox.net>, <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, <kwallace62@cox.net>
References: <4B2CCE93.9010202@verizon.net>
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 2009 10:18:47 -0800
Subject: Re: [CR] "Bisbee Bike Brothel" - a put-off?


Bike Brothel. I like it.

I don't see how any of us bike sluts can be offended by that. If this group was called Bike Sluts instead of Classic Rendevous, I would think it to be a fitting name.

At my store, Pacific Coast Cycles, I only sell bikes for adults. No kids bikes. I always thought it would be fun to have a sign, good sized, but simple, out by the road that reads Aduld Bike Shop.

We can't please everybody and it's true that prostitution has an association with some pretty undesireable things. There is some pretty frivilous imagery involved as well. That's where the name goes in my mind.

Chuck Hoefer
Vista, California USA


----- Original Message -----
From: Harvey Sachs
To: r.clair@cox.net


<kwallace62@cox.net> Sent: Saturday, December 19, 2009 5:01 AM Subject: [CR] "Bisbee Bike Brothel" - a put-off?


> I'm not sure I have Ken's email address, I've used the most recent one I
> found. Ken has a beautiful collection, one to be proud of.
>
> But somehow, I feel uncomfortable about the name Ken has chosen for his
> shop and collection, and thought I'd finally try to share that with him.
> So, please forward this if the address above is wrong. And because this
> is tangentially related to our topic domain, let's not get into a long
> discussion on the list.
>
> "brothel" just has too many unpleasant connotations in my mind to be used
> humorously. Too much history of exploitation and servitude. I can't
> imagine, for example, naming a shop "Greg's Gulag". or "Harvey's Harem for
> Bikes."
>
> More important to me, it just doesn't describe my relationship to my
> vintage bikes. My bikes are not just "rented" for a short time, but
> long-term relationships. I've had several bikes three decades or more.
> Each is cherished for its ride and for what it speaks about some specific
> aspect of the hobby. The '38 Paramount was launch year for a great
> product, and the JC Higgins/Sears with original Campag stuff duplicates my
> first 10-speed. The Serotta was the last of the lugged production bikes.
> Each has a story that means something to me.
>
> There are other approaches and attitudes, but I think all of us on the
> list invest time and money out of love, not need.
>
> I'm not a prude, and I've shared my stock of the risque. If Ken's building
> was a brothel way back when, I'd probably put up a plaque on its history
> if it were mine. But, I have a sense of how my wife would feel if I
> suggested visiting the shop by that name. I'd have to do some explaining.
> And her seven sisters? I think the same.
>
> just my thought this holiday season.

>

> harvey sachs

> mcLean va