Passion, desire, love and other words have special meanings to all of us. What image came before your eyes when you read those words?
We seem to live in constant conflict with desires pulling us in all directions that, as the day or the life goes on it’s one thing after another moving us throughout our lives. At some times it’s not even something we can put a finger on and other times, we seem not to be able to think of anything else.
When you arrive at an address or a point in time that it is convenient (perhaps now), think about what you love and what it is that drives you.

There was an event held in the old mill building located between my shop and the CT river. Riders came from all over New England arriving early in the morning to rebuild the tattered ramps and sweep up trash and broken glass.
I had known many of the riders for several years. Many had ridden bikes I had built and some were still owners. Old and dear friends were there as well as some fine young talent who, amazing as they were will go far beyond.

It was cold in the building. A massive concrete hull known as the Liberty Mill been abandoned for many years. It’s been vandalized about as far as one could imagine. People park in my lot and walk over throughout the year “to see the old building” but they don’t stay long. It’s very inhospitable once you get close enough to read words of hate and stupidity that adorns this historic building.

Saturday she got some love and a grafiti artist painted over “jesus dick” (the name of a primitive earlier piece) as well as a bunch of construction to get the place rideable.

Many of the riders took a tour of my shop. I looked at the faces and hands of these people and saw a lot of features that weren’t there before. Scars were one thing. Also gone from many was the look of excitement and fear that we all wore at races and trade shows where we had worked together in the past.

Something new was a level of comfort and confidence on the faces that were familiar. It was nice to see where everyone had gone and that could still get back..

One of the pro riders said to me ” I admire your dedication”. Comments like that are compliments but also admissions. I am dedicated and love my work. Is it different because it’s work?

I put my old cat to sleep yesterday and cried a bit. It was tough. When I got her my family had recently been reconfigured and I needed a low risk emotional investment with a high probability of success. She had faced discomfort at times when she lived in the walls of a shop I worked in hiding from the noise of manufacturing during the day and coming out at night for a visit when it was quiet.

I called Lanie and when I returned to the shop little discussion was required. I was thankful for the day and to be able to help my cat end her suffering. I didn’t have the strength Friday when I couldn’t see beyond the potential for injury that I faced.

Saturday I was reminded that wounds heal and ten people can share a ham sandwich in a sub-zero room taking turns creating performance from wheels, metal and splintered wood.

I admire your dedication.

Here are some people and events from past.