The thrill of the chase...
Let me say right of the bat that my bike-wrenching skills aren't the best.
Despite that, I recently decided to take an old Trek 520 touring frame and build it up into a gravel grinder. I've been scouring the web to find new and used parts at reasonable prices, and so far it's been a blast.
I never thought I'd get this excited about a project I know will have its ups and downs. It probably helps that I "don't know what I don't know." I've been watching YouTube videos on the acts of mechanical mayhem I'll be committing -- installing a bottom bracket and crankset, redoing brake cables, centering the chainline, installing brake levers and bar-end shifters, converting from a threaded to a threadless headset, adjusting front and rear derailleurs, etc.
I know that if I screw things up royally, my local bike shop has three expert-level mechanics who can show me the error of my ways. For the moment, though, I'm really excited to be learning new skills. If I manage to pull this off without hands-on help, I'm gonna be stoked...