Sadly, James passed away a couple of years ago, and the collection has moved to a nearby museum. While the display at the museum is good, to share your home with bicycles is something quite different, and a much richer experience. I am grateful I had the chance to visit James on quite a few occasions, and experience what is shown here for myself. It was really quite life changing, and enhanced a love of bikes I probably didn't know that was there. But James is right in his parting words. "Have fun", "your in another world, a free world, by yourself". Thanks James for the memories, and to Dean Saffron for recording this while it was still there to be captured.
Oh man... I am sorry to hear that :( it is a sad loss, I'm glad that his collection has gone to a museum... along with the history and his involvement and love of the Bicycle, his story, I guess you could say... and deservedly so.
I can still remember the day I learnt to ride. Unbeknown to me my father had let go of the back of seat and was about 50 m behind me when I stopped. He had a big smile on his face. A treasured memory.
James MacDonald: "It's one of those childhood things, when you ride a bike, you are liberated." This is why I love riding my bikes for 45 years and counting.
What a great guy! I am stung by the same bug, having just driven an hour away to buy a 1920's era Zillmer's EFTF cycle Fabrik men's bicycle...i think it's German, (nothing what so ever about it across the entire internet) for 50.00, rescuing it from oblivion, in which my wife, upon finding out, responded " Haven't you got enough bikes?" "Well...no!" I still regret not driving 3 hours out into rural N.Y. state to buy a 1910 Pope Crawford with original Troxel leather seat for 200.00 (what a deal) I live right next to a bike trail and ride the various bikes i find and refurbish...leaving them in pristine, worn out original condition, just greased and new tires. This guy was a man after my own heart! Very sorry to learn he passed away! "No worries mate...there will always be people like James to carry on, in one fashion or another!" I wish i could have met him.
I often wonder how much longer people like James are going to exist. Younger people, not all, but a growing majority are not interested in Tactile things. The emphasis is moving more toward the electronic realms. I have an acquaintance who demonstrates steam engines at the Powerhouse museum and he said there are almost no young men at the demonstrations. We need to cultivate an interest in these objects in young people so they are not lost. As each day passes I see our heritage disappearing at a rapid pace. One object that is dear to my heart and mine and previous generations is the South Steyne. If it were not for the great generosity of the current owner, she would have been lost years ago, what her fate will be is questionable. I wish I knew about James, I would have loved a cup of tea and a chat with this interesting man.
Bicycles played a big part in the emancipation of women. The process was documented in a book. According to one account Once women learnt to ride they were of and their shapperones were left in the dust !
Sadly, James passed away a couple of years ago, and the collection has moved to a nearby museum. While the display at the museum is good, to share your home with bicycles is something quite different, and a much richer experience. I am grateful I had the chance to visit James on quite a few occasions, and experience what is shown here for myself. It was really quite life changing, and enhanced a love of bikes I probably didn't know that was there. But James is right in his parting words. "Have fun", "your in another world, a free world, by yourself". Thanks James for the memories, and to Dean Saffron for recording this while it was still there to be captured.
Oh man... I am sorry to hear that :( it is a sad loss, I'm glad that his collection has gone to a museum... along with the history and his involvement and love of the Bicycle, his story, I guess you could say... and deservedly so.
I come back to this every 12 months because it make me happy
I can still remember the day I learnt to ride. Unbeknown to me my father had let go of the back of seat and was about 50 m behind me when I stopped. He had a big smile on his face. A treasured memory.
I admire what he did,saving old bikes,I have one and when I ride it,I love when people comment to me about it,rest in peace James
James MacDonald: "It's one of those childhood things, when you ride a bike, you are liberated."
This is why I love riding my bikes for 45 years and counting.
Love ya Jimmy. So sorry to hear of your passing. Ride on mate. Gary from Ontario.❤
I would love to have that kind bicycle collections 1899- 1900'
I love your passion very deeply! I too understand and collect. Thanks for sharing, much appreciation! 👍👀
What a great guy! I am stung by the same bug, having just driven an hour away to buy a 1920's era Zillmer's EFTF cycle Fabrik men's bicycle...i think it's German, (nothing what so ever about it across the entire internet) for 50.00, rescuing it from oblivion, in which my wife, upon finding out, responded " Haven't you got enough bikes?" "Well...no!" I still regret not driving 3 hours out into rural N.Y. state to buy a 1910 Pope Crawford with original Troxel leather seat for 200.00 (what a deal) I live right next to a bike trail and ride the various bikes i find and refurbish...leaving them in pristine, worn out original condition, just greased and new tires. This guy was a man after my own heart! Very sorry to learn he passed away! "No worries mate...there will always be people like James to carry on, in one fashion or another!" I wish i could have met him.
real man love is bike hall respecto for that power bless
Just found your video
Fantastic.
Thanks Kevin
I often wonder how much longer people like James are going to exist. Younger people, not all, but a growing majority are not interested in Tactile things. The emphasis is moving more toward the electronic realms.
I have an acquaintance who demonstrates steam engines at the Powerhouse museum and he said there are almost no young men at the demonstrations.
We need to cultivate an interest in these objects in young people so they are not lost.
As each day passes I see our heritage disappearing at a rapid pace.
One object that is dear to my heart and mine and previous generations is the South Steyne.
If it were not for the great generosity of the current owner, she would have been lost years ago, what her fate will be is questionable.
I wish I knew about James, I would have loved a cup of tea and a chat with this interesting man.
beautiful
Que hermosa coleccion !
Yea, Can't be bogged down by the cares of this world when mounted on a the wheel.
awesome!
very good colection
That guy is a BIKE DOCTOR.
Nice collection
that guy reminds me of myself
Nice!
Thank you! Cheers!
Nice road bike
Now I really want to go to Australia 🦘 and score some old bikes.
I wish get one paratrooper or path racer...I hope only not on my dream
I have a elgin bike is it value any good I thank 1920 lady's bike wokin on it see you now an a man's Karel bike I won't too say early 60s
Bicycles played a big part in the emancipation of women. The process was documented in a book. According to one account Once women learnt to ride they were of and their shapperones were left in the dust !
Do An email? Would like to call contact you