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1971 the Draft was abolished
Vietnam was no longer a threat. I was 19 and free. In 1972 I sold my 1970 Fiat 124 Sedan and bought an Italian racing bike. Double butted Columbus tubing, full campy Nuevo Record, Fiame Red Label wheels with double butted spokes and Clement Del Mondo Seta (silk) tires. Wool shorts (they are still in great shape, but sadly the waist line is 34" not 31." The Dieto Peitro (sp?) shoes with the nailed on cleats completed the look. There were about 100 'real riders' in L.A. at the time. Horns honked, "hey queer, get off the road."
This was long before bike riding was to become way cool. Needless to say, my father was none too please with my investment strategy. I gave the bike to my nephew last year. With a lower bottom bracket and steel tubing it still descends better than my Ti bike. Fabulous, for the memory, but at 3:50 p.m. it's time to go for a mountain bike ride on my new Turner Burner. Why not the best!!
Cheers
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