Re:
I feel a need to explain the reasons behind a decision that I have come to regarding the immediate future.
My long term plan had been to surround myself with a collection of rare Kona bikes with a view to riding them well into my senior years. To that end I also hoarded enough high end components to keep the collection running for years to come. Sadly those plans were turned on their head last December.
While coming to terms with my diagnosis, I had an inspired idea to clear the decks in my little pad, so as not to leave my elder brother and sister with the task (burden) of dealing with all my possessions. They were encouraging me to keep everything, to use as long as I am able, and not to be concerned about them being left with all my belongings to sort out. As much as that sounded like a good option, I wanted to do it this way, and get moving now while I have the energy and wherewithal. I have already given away my late 70’s Gibson SG to my best mate, and my nephew got my Epiphone ES-335 at Christmas – I have after all still got that Flying V to play!
The biggest problem however was what to do with all of my bike stuff.
My brother and sister simply wouldn't know what to do with 14 complete Kona bikes, 12 frames and a massive collection of hoarded / archived components. I told them that a guy on RB has offered to help me out, and that we have agreed a deal to initially let most of my collection go, but keep 4 bikes for now to ride while I still can. It will be good for him too, as he can work at his own pace to part the collection out, and have a bit of return for all the work involved.
I absolutely could not face doing that work myself; dismantling my collection piece by piece, then advertising it and selling it all off as I become too poorly to ride - it would be upsetting for me, and probably beyond my ability. The agreement was very hard for me to come to terms with, but under the circumstances, it is the best outcome for the collection. As I mentioned, it avoids the problem for my folks.
Please, repeat PLEASE do not contact me on this thread or by Private Message asking for the right of first refusal on any of the bikes or components. A new thread will appear soon-ish, and all will be revealed.
Thank you for your understanding.
Pip