Vintage Bicycle Association
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Issue # 10
JOIN NOW!
Time to ride!
Several years ago I was displaying CyclArt work at a bicycle show in DelMar, CA.     An old gent looked over an Ephgrave frame we had done very carefully and exclaimed "Les would have been so proud!"   I thanked him and inquired, who's Les?  "Right here on this decals you reproduced, it says, L&N Ephgrave. That was Lesley and Ned.  I helped them build this frame in 1948..."  He went on the share details of his  construction techniques.  I thanked him again and introduced myself. When I learned his name, I exclaimed, "Bill Hurlow!  I've always admired your work! Stays attached the binder, curved bridges, elegant filing..., you are my favorite of the English builders.  I have several of your frames at the shop now.  I've... ahem...  reproduced your transfers.  I wondered why, when I did, it why there was not red color in the holly berries in the wreath. I put the color in my reproductions."  He moved in close, a stern look in his eye, "You caught that did you, it was a printer's error I could not get him to set it right."    I asked, "You're not still building, are you?"  He replied with a wry smile, "Oh no! Everyone thinks I'm dead!   I did not want to go the way of so many builders, cranking out  junk in their later years.  No sir, the last frame I built was the best frame I built.  I got out on top!"  "So" I asked, "What do you do now that you're not building bikes?"  He replied instantly, "Ride them!  I'm in the top three  in 8 of the 10 distances in which I compete!"  I congratulated him and we agreed to meet later for a ride and visit to CyclArt. Before that ride, I looked up his results; exactly as he had said, a dominant rider in his age category (65 to 70).  What surprised me was that he had achieved this despite 443 competitors!  Each spring, except last year, Bill leaves England to get some spring training in the San Diego sunshine. Each time he does, I enjoy his company. And every time he reminds me, may be the last.  This trip we had less time to ride than ever as two of Bill's relatives and a close friend suddenly died and Bill spent much of his time here dealing with the tragedies.  Shortly after Bill's departure for England the point was brought closer to home as Gary Higgins, a CyclArt employee and good friend for 16 years died at his desk of a sudden heart attack.  Gary was 53.  There was no warning.We know not how long the road may be, or when a friend will ride away.Today is the day to join  the VBA.~Jim Cunningham 
Jim Cunningham & Master Framebuilder Bill Hurlow on a recent ride in Vista, CA
Meet the VBA
Vintage Bicycle Association (VBA) is an informal group of people in Southern California, interested in all types of Vintage Bicycles. 

Our quarterly newsletter is  your invitation to attend VBA events; rides, museum visits, bicycle displays, video parties, swap meets & more.

VBA rides are of  varying style & difficulty, from flat 5 mile park cruises, to hilly 40 mile fast rides on mountainous roads.  Plan your own favorite, we'll put it in the next newsletter!

We encourage riding of pre 1984 bicycles, (most current members ride 1970's race bikes, but we've got all types.) If you are  interested in such bikes who do not presently have one in riding condition you may use contemporary  equipment  or "road test" one of CyclArt's collection.

If you, or your bike is not up to the demands of the day's ride, please bring a bike to show, or bring  a story to tell before or after the ride.  Or,  follow in your  car to assist in case of mechanical failure, or to take pictures for our scrapbook or newsletter. 

If you know others who share our interest, please have them contact us.  If you know of old bicycle in need of a home, we'd like to know about that too!  Better yet, dust off an old friend and join us today!

 
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