My Oregon Ducks played in the Vegas Bowl on Thursday and played a miserable game. I watched until I couldn't stand it any longer and then turned it off and viciously vacuumed the house. My vacuuming was interrupted by call from a local bicycle collector who knew that I was looking for a Schwinn Krate Sting Ray. I looked at an Orange Krate a week ago that was priced at $1295 and he told me about an Orange Krate that could be purchased for less than $800. It was just what I needed...I called the seller and it sounded like a good deal. The next morning I woke thinking more about cool bikes and not about interceptions, stupid penalties, and poor play execution. At work all I could think about was my date to look at the bike. I almost cleaned out two savings accounts that were already depleted from Christmas shopping. I promised the seller cash and my pocket was full. During my lunch break I took a few minutes to check out an antique shop in Independence, Oregon. The first thing I noticed when I entered the shop was an early Vic I. It was missing only the horn and elbow and priced at a very reasonable $350. My first collecting love is phonographs but a Schwinn Krate is something special. I avoided making to make a choice because the antique dealer offered to take my Visa. After work I raced to Salem, Oregon (with the Vic I at my side) and bought my first 5-speed Krate complete with springer front end, front drum brakes, ape hanger bars, and an orange skick tire on the rear! What a red letter day! It was the first time that I bought a wonderful record player and a terrific bike! If you come to Albany and see a grinning bald guy on a Sting Ray, it's probably me. Happy Holidays & Go Ducks! (next year) Jerry Blais
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