Shoutout for Upstate Mark

[Tom Hansen]

Suppose it is OK to do this.

I just bought a CalVin from upstate Mark. I'm 74 years old.  Bike was in Florida and I rode it home to NM:  1696 miles if you don't get lost. Which I did.
Never been beyond New Orleans and didn't have a map. Thought it would be fun that way.  Add that I hadn't ridden a solo bike in three years due to a series of operations, one after another. I got to feeling good and decided life was not over and I needed a solo bike.  My other bike is a sidecar rig.

Upstate Mark is the finest, most accommodating person I have ever bought ANYTHING from. From the initial inquiry, he was open, honest and did not seem bothered by my incessant phone calls and requests for photos.  Mark lives in NY and has a place in Florida. He even made a trip to Florida to take photos of the bike.

First off, he quoted a price that was very fair; so fair I didn't even try to dicker.  I had to get a lot of loose ends together in order to make this purchase.  Sent him some down payment money, and though it was a couple of weeks later, there was no end to his patience.  We got to know each other via email.

Arriving in Florida, Mark picked me up at the airport and took me to his house.  He went over everything he could think of, answered all my questions, and I had a lot of them since my other Guzzi is an '83 model. Mark tossed in a new, unused tank bag for the CalVin.   It was a gift from him to me.

Mark kept this bike as his Florida ride.  He purchased a 1400 in NY and liked it so much he bought another 1400 to take to Florida.  He wanted my new bike out of the garage, so I obliged him. He hinted that he may have some older Guzzis for sale (in NY).  It is not my privilege to tell you what he may or may not have for sale, but when and if he does list them, and you need one of them, go full steam ahead and know that you re dealing with a person with superior ethics.

Best regards to a true Guzzista.

[Cam3512]

I agree 100%.  I've gotten to be great friends with Mark over the years, and our mutual love of Guzzis is how we first met.  I've witnessed his generosity first hand, and am proud to call him a friend.  He mentioned that you did a fly and ride, and at 74 years young you have my mad respect.  Enjoy the Calvin!

[Carlo DeSantis]

Great story all around!  Nothing better than a gaggle of guzzisti!

Best,

Carlo

[dilligaf]

 :+1  A good, but not that all uncommon, story with tis crowd.  Enjoy.  :BEER:
Matt

[oldbike54]

 Having searched WG's rules , can't find any prohibition RE paying a compliment . Nice job , both of you  ;-T

  Dusty

[BillinPA]

Good to hear, I agree with Cam, Mark is good people. I always enjoy his company at rallies.

[fotoguzzi]

I hope you took some pics on the trip, can you share them?

[Nick]

Totally agree with you. Mark is a great guy and a fine friend!  ;-T
Nick

[PeteS]

Mark is a great guy. I regret we haven't crossed paths in a few years. 2 1400s!! I guess the Ercolino wasn't cutting it.

Pete

[Bob Wegman]

Mark is one of the reasons the NY rally is so much fun.  He also makes up t shirts every year for us.  What color is this years shirt going to be?

[Vince in Milwaukee]

Great post.  Looks like you are enjoying your new bike already. 

[Upstate Mark]

Aw guys. I'm blushing. It's just the way Guzzi Brethren are.

Upstate Mark