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Melas Chasma’s Solemn Majesty
NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (5 km across; www.uahirise.org/ESP_016106_1700)
Light-Toned Layering on the Plains Next to Ganges Chasma
NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (5 km across; www.uahirise.org/ESP_016237_1720)
Complicated Terrain Near Nili Fossae
NASA/JPL/University of Arizona
(5 km across; www.uahirise.org/ESP_011841_2005)
A rare example of bike made by a large manufacturer, of whom very little is known.
Although a mass-produced bike the frame has the elegance and balance of one hand-built by a constructeur.It really looks like it would be both good to ride and handle.
The bike is a mid-range light touring/sports/club model, made in ST Etienne in or around 1950/51.
It is 100% original except for the tyres..and it has lost its dynamo..a Cibie.
Apart from the lighting and the Simplex drive train everything else is made by EMF - the builder of the frame...saddle, brakes. mudguards. stem, pedals..all EMF
I bought this in summer 2009 at a charity sales room at Nevers, about 170kms south of Paris. The matching lady's bike, in even better condition than this one, was also for sale..the asking price being 10 euros each - about £8.
Unfortunately I had very little money with me, just my credit cards, but the charity only accepted cash or cheque...very typical of France.
So I emptied my pockets in front of the sales-person and coppered up just 5 euros...all that I had..and asked for a 50% discount....He must have thought that the bike was destined to go to a good and caring new owner...and accepted my offer.
It was a great pity that I could not take the lady's bike as well..it was so elegant. Who knows? Perhaps the bike will still be there when I next return.
Hard Times near the Melas Region
NASA/JPL/University of Arizona (5 km top to bottom, less than 10 km across; www.uahirise.org/ESP_021789_1665)