I am pleased to say that the OTSG has returned safely from assignment in Australia. Today will be the final report on ten-speeds down under.
We spent our final four days in Sydney. Sydney was great experience overall, but lacked a bit in the 10-speed department–especially when compared to Melbourne. We spent the majority of our time in the downtown and tourist area, so there could be a better scene out in the suburbs. Luckily, I did find a couple of nice rides to feature–here they are.
This womens Cyclops Monaco was parked outside our hotel daily.
I found this well weathered Europa 10-speed on our way to Bondi Beach. I had seen a bike almost identical to this in Melbourne, but I didn’t have a camera with me. I’m curious what the owner of this masterpiece had to do to get his/her bike into this condition.
I had intended this to be posted on Monday, but due to some issues with our hotel’s internet cafe I had to postpone it until now.
After leaving Bicycle Mecca, ah-I mean…Melbourne last week we cruised down The Great Ocean Road to the Twelve Apostles (I would highly recommend that drive or ride). We only saw a handful of bikes and not many old ten speeds along the coast–surfing is more the sport of choice in the area. After moving inland toward the Snowy Mountains we did come across this interesting collection of OTS along the road between Wangaratta and Bright. I do appreciate the repurposing of these classics, but some of them appeared to be not all that far removed from serviceable road use. Oh well, they are nice to look at.
Greetings from Melbourne, Australia. We’ve been in Melbourne for four days and we will be leaving this morning for The Great Ocean Road. Before departing, I thought I should report on our experience in this great bike loving city. There are bikes and bicyclists everywhere in this city! I have never seen so many commuters, and more amazingly, nearly all of them observe the traffic signals! I could count on one hand, the number of riders that rolled a red light or stop sign. I could go on all all day about the impressive presence bikes have here, but we have to get on the road, so I won’t. I will close today with some of my Australian 10-speed highlights.
As of March 15 the OTSG is officially On Assignment; actually, Mrs. Ten Speed and I will be on our way to Australia to enjoy our two week honeymoon. Unfortunately I will not be able to post daily, but I have gotten the go-ahead to post at least a few times while we are down there. I will be taking my camera and I will be on the lookout for old ten speeds, so if you live in the greater Melbourne or Sydney area please park it on the street — with the drive side facing out of course. If you see some goofy looking, stupid, American tourist bumbling around your bike while his wife looks on in disgust, don’t worry, it’s just me. Stop and say “Hi” or I guess it’s “G’day”? We will return to our regularly scheduled 10-speed love-fest on March 31st.
Photo found here.
Today I received an entry from Hugh in Highland, Michigan. Interestingly, I have featured one of Hugh’s bikes before, but not because he sent it to me. I featured Hugh’s 1975 Schwinn Traveler as a Monday Market about a month ago. Apparently Hugh caught wind that his ‘75 Schwinn was residing in the Gallery and decided to nominate another 10-speed-steed from his stable. Last time, I gave Hugh a bit of a hard time for some interesting brake cable/lever routing/positioning choices, but this time around Hugh is sporting some good looking, non-aero, gum-hooded levers and custom color cable housing. This time the lever position is also much improved, but the seat angle is now very suspect. Hugh did not indicate if this Univega is for sale, but I’m sure no reasonable offer will be refused.
Thanks Hugh
