Fall in the bike world is more than brilliant tree colors and cooler air to breath. For those on the commercial side, it’s show time. Prime among the Fall expo’s are Eurobike in Germany, Interbike in Las Vegas, and Asia Bike in Nanjing, China.
This year (2013) Peter and Kerstin’s spectacular truing stands were on display at Eurobike and Asia Bike.
Elegance at Eurobike.
Their China distributor, Aita Cycle, hosted an ethereal display at Asia Bike.
Whenever our stock of a handmade item is low, uncertainty sets in. So many products at Wheel Fanatyk come from one or two person shops.
Lately, the wood dishing tools have run low but Jon announced the imminent arrival of more with this image, worth sharing.
Nine frames in oak. Nine posts in purpleheart. Won’t be long now. Image: J. Hjertberg
Looks like our patience will pay!
Bill Woodul; the patron saint of American bicycle mechanics; was a teacher, mentor, entertainer, and gypsy. There seemed no limits to his impish humor and good will. He left a treasure of memories and lessons and would be pleased his annual Race Mechanics Clinic, begun in 1987, was running strong 27 years later.
Bill at work, wonderfully captured in 1983 by Greg Siple via Brook Watts. © Greg Siple
What a treat for me to participate in nearly all of these clinics, held annually at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Over 800 mechanics have been introduced to bicycle race support and many now participate as teachers, lead their own support programs, and play important roles in the bike industry. Read more →
While memories of my childhood have largely faded, some especially vivd experiences seem indelible. Among the most entertaining and remembered were visits to museums. Sure, other trips and occasions rated up there but there was something about museums that touched me.
The old Steinhart Aquarium.
For a little boy in the SF Bay Area places like the Steinhart Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences, Morrison Planetarium, and the Exploratorium were wonderlands of the unexpected and entertaining. What is it about 3D artifacts and diorama’s that can be so transformative? However, the bicycle was rarely represented. Cycling is enjoying seemingly permanent, worldwide growth. The history spans most of the Industrial Revolution and spill-overs to and from other sports and technology are everywhere. Why so little museum presence?
To be fair, there are rare cycling displays in US museums. The Franklin in Philadelphia, the Ford in Dearborn, the Smithsonian in DC, but few other permanent collections. Chicago’s Museum of Science and Technology is hosting a 5 year exhibit, wow! Some bike shops carry the mantel of sharing the colorful variety and history of cycling. In my area, Classic Cycles on Bainbridge maintains phenomenal displays. And so does Elliott Bay Cycles in the wise hands of Bob Freeman and Bill Davidson. Still, around the world the total seems small compared to the size of our scene, and inaccessible for many of our youth.
Only a ferry ride away.
I puzzle over this and conclude that these days museums are up against huge obstacles. The investments and upkeep are prohibitive. The few that have survived or begun have endowments like universities or teams of billionaire backers. It’s darned tough to start or sustain one in any subject area. Cycling suffers no prejudice in this regard compared to other stories and histories. This brings to mind recent news that the magnificent Ghisallo Museum of Cycling is closing. I wrote about it in 2007, shortly after the opening. A spectacular location, a bicycle-crazy country, next to the famous Ghisallo Sanctuary, and Italian cycling legend Firoenzo Magni as principle advocate; what a winning combination. But Maestro Magni died this year and his influence is missing.
Ghisallo Museum on a crowded day.
Jan Heine (of Bicycle Quarterly fame) writes of it here, and Simon Crisp remembers his visit here. Thankfully, important Italian cycling personalities like Ernesto Colnago have indicated their concern and hopes for a re-opening, as Cyclingnews reports here. However, the danger is great that this international treasure will be dismantled. The US Bicycle Hall of Fame (Davis, CA) is under serious financial pressure despite non-stop programs and activity. The Mountain Bike Hall of Fame has languished, not in spirit but in presentation, now plans to move to Fairfax, CA in 2014 to begin a new era of celebration.
Do not forget the youth who seek inspiration and vision. Museums fulfill a crucial role alongside advocacy, racing, and access in growing and strengthening our scene. Put some thought to the opportunities near you. In 1999, curator of the Oakland Museum, Phil Linhares, approached me to participate in their awesome, four month exhibit, “Amazing Bikes: Two Centuries on Two Wheels,” built largely around Pryor Dodge’s famous collection. What an exciting time. How perfect if it had become permanent! San Francisco and Portland airports and SF’s Moscone Center have hosted memorable exhibits. They come but they go. While the World’s cycling museums struggle, today is a special moment. We have such a great story to tell, so many participants with whom to share, and such rich and vital opportunities for the future. Make sure to hug a museum soon and lend a hand if a cycling display becomes a possibility near you.
