Love: The Tandem Story, part 1

This is not a love story.  This is a bike story about a Tandem named Love.

     Originally, the Tandem was parked in front of my neighbor's house.  Whenever I would pass by, the purple fender and contrasting rusty brown frame would catch my eye, and I would long for a tandem of my own.  There is just something about a bicycle built for two.  After a few months of watching her from a far, I ran into the neighbor.  A few drinks at the bar later, he had mentioned giving the tandem to someone who would give her the attention that was needed.  I wanted that to be me.  And before the conversation could be forgotten, the immobilized tandem was leaning against MY house.  

     I have always believed that the day I feel like myself, is the day I can let love into my life.  Well, I have certainly discovered myself over this last year through various bicycles.  The bicycle has helped me face the many challenges life has thrown at me.  My spirit is strong.  My community is established.  My soul is happy.  And now, into my life comes "Love," my well weathered tandem.  

     Her front handlebars won't stand up.  The seat is missing something comfortable.  The wheel spokes are unstable from corrosion.  One down tube has gone awol, the other still grips tightly to the bike, but its opposite end is trying to jump ship.  The chains are just done.  The chain rings are dull, bent from abuse.  The tires are trying to biodegrade, quite a feat for rubber.  Yet, she is still so beautiful to me.  I can see that Love needs love as much as I need something to love.  

     So the journey begins... Before rebuilding Love, I first have to strip her of everything she may have carried before.  The wheels will become a structure for sugar snow peas to grow on in the garden.  The chains will be part of my rain gutter down spouts.  The cranks I'm still deciding on.  But that purple fender... I still can't keep my eye off that  purple fender.  

     So, I carried her naked frame to my favorite bicycle welder and fellow Cache La Gaucho Society rider, Mr. Zach Yendra.  Frankenstein-Bike-Builder-Extrodinaire!  Custom-Bicycle-Saddle-Sewing Man!  Tall-Guy-With-Long-Blonde-Hair!  She is in creative hands.  Now the rebuilding begins...

     ...The story will continue...I have bigs plans for Love.  Love will carry me on new adventures.  And one day soon, I will finally get to take Love for a spin!