When all else fails to excite..

Threw on the Carharts and stepped outside to do some chores. Replenish the wood suppy for the wood brurner and snowblow the driveway. After a few passes and loads I started looking at the bikes hanging in the garage. What to do? Take down the Griswald style Xmas lights? Head in for a round of PS3? Not going to put on shoes and gear, the ray's bike with the Kona platforms is at the shop. Then I saw the Suntour Toe Clip and Strap pedals on the the Specialized. Why do I need bike gear when I have a full Carhart suit on? I am wearing my Craft beanie. Off I went. Sun was setting, and the snow falling, I was plenty warm. Came back with a smile on my face, thinking about what a story this bike was.

This was my first "real" mountain bike. It took me to my first XC race. A 1991 or 92 Handmade S-Works hardtail, Suntour XC pro parts with grease guard port holes, Future shock and a Dura Ace rear derailluer. We found out short cage Dura Ace worked great with the Suntour, just like Downhillers will run them today. Yet I was young and needed some money so I sold it for, I don't know, $350. Yahh, sell a $3000 USA made bike for a few bucks, real smart. Then about a year ago a customer brings in a bike somebody gave him. The bike had been in a abandoned building. It was the same bike....not the same model, actually MY BIKE. It Had the same silly paint, "El Diablo" on the top tube, that I had so poorly painted. I promptly traded the customer, had KEI repaint the frame, and had John rebuild it for me.

Just like 1992, no bike gear, no clipless pedals, just a great ride.