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Monday, September 01, 2008

On Wings Of Angels Do They Fly To The Promised Land

In the predawn coolnness, two figures fly through the desert. Legs pumping, they thread their bikes through the cactus and desert scrub. Hearts pounding, they fly toward their goal; the Promised Land, where wages are fair and the work is rewarding.

A few miles over the border, they abandon their bikes and jump into a pickup truck. Their new life in the United States begins now!

The bikes, however, have hit the end of the road.

Unless, of course, someone picks them up out of the desert and sends them to Grinder Bikes World HQ for a second chance at life...

Click all of the pics for BIG..

This frame, of the the type commonly seen in Mexico, has lain in the desert for a while, unprotected from the elements. Wind, sun and rain have worked their magic on the finish, leaving a patina of "desert varnish".


The chrome pieces are still sharp and shiny. This is the difference between Desert Varnish and Southern Rust.



Dig the bolted on seat stays. I'm not sure what the logic is, here. But, I suppose it allows for easy repalcement in the case of damage.

This frame is a little less weathered, yet still retains a lot of character. It is covered in religious stickers, both Christian and Bikeian.


Our Lady...

And our Father (Tullio)...
Brad has put a claim on this frame, which is appropriate.
Here is the Desert Varnish frame, outfitted with a fixed gear wheel and matching handlebars from a 100 year-old Iver Johnson.


It ain't pretty, but it sure is beautiful.
x









3 comments:

  1. throw a clear coat on that baby and call it good.

    ReplyDelete
  2. "It ain't pretty, but it sure is beautiful."

    Well said ... those are some awesome, unique bicycles.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous6:53 AM

    That's the kind of bike you see in Nicaragua! And I bet it was campy equipped too, just like the sticker indicates!

    ReplyDelete

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