Milano 2018

We were all pretty happy to find a nearby cozy restaurant the first night.

We never passed up a chance to enjoy gelato

Neither of these MASSIVE anvils would have fit in my carry-on.

Matty poses with the son of “Mr. Universal” of Italian brakes fame.

At the swap (scambio) there were food vendors who served up awesome food like this pork sandwich with piadina bread.

After the first day of the scambio, me and my friends assembled all of our booty for show-and-tell.

Rare 2nd version of Campagnolo 1010 dropouts with “Open C” and 4mm adjuster screws.

“BRAMBILLA MILANO” piece for adjustable stem.

Pogliaghi fork crown

Universal Model 39 brake calipers

RARE first version Campagnolo dropout “H” tools for fork end and rear dropout alignment.

Otussi-modified Brooks saddle

Modified Brooks saddle with 7 big copper rivets!

On Friday night, a few of us went to the opera at Teatro alla Scala. There was an incredible gallery cavour with all of the fancy designer clothing shops.

Building art, and gigantic pavers that make up the streets of central Milan.

I like Bauer (Germany) bikes. Note the picture below with the brazed-on downtube shifter clamp!

Liz and I walked up to the roof of the Duomo. THAT was special!

Sometimes the Catholic church is creepy. Look closely.

Sometimes the Catholic church is creepy.

Had a quick lunch at a bakery/cafe Princi. Roast beef with potatoes, giant gnocchi in a cream sauce, pizza…

Spectacular gelato display.

Carnival was extended for one week because some official was sick the week before…? Anyway, every once in a while we would see people dressed-up for Carnival.

Dinner the next night- again, great.

Looking in the front window of a restaurant that specializes in this Spanish animal leg meat- can’t remember the name of it, but VERY expensive.

Monday morning arranged tour of GRUPPO S.r.l. – Div. Cinelli, home of Columbus tubes and Cinelli bikes. We were giddy. Antonio Columbo likes art and has lots of it throughout the offices, warehouses, etc.

Sgn. Columbo’s father started as a furniture manufacturer.

Keith Haring art abounds.

Kid’s size Cinelli SC with 24″ wheels.

Ole Ritter’s hour record bike!

Shooting the breeze with Sgnr. Columbo. He was very impressed with our Cinelli collections back home. Both he and his staff declared that we knew more about early Cinelli history than them!