Andy Kaylor

The problem with the Internet is that it can be really hard to correctly read a person's attitude. I took the original posting as a bit snarky but basically good natured. In any event, I find it best to err on the side of generosity.

As a resident of Beaverton, I welcome the addition of a new shop, especially one that offers a new perspective. We're suffering through with only three shops out here (not counting REI or Performance).

On the more important topic of recumbents and racing, this may be the dawn of a new era. I would note in passing the a recumbent posted the best time in the Jack Frost Time Trial (yes, it was flat). Perhaps we're ready to add a recumbent category in cyclocross. I've already got a beard and an aerobelly. All I need is the bike.

johnfforbes

Well said Robert

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

-------- Original message --------
From: Robert Burney
Date: 03/18/2013 12:30 PM (GMT-08:00)
To: obra@list.obra.org
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Recumbents and local shops

I have had the pleasure of talking and riding with lots of recumbent riders.  I have found them to be as diverse a group as the riders who populate the OBRA list.  I have ridden singles (road, tt and cross), tandems, trikes, recumbents and track bikes (and competed in many of those specialties).  I think that there are people in each specialty who are abrasive and closed minded.  On the other hand, there are those who are absolutely wonderful and who go out of their way to help and educate others.  Do not let one post color your attitude toward all recumbent riders, or owners of recumbent bike shops.  It is possible that Marilyn Hayward did not mean for her email to be as strident as we all viewed it.
 
Remember that Ms Hayward also subscribes to this list.  We should all remember that many sponsors read what we write on the OBRA list.  Unfavorable discussions here have had adverse consequences for teams and their sponsorships in the past.  Many of us who read this list are professionals and in a position to sponsor events or teams.  Poor behavior on the list serves to drive away many current or potential sponsors.
 
I have no affiliation with the shop or current owners of Coventry Cycle Works.  From 1976 to about 1983, I had the pleasure to work with Sherman Coventry (and Jerry Powell, Randy Shoquist, Birk Cox, Mark, Bob and the other great people) at Cycle Craft.  I am just writing this email because several people seemed to harbor ill feelings toward recumbent riders.
 
If not for local shops, most racers would not have bike sponsorships, discounts on parts, and the access to knowledge and tools to do many things for their bikes.  How many of us have facing or reaming tools in our kits?  Most of us do not personally stock bearing or spokes either.
 
If you have not tried a recumbent, tandem, track, TT or Cross, I highly recommend it.  Life is better with a bit of change and challenge. You might even find you like that other type of bike!
Robert Burney
 
 
Robert Burney, JD
 o: 503-608-7813
 f:  503-210-1595
 c: 503-502-4289
 www.IntegrityFinancialpdx.com
 
 
Brokerage of Life Insurance, Annuities, Long Term Care and Disability Insurance.
 
1820 SW Vermont St., Suite M
Portland, OR 97219 
 

Robert Burney

I have had the pleasure of talking and riding with lots of recumbent riders.
I have found them to be as diverse a group as the riders who populate the
OBRA list. I have ridden singles (road, tt and cross), tandems, trikes,
recumbents and track bikes (and competed in many of those specialties). I
think that there are people in each specialty who are abrasive and closed
minded. On the other hand, there are those who are absolutely wonderful and
who go out of their way to help and educate others. Do not let one post
color your attitude toward all recumbent riders, or owners of recumbent bike
shops. It is possible that Marilyn Hayward did not mean for her email to be
as strident as we all viewed it.

Remember that Ms Hayward also subscribes to this list. We should all
remember that many sponsors read what we write on the OBRA list.
Unfavorable discussions here have had adverse consequences for teams and
their sponsorships in the past. Many of us who read this list are
professionals and in a position to sponsor events or teams. Poor behavior
on the list serves to drive away many current or potential sponsors.

I have no affiliation with the shop or current owners of Coventry Cycle
Works. From 1976 to about 1983, I had the pleasure to work with Sherman
Coventry (and Jerry Powell, Randy Shoquist, Birk Cox, Mark, Bob and the
other great people) at Cycle Craft. I am just writing this email because
several people seemed to harbor ill feelings toward recumbent riders.

If not for local shops, most racers would not have bike sponsorships,
discounts on parts, and the access to knowledge and tools to do many things
for their bikes. How many of us have facing or reaming tools in our kits?
Most of us do not personally stock bearing or spokes either.

If you have not tried a recumbent, tandem, track, TT or Cross, I highly
recommend it. Life is better with a bit of change and challenge. You might
even find you like that other type of bike!

Robert Burney

Robert Burney, JD

o: 503-608-7813

f: 503-210-1595

c: 503-502-4289

www.IntegrityFinancialpdx.com

Brokerage of Life Insurance, Annuities, Long Term Care and Disability
Insurance.

1820 SW Vermont St., Suite M

Portland, OR 97219