Both Lance and Sheldon have been inspirational to my returning to cycling in ways... However, Sheldon has been the greater influence.

Sheldon's web site was one of the early sites I ran into on the net when I was getting back into cycling. I was pleasantly surprised to see him in the forum after I joined in...

I like Sheldon because he has helped me to remember that I should do whatever I like to my bike and not necessarily just go for what pleases the masses... I love the creative things he has done to some of his bikes, and have decided to make my own creations (although not going to the extent he has in setting the example).

Most recent impact was in mounting the fenders on my commuter, I needed to fabricate drop bolts to clear the V-Brakes... I bought some aluminum stock, and even though the holes aren't centered the way I was trying to do it, I now am fully fendered, and have customized my bike. I could have brought it to the shop, but I wanted to put a little of myself into the project.

I am now in the process of gathering the parts to recreate a bicycle from my youth... A frankenbike like no others, that will handle poorly and not stop well, but let me ride with the wind in my face and laugh like I haven't laughed in a long time. (I will wear a helmet now though). A three speed monstrosity that only its creator could love. A bike I used on the road as a loaded tourer for one trip, keeping pace with a friend's store bought 10 speed (of course it is about the motor)... A bike I used to ride around the trails before there was such a thing as a mountain bike... And it will rise again!!! Sure, it will be slightly different based on available components, and inability to find the exact frame etc. But, I am different too... I may actually follow through and paint it this time instead of riding it for years with gray primer with rust coming through... I am thinking neon orange!

Thanks Sheldon, for giving me the desire to ride my bike the way I want to ride my bike... You have awakened a sleeping giant!

Darwin "I voted for Sheldon" Gregory