Bikes in the judged show may display discrete for sale signs, but bikes sell better from our "4 Sale Corral" or in swap spaces.

In selecting judges, I try for a group of 5 to 7 with diverse and overlapping experience.  My only bad experience with my judges has been when I've not had enough of them, did most of the judging myself, whiule dealing with the other stresses ofn running a large annual gathering. I'm always very appreciative of judging volunteers, although usually all I can offer for their help is an official judge hat and dinner after the event, I'd really thing mthat judges travel expenses shoudsl be paid and that they shoudl receive soem other gift for their efforts.  I ask judges to stay together, discussing openly to arrive at a consensus.  AS the judges mose throughthe field of bikes, owners are encouraged to judges questions.  I view this as a learning opportunity for all.  Judges score every bike for which they feel qualified and do not score any bike they own or have a conflict of interest on.  The scorecards have five sections; each one is worth a maximum of 20 points: 

Authenticity: Adherence to the original specification or accuracy of restoration.
   
Condition: Cleanliness, proper set-up & maintenance.

Significance: 
History, rarity, landmark innovation or classic examples of an era.

Appeal:  Beauty, elegance, humor, creativity and originality.

Presentation: Research & display of supporting documents, accessories, owner's knowledge of bike.       

Scorecards are collected and each score entered on a computer spreadsheet.  Since not all bikes get a scorecard from all judges, scores are averaged by the number of scorecards.  we then produce a list showing point scores in descending order. Maximum score is 100 and there may be ties. We post the list for all to see. Having identified the leading bikes, the judges meet again to assign the category award to the highest scoring bikes. Awards are usually obvious at this point but the flexibility of the system insures that we can find an appropriate award to give all high scoreing bikes.

Judging should encourage entries, and assist in owner's efforts to improve their collections.  Judging can be a rewarding experience.  With the above system, no judge has sole responsibility for any "important" decisions.  Judges may enter the event or show bikes as "display only".  If you think you'd like to try your hand at judging, please contact me before our next event on June 22, 1997. 

Considering producing a concours event?  Please do!  If you like my system, feel free to use it.  If I can come to your event, I'd be glad to assist or judge.  To add a Concours as an addition to a existing event, let's talk! 

Now, for those of you who have bikes that fit into any of the above categories; Please... please... make an effort to attend.  You'll have a good time and meet lots of people who share your interest.  The swap meet section of our event will reward or tempt you.  Also, you'll be helping to further the appreciation and understanding of man's noblest invention.   Without adequate participation these events will cease.

If you can't make it, or have a commercial interest, we very much appreciate support in the form of prize donations.  Prizes are displayed during the event and accompanying literature provided will be posted.

These events take some work to put on, but they've always been a day I learn more things than I forget! ~ JF
C
Shown above is JFC at the GWBR Concours. Jim hoped to sign up some new members there and give away several hundred newsletters. Here is is showing a 1947 Bianchi complete with the exotic lever shifting Paris Robaix derailleur. jim demonstrated & explained the bike all night, not one had seen it before, incuding several well known collectors & two bicycling magazine editors!

  • "A simple job" ~ Easy money, and it's only a bike…
  • "Museum Piece" ~ Is it too precious to ride or is riding it too precious?
  • "Judgment" I learn at least one new thing every day.  Some days I forget two.
  • "Your turn" ~ The 12th Annual Concours d' CyclArt, Swap Meet & Open    House were the best yet.   It was also the last of it's kind. 
  • "The 3 'R's" ~ Refurbish, Renovate & Restore A lesson on the basics.
  • "Looking Back"  ~ Training camp perspective.
  • "Money Exchange" ~ How much for rare parts in the window?
  • "'Twas the Nightmare before Christmas" ~ Santa was working overtime in Vista