11 July 2007 - 2:05Ghosts in the Machine
So how weird is this?
The depth of lurkers on this blog has become quite interesting. Today, I talked to someone I have not spoken to in a dog’s age. That someone built my very first custom bike.
Dropped everything to do it.
Did it in a way that exuded confidence and knowledge.
Made me watch.
Did it in a way that programmed the way I do things now.
He was smooth, unfettered by incompatibility.
Knew exactly what to do.
Almost akin to the way that Obi Wan gave Luke the Lightsaber.
I wish I had a picture of that bike, it will always remain close to my heart. I dreamed it, he made it happen before my very eyes.
If you must know, it was a ’95 Ink Blue GT Zaskar, with a modified Rock Shox Judy SL (I still have the fork!). Many a story to tell about that frame.
I challenge my lurkers to identify themselves (parents not included – we know you watch, and we are very sorry for not calling more often). You may remain anonymous by hitting me directly on my email, I want to hear from you.
Maybe I need an ego stoke…..but maybe I’ll hear from a couple of other important folks from my past.
Especially that guy that taught me how to build wheels.
Do you lurk?
4 Comments » | Tags: Uncategorized
11 Jul 2007 - 16:52
Probably not the type of lurker that you’re looking for – I’m not from your past or anyting, but I’ve been reading your blog and following along with the story of your shop/business with great interest. I am close to pulling the trigger on starting a similar business venture myself, and identify with many of the decisions you’ve made and the process you’ve been through and continue to go through. I appreciate the fact that you have “published” some of your business story for a lurker like me to read and reflect on.
Interestingly, I also am riding a very similar rig to you these days – I have a baby blue RIP9 that I originally built with a maverick DUC32, and just yesterday ordered a White Bros F135 to replace it with. Not trying to copy you, it just worked out that way! I also have a 2nd bike in the works – a Kona Kula 2-9…always been a fan of their stuff, probably owned more Kona’s than everything else combined over the years.
I’d love to get up your way and ride sometime…maybe in the fall. If I make the time, I’ll look you up. A few years ago, I got to ride in the Middlebury area while on a trip, and it was very nice, but the stuff you ride up in your neck of the woods looks awesome.
Keep up the great work, and I wish you continued success with the shop and business.
12 Jul 2007 - 1:21
Hey G! I don’t think I count, but what the hell! Here I am!
13 Jul 2007 - 16:03
I’m kinda from your past seeing how I showed up to chew the fat with you a couple of winters ago (while skiing with the fam at sugarbush) shortly after you opened shop. What a difference a couple years make. When I was there I think you had 4 bikes and only one was a 29′er, I think it was your karate monkey.
19 Jul 2007 - 21:32
I lurk almost daily…