Thanks Bianchigirll, it's always very nice to have your input. You help so many with your knowledge and positive support. I too wish you had your own Bianchi with Campy's Portacatena derailling system but your 'ugly Betty' is still a nice place to have the Portacatena displayed.

Sometimes, (only sometimes, ha,ha) I wish I lived in the US of A to be a little closer to like minded bicycling tragics. If I lived over there I would like to give you my Bianchi as I would like it to go to a good home. I cannot think of a person I would like to have my much loved Bianchi more than you - a truely generous and giving person.

As I get older I have to start thinking about my bikes and what will happen to them. I live in a reasonably small town (80,000 people) and no one here is all that interested in classic bikes. The nearest centres (cities) that I can find people with an interest in classic bikes is about 1000km to 2000km away. There is not even a parcel courier company willing to transport a bicycle in my town. My financial situation isn't all that healthy so am a little restricted travel-wise.

Unfortunately, no one from by family shares my enthusiasm for bicycles. I have loved and been drawn to bikes all my life. Unfortunately there is not a 'Bicycle Tragic' gene in the human body that I could have passed on, ha,ha.

There is one person, here in Australia, that I find similar to you, He too is very supportive and sharing and helps so many others so he is my next choice of recipient for an appreciative bike from my collection. I think he lives 2000km from me so that is another obstacle. Coincidently, he also replied to this particular thread but I am not in contact with him - I'll have to remedy that situation.

Anyway, best wishes Bianchigirll.