During the summer of 1971, I wrote to Raleigh Industries in England concerning racing cycle frame manufacture. Mid August, Mr. G.V. O'Donovan, Executive Director of Carlton Cycles Ltd. (a Raleigh division at the time) replied with a two page letter finishing with these remarks:
" ---Don't be afraid to be different. The buffs who buy custom frames like to have something individualistic --- give up aftershave and use strong smelling rubbing oil and always wear a track suit to the office. Take a good Italian name (your local Cosa Nostra family probably have a leasing scheme) buy a good selection of lucky charms (see the small ads in Voodoo Weekly) go to church regularly and watch your horoscope. In all seriousness, custom frame building is not easy and you will need luck; I hope you get it."
