How could one compare with the well-written screed above?

I came to this forum looking for info on a very cool old bike I bought just because it was beautiful. It was too small for me. A 1957 Hopper Vampire. I came to the C&V world a mere ten years after I sold my last good bike in the '70's, when I ran across a very pretty, orange Moto Champion Team from the original owner. That was in 1986. I couldn't resist, but admittedly, the main draw for me was the bike's full compliment of early Nuovo Record pearly glow. And the color.
I eventually sold the Vampire. Kept the Motobecane. It was barely Classic & Vintage back then, but is now.
Hard to believe that was twenty five years ago.