Good thread since6, + many good thoughts above. To me, Classic & Vintage bikes, cars & machinery are all about stirring past memories of our privileged journey through life and the pleasures of restoring these old relics.
Your 2nd & 3rd paragraphs did that, as it was also my privilege to enter the "Bike Stand" one day to meet, then be drawn back into cycling by Bill Stevenson.
His cheery "How's it going" soon meant my mechanical problems would be solved or an ancient part could be found. He and Cory Thompson truly enriched my time in Olympia, WA.
Your Nishiki ride recalls leaving work one day on a Torelli. (my only fenderless bike at the time). Dark clouds turned to heavy rain, so I soon had that same singular line coating my front & rear. Soon, I waited out a downpour of Biblical proportions on Martin Way beneath I-5. After 10 or so minutes, I emerged into bright sunlight for the ride home. Don
P.S. my Torelli is now "vintageized", and note the fenders! Looks right at home with my Stella