I never saw my, 54’ Blue Specialized Tri-Cross Sport Bike, Victoria again. 

I like to dream, through a series of fortunate events, she partnered up with a Tour de France tested 62’ carbon fiber Lapierre; and the two are resting together against a willow tree in a Monet Water Lilly-esque Parisian park. Or, maybe, she’s rapidly rotating those Shimano clips to outmaneuver auto-mechanical beasts, traffic lights, and gravity with a bearded PBR and parcel warrior - shoulder-bag strapped with an “Off the chain” blazoned cap - named “Nature” delivering packages in South Philly. 

I might never know. But whatever road she took, I wish her the best.

Now, locked up in the last place I remember seeing Victoria (Cafe Streets, Chicago) is Jamis Satellite, or “J-Sat.” After a period of half-hearted, fruitless Craigslist and commercial bike shop searches, I met him at Goldfinch Cyclery in the New Bohemian District of Cedar Rapids. It was my first time crossing their threshold. I instantaneously connected with the spirit of the shop and the present trio of kind, wrench-wielding, midwesterners as I perceived the force of their bicycle knowledge and love of community was strong. And after pouring my heart out to shop partner Logan, like a discerning sage, he slowly whisked an inviting hand in the direction of a family of steel-framed Jamis Bikes. “Steel is real,” he said with conviction. And as he handed me the proverbial keys to one Jamis Satellite, I somehow knew he was right.

And thus began the charge of Jason Everett and his immortal steel-framed friend Jamis. Thanks Goldfinch’s Logan, Thaddeus, Chad, and Andy. Now on to Ragbrai. And wherever else after life carriers us.