Quick backstory: After a kazillion hours of obsessive research and internal debate, I chose Dave Kirk of Kirk Frameworks to build my dream bike. I knew I wanted steel, which narrowed down my builders to a short list of five excellent builders, but I had no hesitancy when I finally put down my deposit almost ten months ago. On November 10th, I was injured, learned I had zero cartilage left in one ankle, which I already knew was arthritic, but I also knew that if I could get back to even 80% of what I was doing, I'd be good for at least 100 miles a week, if I wanted, for years (doc agreed). It wasn't looking good (couldn't ride without pain) until I started with a wonderful physical therapist one month ago, and I've been feeling really really good on the bike the last couple weeks, able to get in 30+ mile with zero pain, and increasing my speed to almost where I'd been before the accident (believe it or not, in a dunk tank for a charity event). I now know I can recover and was over-the-moon happy with putting in 80 miles this week, somewhat slow but pain free.

Cut to today: I got the call that he's ready to build my bike!!!!!!!! The only changes I'm making since the injury is that I'm no longer going electronic as I can't justify the cost while knowing that my riding will be decreased. I'm getting a JK Special with Terraplane seat stays. I haven't decided yet on fillet brazed or lugged but am leaning toward fillet brazed. It still will be two to four months before I have the bike (has to get to Joe Bell for paint, then I'm having the build done locally), but between having that click moment this week, knowing I can ride again, and getting the call, I feel like a little kid at Christmas.

I know that many of you have no idea of who Dave Kirk is, but I actually feel honored and somewhat unworthy that he is building my bike. I don't know many people I can share my excitement with, but I think you ladies can understand, which is why I'm posting now. Thanks for listening to me babble. I am sooooo excited!

Now how the heck to I decide on a color? Egad!