WTN: Donkey and Goat and Broc and Robbery

In the club shipment this month was an interesting 2012 Anderson Valley Chardonnay made from an "Untended Vineyard". I think he said this was old Wente Clone vineyard that had never been replanted on phyloxera-resistant rootstock, but the vineyard was so isolated (and forgotten) that it somehow survived until rediscovery by the Donkey and Goat guys. Anyway, if you are looking for textbook varietal character, this was not it. Instead, this was an amazingly tangy and lively...almost jumpy...Chardonnay that I really enjoyed. Blazing acidity, like all D&G wines, low in alcohol. Delicious with Thai food in Davis!

Went next door to Broc. Loved their lineup...the current vintage of Carrignane was particularly funky and lively and lovely.

Unfortunately, Fifth and Gilman is not a good place to leave a bicycle unlocked. Even if it was ten feet away and visible from an open door. Especially as I had brought the bicycle indoors at Donkey and Goat and for some unknown fit of carelessness did not do so at Broc.

STUPID STUPID STUPID STUPID.

Some dirtbag Berkleley hoser probably doesn't even know what he stole or that it would constitute a felony.

I am such an idiot. Wine buying will be very, very limited over the next few months as I replace my Sarto.

Augh! So sorry to hear about your loss, Brian. That really sucks. Is it possible that your homeowners insurance (assuming that you have such) would cover such a loss? Not to make light of your loss, but it reminds me of an iconic incident from my years in NYC: walking down 6th Ave and seeing items for sale on the sidewalk. There I see a very expensive Italian touring bike in perfect condition apart from the 2" of missing down tube. Sign next to the bike: "Any part $10." Although the derailleur itself would have easily sold for 30 times that price, I couldn't countenance giving that guy any money.

Mark Lipton

Augh! So sorry to hear about your loss, Brian. That really sucks. Is it possible that your homeowners insurance (assuming that you have such) would cover such a loss? Not to make light of your loss, but it reminds me of an iconic incident from my years in NYC: walking down 6th Ave and seeing items for sale on the sidewalk. There I see a very expensive Italian touring bike in perfect condition apart from the 2" of missing down tube. Sign next to the bike: "Any part $10." Although the derailleur itself would have easily sold for 30 times that price, I couldn't countenance giving that guy any money.

Mark Lipton

I am a renter, and to be honest I am very, very light in personal possessions so had no renters insurance.

The sad thing is, I had actually called my agent a few weeks ago and just (again, stupid stupid stupid) never followed through!

I'm sure the bicycle is being disassembled and parted out as we speak. Campi parts, Wheels. Heck, the computer alone was $80.

Oh my GOD. What an awful, awful thing to have happen. I remember when I raced bikes in my teens and someone stole my Peugeot UO-8. I was heartbroken and furious for weeks. But at least my parents stepped in and got me a new one when they saw how distraught I was and my paper-route money wasn't gonna cover a replacement. You've suffered a much worse blow with this one.

The theft of anything feels like a personal violation of course, but there's an added layer of indignity when it's something finely crafted that you KNOW is not going to be appreciated by the thief. And a good bicycle like that Sarto is finely crafted almost to the point of being a work of art. How incredibly infuriating to read about this. I sorry you had it happen to you, and I hope - slim as the chance may be - they catch the bastard and make him service used Schwinns the rest of his life. And that you get yours back.

Good luck getting a decent replacement sometime down the line, assuming that doesn't happen though. I really hope you don't have to go too long without wheels. Good wheels.

Thanks, To. You bring out a lot of points which add to the anger.

I am now bikeless.

I will replace the Sarto at some point, but in the immediate future I am going to pay off the layaway on the #2 bike I identified on my search last year: A Felt F1 frame built up with Campi Chorus as a project bike by a local shop owner. I had actually put some money down on it over the last few months because I enjoyed the ride of the Felt so much (as well...it was a tough choice).

So....at least a replacement bicycle is within reasonable reach of time and money.
The Sarto was pretty unique, though.