I have to share a great C/V cobbler story!
A couple of years ago I went into a small shoe repair/cobbler to ask about having some cycling shoes repaired and also ask about having some retro cycling shoes made.
This shop has been in Vancouver since the late 50's or early 60's and I remember it from going in with my Father when I was little, it also had a moment of fame during the glam-rock seventies when the cobbler's son started making platform boots for local and international rockers and then, later wrestling boots for WWF "wrestlers".
I thought that this might be a great place to get retro shoes made and then offered to CR and C/V members.
I couldn't have been more off course! The conversation between the cobbler and his "old school" cronies stopped the moment that I pulled out my cycling shoes. SILENCE. I asked about my repair and was told that he didn't repair "plastic" and when I inquired about all leather cycling shoes, and kissed his ass about his skills etc. he told me that he could make me a pair. For $1,100. wtf!
I sheepishly slid out of the shop under the stares of the "bacci boys" and decided to drop by my sponsors shop (racing at that time) which was nearby. I told the shop owner my story and he laughed and laughed, "don't you know HIS story?" he asked. He proceeded to tell me that in the late 50's, back in Italy, this cobbler had been approached by his best and closest friend ( and also a cobbler) to leave everything behind and seek their fortune in Canada! It took some convincing, but eventually the cobbler decided to join his friend and pack up his business, say good by to his family and leave Italy. On the departure day, the "friend" said that he would come a "little" later because he had some "business" to still look after before he could leave for Canada. This was a set-back to their plans but what could the cobbler do? He left in good faith and hoped his friend, the brains behind their plan, could join him soon.
My "friendly" cobbler has been here in Vancouver over 60 years, and I am sure has had a nice comfortable life but his friend never did make it to Vancouver. His friend "Signori Dino" stayed in Italy and started making cycling shoes under the name SIgnori DIno, yes "SIDI" and made a fortune!! The little cobbler in Vancouver never forgave him his success (and betrayal, in his mind) and has carried a hatred of cycling (shoes) ever since.