Bicycles have played a huge part in my life.  I remember my brother and I riding to school, riding home for lunch; and then attacking the "riding woods".  A red Raleigh coaster and a boy.  Then came the "10 speeds".  I lusted over a Peugeot PX 10 in the shop window.  White with fancy black lugs; dropped bars, derailleurs and 10 speeds.  The learning curve was steep, the tub's rolled of the second time I rode it, no glue.  Simplex plastic took a terrible pounding till the concepts were learned.  Many years of riding bought me to my first custom. 

I was working at a bike shop in Edmonton, Alberta; George's Cycle.  I filled out the manufacturer's personal measurement sheet; specified colors and chrome, and waited.  A box arrived from Bob Jackson Cycles, Leeds, England about 15 weeks later.  What appeared was a black, gold, and chrome wonder that has been my cycling companion for some 26 years now.  It has been back to Leeds for repairs once and during that time I ventured into the then new world of mountain bikes. 

No matter how I tried I just couldn't get used to the fit of my Fisher CR-7.  My Bob Jackson custom road had been such a huge leap forward in fit and ride ability that I ordered a Cunningham Racer from Charlie Cunningham.  It remains my off road ride today.

Over the years I accumulated many parts but could never get used to the idea of the Super Record Gruppo components sitting in their blue and multi colored boxes collecting dust.  Yes, I know they say the cranks can break; the brakes don't stop like dual pivots, and friction shifting! When I started cycling there was only one brand of components that everyone sought and held in high regard; Campy.  Over the years I have been unable and unwilling to shake this mental addiction.  With an ever-aging Bob Jackson and the gruppo staring back at me I made the decision to find my ultimate, new ride.

England, Belgium, France, Italy, no stone was left unturned.  Then one day while researching Rivendells the name Richard Sachs appeared.  I gathered as much information as I could and knew straight away that my next ride would probably be a Sachs.  I talked to Richard on the phone and when he sent me pictures and details of his 25th. Anniversary bike the search was over.

I am the proud owner of #19/25.  I could go on and on describing the qualities of my bike, but simply said, the bike and I are as one.  A boy on a red Raleigh coaster, a man on a red Richard Sachs.  What more do I need to say, except, thank you Richard Sachs.