I mentioned in my last Tune Talk (featuring Kobe Thompson) that it would be a monthly piece. Seeing that it's been over that one-month deadline, I have failed on that promise... but for good reason.
That same day Kobe Thompson's feature was published, I got a text from my head sponsor of 2023 (Brian Bear).
Someone he knew looking to buy an entry-level road bike for their son as a Christmas present.
After some conversation with Brian over the phone, I finally came to the realization of who was looking for the bike -- my friend and high school swimming teammate, Eli Van-Haaren. I also knew someone who was selling a bike that fit all the criteria!
I knew it would be a fun reconnection through the sport of cycling -- I just needed to wait until Christmas.
Eli Van-Haaren and his Masciarelli Mascia
 |
| Eli Van-Haaren and his new Masciarelli (pronounced "masha reli") Mascia road bike |
When I was about nine years old, my family moved from Castleton up to Cicero, Ind., into a small house on a cove of Morse Reservoir. Just across the street from that house, there was an after-school program at Eli's house. There were always kids playing outside, screaming, shouting... always something going on.
When I pulled up to the house for the tune talk, there was, of course, still plenty of noise and action. Eli's brother was sanding a big piece of wood in the cold garage, warmed with an insufficient little space-heater. His brother would occasionally dust off the board, blowing wood shavings into the air. I thought, at first, that it was snowing.
Eli walked out of the garage with his new bike -- a clean, freshly-tuned Italian steed (yes, Eli's parents beat me to the tune-up... which means this tune-talk is less tune, and more talk).
Let's take a look at the specs:
Comments
Post a Comment