I have been searching for a used step van to convert into a PBC vehicle that could be repainted in the team colors and outfitted with fork mount bike racks, ski racks, gear boxes, and seats, and could be used for all club events: transporting racers and bikes and gear to road races, criteriums, cyclocross races, mountain bike races, nordic races, or used as a support vehicle for special events (length of the state ride; tour of the valley ride, charity rides; 4 gap ride, etc.). I was looking for an aluminum body vehicle, with either a gas or diesel engine. UPS, when they retire a vehicle, they remove all usable parts, paint it gray, and have it crushed. I guess they don't want anyone to associate "Brown" with any activity other than UPS deliveries. I received conflicting reports from FedEx drivers about what happens to their vans when they retire them. A certain bakery driver told me his company never retires their trucks, they just keep replacing parts and they are still using trucks manufactured in the 1960s. Wonder Bread has some good used step vans for sale. I have looked on ebay, craig's list, and other internet sources. I have found some promising trucks, but since no one responded to me about this project (except for Daq - who was as excited and enthusiastic as I had expected he would be), I assume that no one is interested and I have abandoned this project for now. My original post entitled "Putney/West Hill Race Bus" dated May 3, 2008 resulted in ZERO comments. The WHS made it clear that they could not support the project financially (nor did I ask them for any $), and were apprehensive about parking it in the field since it may cause trouble with the town (a sign issue).
If there is any interest in pursuing this project, please contact me.
A great New Yorker article about step vans ("A Fleet of One") can be found here.
