Back to the basics....SS pilgrimage

This post was written up after reading jorgemonkey's fabulous passion hit and the "Why Singlespeed?" sticky.

About 4 years ago, I got into biking. Bad. I converted a junked steelie Specialized Hardrock my dad found to an SS on campus one day (got sick of the crappy shifting so I took off all the rusted cables, derailleurs, shifters, and some chain links and subsequently dropped them in the nearest trash can). I settled the chain on the 30/16 ratio and never looked back.

Every day whenever I got the campus, there was always, always something on my mind. Call it love, or infatuation, or whatever, but I lived for the few moments I'd have zipping along on my comfy SS between classes or going from one campus building to another. As strange as this may sound, and make you reach for the -alt+left arrow-, I would feel butterflies in my stomach over the anticipation of getting back on the bike and going full gas down the academic corridor, with classmates looking at this guy going by with a silly smile on his face, riding a bike with only a front brake, no handlebar grips, and one speed only.

Then, when class was over, I'd go for a 30-min ride. Over the new construction zones, over the gravel, through the sand, over broken glass, between dog and goose crap, and places a world away. I'd come back all tired, hating myself for having a stupid SS that wouldn't get easier uphill, and then alternately loving it for the quick acceleration I'd get whenever I wanted it...Then i'd repeat it the next day, all the while looking at my bike as I locked it up, with this look that said, "I'll be back, wait for me."

Between then and now, a Mantra, an NRS, and some others have taken my time, but I miss the old days. Those care-free, -just sit and ride and forget about the rest- days need to be brought back.

SS, here I come. The Zion EBB is finally getting built up!