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And a '53 Schwinn makes seven

Seven bicycles in a two-person household isn't really that big a deal if you consider our circumstances.

More than a decade ago, Cheryl and I bought Giant brand cross bikes that ride well on streets and limestone trails. In the last two summers, I've collected five more bikes.

First I picked up a 14-speed (I think) bicycle for about $20 at a rummage sale for when our granddaughter visits. But it's still a tad too big for her; I found another rummage sale bike for about $10 that fits her this year; she'll be tall enough for the bigger one next year.

I had been thinking that my wife and I would enjoy a bicycle-built-for-two and found such a tandem at a rummage sale last year. I spent about $175 and about an equal amount on reconditioning and upgrades. We've been using it and rode it for about a 7-mile workout just last night.

Then I found a little bike for our grandson.

"But he was just born in January!" Cheryl pointed out.

True. But this starter bike is small enough for training wheels. Cheryl doesn't even have to see it (I put it in our garage attic) until he's old enough to ride it. How could I pass up the rummage sale price of just $3?

Finally, this summer, I found something else I've long desired, an old-time "antique" bike. A neighbor around the corner had it in a rummage sale. He said he knew it was a 1953 because his brother won it in a coloring contest.

Here's a photo of me with my latest acquisition.

I wondered if I paid too much.

"Did you pay more than $1?" my son asked.

Um, yes.

Two weeks ago, I visited Tom Skinner, who as you might recall from Shelly Birkelo's story earlier this summer, has a collection of antique bikes. I was happy that he was rather impressed with my purchase. He said he would have paid what I paid and that I probably could double my money on e-Bay.

But I'm not selling it. My goal is to refurbish it, find a couple of missing parts, perhaps even get it repainted in the original red and white scheme, and ride it around the neighborhood. Michael's Cycles just reconditioned the brakes so they work for just $26. Since the bike has just one speed, no hills for this relic (the bike).

Tom even said he can help me find the original bolt that holds up the seat, and a Schwinn seat similar to what my bike had new. Acquiring the tank that once sat below the top bar running between the seat and handlebars might cost more than I paid for the bike. I'll have to think about that one a while.

As for the paint job, I've already inquired about it with my brother Tom, who has a degree in auto body work (Some of you might remember him from when he worked in the paint shop at Janesville's GM plant with DuPont; he's now living and working in Missouri). Brother Tom also has his own tools. Whether such a paint job will cost me more than it's worth remains to be seen.

Anyway, if the idea of old bikes intrigues you, too, watch for Tom Skinner and friends to be riding a batch of his in the Labor Day Parade at 1 p.m. Monday in downtown Janesville. Tom asked if I wanted to join them, and I said sure, until I heard they planned to sport "Citizen Advocates for Preservation" T-shirts. The local group advocates preservation of old buildings, and its latest goal is saving the former gas station building behind the police department. Even though the Gazette has supported preservation of such buildings as the Tallman House, we haven't taken a stand on the gas station, and given my role as Opinion page editor, I thought it best to not to join any public displays of political advocacy.

But have fun in the parade, Tom and crew. And thanks, Tom, for all your advice and help.

Greg Peck