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"When I become interested in something, I usually end up doing a deep dive."
Truer words were never spoken in describing my friend, Kevin, and his keen curiosity and enjoyment when it comes to bicycles — and anything connected to the two-wheeled freedom machines. All this was quite evident in our first couple of get-togethers.
At these — what turned out to be — informal show-and-tell sessions, Kevin presented an endless array of cycling memorabilia. Books, posters, printed advertisements from the 1800s, manuals, stamps, trading cards, pamphlets, and so much more. I'm thinking two things in viewing such treasures: How does he have room for all this stuff? And, this dude is really "into" the sport of cycling.
However, as they say, this was just the tip of the iceberg. Although mentioned in our many chats, I still hadn't laid eyes on his collection of bikes. This was rectified with a recent visit to Kevin's two self-storage units. Simply put, my basement full of bicycles doesn't even come close to what I was witnessing for the first time.
Frankly, it was all pretty overwhelming. There was hardly any room to even set foot inside. Wheels hanging from hooks attached to the ceiling. Pile after pile of plastic totes containing a full range of parts: saddles, pedals, tires and tubes, lights, reflectors, chains, handlebar tape by the mile — on and on. Even little cabinet-like draws chock-full of screws, nuts, tire valves, etc. And then there was the main attraction.
"How many have you got here Kevin?" I asked, scanning all the bicycles leaning against each other. "I'd say around seventy," was his quick reply. It was a sight to behold; like being a kid again, finding yourself in a candy store.
My host then explained how his initial passion for pedal power grew into a joyous addiction. After obtaining his first bike — which he still has — Kevin figured he'd better have another one, just in case someone wanted to go riding with him. Then he got the wild idea to have a different machine for every day of the month. So now we're up to 30.
The number of bicycles just kept growing. Kevin decided he wanted brands that represented different countries, like Peugeot from France, Dawes from England, and others. Then the effort commenced to acquire as many models as possible of Schwinn cycles, "because I never had one growing up," proclaimed Kevin. Therefore, 16 or 17 were now a part of the crowded surroundings.
Every color is depicted within Kevin's vast collection. He has a bike from the 1920s; many others from long-ago decades, which makes for securing parts a difficult task. The majority of his prizes were gained by way of yard sales and the like — and just about all of them are in working order.
It was an enjoyable experience. But the really cool part was the fact that every bicycle had a story. As Kevin pulled out and displayed various ones, he recounted how he took possession of it, how much it had cost, and, in some cases, the bicycle's history with its previous owner.
In talking with Kevin, I believe he's come to the realization that some of his bicycles need to find a new home. If you're interested, let me know. Stay safe!
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