Readers’ Letters

Raised from the rust

I was interested in Greg Turesi’s letter in the December 2018 issue about enthusiasts for both motorcycles and bicycles, as I have this affliction. It can sometimes cause real problems.

I seem to be drawn to what many people would call ‘rusty scrap’ and the problem is then what to do with the latest pile of junk! A few years ago I bought a prewar ‘Jagrose’ 26in framed roadster bicycle in well-rotted condition – wheels collapsed, chaincase shredded, bent handlebars and twisted-spaghetti brake rods. After stumping up 10 quid I had to carry it away from the auction, shedding rust and muck as I went.

Some years later, at the Founder’s Day autojumble, a poor, orphaned, forlorn-looking engine marked ‘Atlas 1921’ in yellow crayon on its bacon-slicer flywheel seemed to call out in a weak voice: “Save me, save me, guvnor.” Well, how could