Nashman
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Most of the bikes I posted for 2019 were purchased by me through contacts on the CABE from members and shipped via Bikeflights or Shipbikes. That said, a couple were found locally, or were purchased at shows/swap meets and shipped back to me after. I live in Winnipeg, Canada, mid continent close to the U.S. border and most shows and swaps are thousands of miles away. Driving with the ability to transport a bicycle/s back is not that practical, so meets I attend ( in the past) of any sort usually means air flight, car rental, motel, etc.
It's been more than a few times over decades I've had my van stuffed with bicycles, vintage outboard boat motors, antique signs, vintage toys, car parts, pedal cars, with a guitar or two in the load. I'd even fill up on firewood sometimes if I came across some seasoned Birch for a good price!!
The best way to acquire bicycles in the his hobby is locally ( ads or garage sales, auctions) "Picking" the country side, or attending swaps or shows, meeting the people, seeing the bike or accessory first hand. Looking closely and having one on one human contact. Buying from pictures and descriptions is ok if you have no choice, but some sellers don't share or meet your standards or expectations and descriptions are lame or inaccurate. That's where a sellers reputation comes into play. You need to ask the right questions as well, and if possible get information on a sellers track record among others in the hobby/CABE. Research and knowledge, advice and opinions are like gold. That's what makes the CABE so great as it's a tool you can use for all of that.
Most hobbies are enjoyed through communication and where possible, actually meeting others and sharing knowledge and humour and making new friends. I have been fortunate to have experienced that in several hobbies over 35+ years. I've had to slow down at my age, but the memories and possibilities of more are still active.
