Backpedal: The Yellow Basso...

The Backpedal Series will revisit some of the more popular posts from the Claremont Cyclist. They may be posts that I liked, even though they weren't widely read, or they may be posts that struck a chord with the blog's readers and picked up larger numbers of hits. Some of the posts may contain new or revised information as facts have come to light.

first build, two weeks old, downtube shifters, Irish flag and all at June Lake

Found some old photos of the Basso from late in 1991 which was the year I bought the frame and built it up. The frame itself, I have been led to believe, is a 1990 model Paris Roubaix. The story of the yellow Basso: My history with the Basso began in September 1991, when it was brought into service to replace a short-lived Bottecchia. That bike, which was about 6 months old, had been destroyed during a high speed collision on a mountain road. I had stopped in to a shop at which an old high school (and earlier)  friend worked, and there it was, up on the wall a beauty to behold. As I was racing with the Chevrolet / L.A. Sheriff squad at the time, a club whose colors were green and yellow, I knew at first sight that the Basso was for me. About a week after the purchase (October 1, to be exact), the Basso and I had our first ride together; my knee still monstrously swollen, we did some easy laps at Griffith Park. I just couldn't wait any longer. We raced together until 1994, maybe early 1995, during which time we were steady performers lacking in significant results. By 1995 the Basso was stripped down and shoved into a corner, replaced by a new model GT.

1992[?] with new Campy Ergo-shifters

Here we are at the Red Cliffs Mall Criterium, Tour of St. George, probably 1994.

And the latest incarnation c.2009-2010. It has been retired from service, stripped down to the frame, and then brought out of mothballs at least four times over the years. Though other bikes have taken its place, it has always been willing to wait for it's chance to comeback.