We're here to help, and I do mean that sincerely. Welcome aboard. I think a good first step is to think about that emotional attachment - how did it start, where is it at now? Can it be focused in a more concentrated fashion, instead of spread out?

Here's an anecdotal story:

When I first started to get more heavily into C&V bikes, I had been keeping my eyes open for a PX-10 for at least a couple of years. I actually found one, but it was huge (64cm I think), way too big for me. But I actually road it! Finally, I found a beat up one at a local co-op, with upturned drop bars, but relatively intact. They wanted just $40 for it. I snagged it, and considered myself to have found the deal of the year! I put it on a stand in our empty guest bedroom, excited to work on it for the Christmas season. Then, I came down sick with the flu, and then our dog, who was only about 3 years old at the time, came down sick and died, in a not too easy fashion. It was hard going back to that bike, since it seemed so trivial in light of what all just went on, but it also provided a bit of a distraction. I ended up rehabbing that bike and it became one of my main riders. I saved the original leather seat somehow, even though most would have considered it a lost cause. I set it up as a 1x5, and I can still remember the day I took it out for it's first maiden voyage in 28 degree January weather - wow, what a revelation! I commuted on that bike for several years, and it always served me well, and seemed like it always wanted to go faster.

I sold that bike about a month ago, to a very excited, eager young guy, and I don't regret it. I had a lot of different emotions wrapped up in that bike, but two things come to mind, thinking about it all - seeing someone else enjoy it gave me gratitude for the time I was able to spend 'bringing it back' so to speak, and also, I realized its just an 'thing' and any emotions involved were really just me applying them to the bike, not the other way around.

Hearing about all the bikes you have, and the emotions you may have tied in your mind to them - it sounds like it may be a heavy burden to be tied up with. Maybe a good start is to take a picture of them, or even each one, tell it's story, then pass it on. Sometimes selling for $$ is the right way to go, sometimes (and especially if it is a lower value cycle) there may be more joy found in donating it. Lots of options. Also, give it time. You may find your perspective changing as you tackle this challenge. When I first started, I had over 30. I'm down to about half that, and would be a LOT further down if I hadn't been so great at acquiring more projects! And each time I go out to the garage, I find myself counting them up in my head, and trying to list the 'keepers' and the 'let-goers' silently in my thoughts. That list keeps changing, actually. And, it gets smaller. In reality, I only need 1 bike. Any really, I don't even 'need' any per se. There can be merit in sacrifice and intentional self-denial, thoughtfully approached. I've been trying to turn some of this into a teachable moment for myself, and so far where I'm landing is that the more I let go, the more I can see I didn't really need it either. Heck, I would probably be just fine w/ that beat up $45 Specialized I recently picked up.

A part of me wants to be in it for the 'look what I have' clout (less than ideal), a part of me wants to be in it for the 'preservation of history' angle (less than ideal), a part of me likes opportunistic good deals (FAR less than ideal), and a part of me wants to use it as a vehicle to spend time either staying active and healthy (more ideal), or spending quality time w/ the kids (more ideal). For those last two, I wouldn't need more than one bike, and I for sure wouldn't need a fancy bike. I want to be that guy that can have just one bike, and loves that one bike. I love the idea of the freedom that comes with that, but I've also enjoyed the journey and experiences I've had with having a bunch of different bikes. But I'd like to think I'm working it out of my system. I didn't grow up around these bikes in my formative years, so I suppose I don't have the temptation to relive the younger days, but I also grew up lusting after those sweet GT bmx bikes. For some odd reason I'm not sure of, I don't really have a desire to own one. I'm not sure why, I can't explain it. I'm satisfied with the memories I suppose.

It would be great to see your collection, and I'm sure a few of us can keep on the 'encouragement' path to see you release some of that burden. You can do it!