i love these kinds of threads that lack the macho bs often inherent in so many others. the op's post is sweet, human, and honest.

i had a stupid fight with a friend today, so i hopped on the most recent build, rode to the beach, and repeatedly chanted with the waves ("om mani padme hum ...") until everything washed away.

it felt really good climbing the hill back home. i was alive!

and i can tell you this ... there's little like the feeling of resurrecting a great old bike to like-new prominence. you are making a little dent in the filth of modern life. you are leaving a kind of small, beautiful legacy for the next owner. it's so therapeutic. i think it's actually better than riding.