The spokesman: James MacDonald's passion for old bicycles
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มี.ค. 2014
- The philosophy and see the life of obsessive bicycle-collector James MacDonald.
Having spent the last 25 years on his bicycle collection, James MacDonald is now watching a tsunami of interest in vintage bikes. "It is a growing thing in the last year or so, and it's because the modern bike has no flavour at all," says James.
Through old-fashioned legwork he now owns one of the few large historic collections in the country, and attention is growing.
In July 2012, Australian Geographic photographer Dean Saffron was introduced to James in the lead up to Pushies Galore, one of Brisbane's first bicycle swap-meets. Dean made the journey an hour and a half west of Brisbane when he heard of James MacDonald's house of bicycles.
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Sadly, James passed away a couple of years ago, and the collection has moved to a nearby museum. While the display at the museum is good, to share your home with bicycles is something quite different, and a much richer experience. I am grateful I had the chance to visit James on quite a few occasions, and experience what is shown here for myself. It was really quite life changing, and enhanced a love of bikes I probably didn't know that was there. But James is right in his parting words. "Have fun", "your in another world, a free world, by yourself". Thanks James for the memories, and to Dean Saffron for recording this while it was still there to be captured.
Oh man... I am sorry to hear that :( it is a sad loss, I'm glad that his collection has gone to a museum... along with the history and his involvement and love of the Bicycle, his story, I guess you could say... and deservedly so.
I come back to this every 12 months because it make me happy
I admire what he did,saving old bikes,I have one and when I ride it,I love when people comment to me about it,rest in peace James
James MacDonald: "It's one of those childhood things, when you ride a bike, you are liberated."
This is why I love riding my bikes for 45 years and counting.
I can still remember the day I learnt to ride. Unbeknown to me my father had let go of the back of seat and was about 50 m behind me when I stopped. He had a big smile on his face. A treasured memory.
Love ya Jimmy. So sorry to hear of your passing. Ride on mate. Gary from Ontario.❤
I would love to have that kind bicycle collections 1899- 1900'
What a great guy! I am stung by the same bug, having just driven an hour away to buy a 1920's era Zillmer's EFTF cycle Fabrik men's bicycle...i think it's German, (nothing what so ever about it across the entire internet) for 50.00, rescuing it from oblivion, in which my wife, upon finding out, responded " Haven't you got enough bikes?" "Well...no!" I still regret not driving 3 hours out into rural N.Y. state to buy a 1910 Pope Crawford with original Troxel leather seat for 200.00 (what a deal) I live right next to a bike trail and ride the various bikes i find and refurbish...leaving them in pristine, worn out original condition, just greased and new tires. This guy was a man after my own heart! Very sorry to learn he passed away! "No worries mate...there will always be people like James to carry on, in one fashion or another!" I wish i could have met him.
I love your passion very deeply! I too understand and collect. Thanks for sharing, much appreciation! 👍👀
Just found your video
Fantastic.
Thanks Kevin
awesome!
Now I really want to go to Australia 🦘 and score some old bikes.
I often wonder how much longer people like James are going to exist. Younger people, not all, but a growing majority are not interested in Tactile things. The emphasis is moving more toward the electronic realms.
I have an acquaintance who demonstrates steam engines at the Powerhouse museum and he said there are almost no young men at the demonstrations.
We need to cultivate an interest in these objects in young people so they are not lost.
As each day passes I see our heritage disappearing at a rapid pace.
One object that is dear to my heart and mine and previous generations is the South Steyne.
If it were not for the great generosity of the current owner, she would have been lost years ago, what her fate will be is questionable.
I wish I knew about James, I would have loved a cup of tea and a chat with this interesting man.
real man love is bike hall respecto for that power bless
beautiful
Que hermosa coleccion !
Nice collection
very good colection
Yea, Can't be bogged down by the cares of this world when mounted on a the wheel.
that guy reminds me of myself
Nice road bike
That guy is a BIKE DOCTOR.
I wish get one paratrooper or path racer...I hope only not on my dream
I have a elgin bike is it value any good I thank 1920 lady's bike wokin on it see you now an a man's Karel bike I won't too say early 60s
Bicycles played a big part in the emancipation of women. The process was documented in a book. According to one account Once women learnt to ride they were of and their shapperones were left in the dust !
Do An email? Would like to call contact you