Steel is real

Ok, ya'll remember that my fancy S-Works Tarmac got totaled when that silly car got in my way a while back, right? Well, since then I have been riding my "backup" bike: my Blue steel Landshark that I bought in 99 as a gift to myself for successfully graduating from engineering school and getting a job. I mentioned this a while back when I was gushing about how much I like bikes.

I knew that I needed to keep the Landshark but I was almost beginning to forget why. This scenario reminded me why I have to expound it's virtues once again.

It's been 3 months since my accident and probably 2 months and change since I started riding full time again and I have to say, I love my Landshark. It's such a great bike. It's no wonder that I haven't felt any need to get a replacement racing bike and no wonder why I have no intention of getting rid of it anytime soon.

Initially, the S-works was actually kind of weird to ride. It weighed 5-6lbs less than the "Fish" (as some friend would call it) so it handled differently. I would dive into a corner and would have to compensate since it was sooooo responsive. Eventually, I got use to it and then the Fish would feel sluggish by comparison.

But sometimes I would bring out the Fish just to give her a spin and there have been people who tell me I should put it on eBay, like it was some Centurion or Novara(REI house intro bike) budget learners bike that was destined to used and then discarded. The whole idea that someone else would own my beloved Fish is just offensive. This is MY 'shark, made for ME! The whole idea of selling a custom made bike is just outside my box of thinking.

But in light of my accident, it's a good thing I didn't, huh?

I have my new SL2 on order and it will be even fancier than ever, but I have no intention of getting rid of the 'shark. This is my second 'shark and I rode the first one into the ground so much so that by the time it failed it wasn't even worth saving. That was a sad day when I had to put the first one down. Mr Slawta (he who is Landshark)is a fine frame builder and is only surpassed by his artistry with the paint gun. Go visit him.

I most likely will disassembly the Landshark and send it off to be repainted. It's due, I think. The once spectacular iridescent blue/green paint job that made me think of the ocean is scratched , scuffed and has lost it's luster. Now it's just a matter of what to do next. I had my first Landshark repainted with a pearl yellow and this really cool black with a gold pearl clear coat in an 40's-50's hot rod style scallops. I think I might have it painted like that. It was such a cool paint job and I miss it.