I love the shape of it. Aroma of it. The way it feels to be around it. It will catch my eye from across the way; I will be powerless to resist taking in its form and perhaps allow my hand to graze its surface. The source of such beauty and harmony, it is a fountain of unspeakable happiness.

It offers me companionship when I need it, solitude when I want to be alone. It distracts me when I’m trying to focus and focuses me when I am trying not to be distracted. It inspires me to take chances, and reminds me to be patient.

It breaks me down when I’m overconfident, it builds me up when I’m insecure. It brings me pain to remind me I should become a stronger man.

I love it when it’s flawless, but I love it more when it shows signs of wear; our time together has changed us both indelibly for the better.

It is no wonder the French and Italians refer to the bicycle in the feminine form, for all these things embody what it means to be a strong woman.

Women are made to be loved, not understood. -Oscar Wilde

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

View Comments

  • "Dearest, note how these two are alike:
    This harpsichord pavane by Purcell
    And the racer's twelve-speed bike."

    Michael Donaghy

  • Some stills from our shootings Paris-Roubaix Espoirs, yesterday.
    We were there to film Ignazio Moser's race. Unfortunately Ignazio was not able to repeat his father's victories (only for the moment, we hope!) but we passed a hot, dusty and great day on the cobbles!
    Paolo form Italy

    (I hope the photo gallery works, it's my 1st post here)

    [dmalbum: path="/velominati.com/wp-content/uploads/readers/thelastkilometer/2012.05.28.20.59.30/"/]

  • Oops... as I feared, I did wrong, posting the photos under an existing article.
    However.. I hope I can soon upload a small video clip
    bye

  • Very nice, Frank! That emotional tie to the bicycle is what really defines our passion, I believe.

  • Frank you have taken anthropomorphism to a new level. Well done - but more than a little weird.

    I'm not sure whether you have reached this point yet, but if your bike ever starts talking back to you, then it could be time for an intervention.

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