TEAM WHEATIES ARCHIVE MAIL POSTINGS
SPONSORED BY: memphisbargainbicycles.com
The CHIEF'S 1988 Paramount 50th Anniversary bike ridden by Michael Vaarten & the 1988-1989 Team Wheaties Coors Classic bikes: Volker Deahl's Dr. Deutschmark & Steve Tilden.
Lew
Just wanted to say I enjoyed reading the page about the Schwinn Wheaties team and your bike. I and quite a few other guys I know are very interested in the history of US racing in the 80's, including the bikes. I have a friend with a Schwinn Icy Hot replica bike; I myself have a couple of Murrays built by Serotta in Team 7-Eleven livery, one of which is pantographed for the 1984 Olympics, and a Raleigh Racing USA frame built for Connie Carpenter. I think interest in this era of US racing - and racers - will only increase in the future. Your page was a fun and very engaging window on that time and the Schwinn bikes ridden at the top level of US domestic racing. I wish everyone with a frame or bike with a story to tell would exhibit the same curiousity and do the same research you did so that we could all benefit and share the enjoyment.
Regards,
Ed Granger
Lancaster, PA
Thanks, Ed. Your note was really appreciated. Sending a copy to Jerry Jeter whose name you've seen on my pages.
I hope to hear more from you or a friend in the future, escpecially if anyone has any knowledge of the whereabouts of any of the other 88-89 Team Wheaties bikes. The Archive is far from complete.
I've spent a lot of time getting & posting what's on those pages, your note of appreciation has made it all worthwhile. The fact is, outside of the interest taken by Jerry, yours is the only "voluntary" one I've ever gotten. But I do believe that, as you said, interest will increase. My hope is that the Archive I've created will be helpful to that end by making available this collection for one-stop viewing. Lew
Lew, thanks for the copy. I know Ed Granger. We had dinner together this past spring at the North American Hand Built Bike show in Indpls. Nice guy. Jerry.
September 30, 2009. Regarding the Wheaties cycling team.
Just came across your website and it brings back memories of my life when I lived in Walla Walla, WA.
My name is Mike. I am 49 years old and have recently come back to cycling.
I just thought you might want to know that in the late 1980's I knew Steve Speaks on the Wheaties team, as I was married to his Sister Marie Speaks. He was my brother in law at that time. He had a very nice wife named Naomi and two girls, that at that time were 4 or 5 years old. He lived in Walla Walla, WA for awhile where his Mom lived and grandparents. I remember him training by riding up to the Tri cities, Wa area, about 100 mile ride. I have a jersey that he gave me, which I gave a friend, but he still has it. I can take a picture of it if you like and email it to you. I also remember Steve giving me Greg Lamonds socks, which I do not know were they are right now. He would live at his house in Walla Walla at short intervals and then off to Colorado he would go. I remember that he was not at home much as I am sure he was racing with the team. I mowed his lawn and took care of things around his house. His wife also stayed home in Walla Walla with the kids most of the time. I am not sure how old he was back then, but I would say he is probably in his middle 40's right now. I have lost touch with him as I got divorced. I always wonder what happen to him in the cycling world.
Hope you enjoyed this little bit about Steve.
My email is mikecw@surewest.net..