Riv Chica Warrior totally surprised!

[Liesl]

Getting the phone call this morning from Dave was the closest I’ll come to experiencing getting a nobel prize.  I was sitting out on my in-laws’ patio here in Orange County lacing up my Vans before going for a bike ride when my cell rang.  “Hmm, unidentified caller; should I answer?” I thought to myself and decided to take the call. It went something like this:

“Hello, this is Liesl.”

“Liesl?  This is Dave at Rivendell.”

“Hi Dave.  What can I do for you?”

“Well, I’m calling to let you know that you won the raffle!”

“Are you serious?  Really?  You gotta be kidding.  Really??!!?!?”

“Yes, I’m serious.”

“I can’t believe it!  Good thing I’m sitting down!”

 I think I won because I ordered bandannas for everyone in my family; I consider my blue one now to be my lucky bandana.

There are countless many of you out there on this listserv who ride more miles than I do (and faster, to boot).  But I’m not sure there are many who love Rivendell more than I do—and not because I won the raffle (which I still can’t believe).  I love Riv, and of course this means in large part Grant (but not only Grant), because:

·      They make studendously beautiful, well made, comfortable, loveable, lugged steel bikes that will last your whole life.

·      They are honest, ethical, generous, charitable, and transparent.

·      Grant’s writing is a pure joy to read; the e-free catalog ranks at the top of a heap of favorites.

·      They are a team.

·      Riv style.

·      The hand-written card I got, signed by everyone at Riv, accompanied by an award of valor in the form of a generous gift certificate when I recovered the stolen bike from the perpetrator in 100 degree heat (thus becoming Riv Chica Warrior).

·      Great socks!

·      Grant’s total thoughtfulness in naming the Appaloosa (I hope that name sticks; it’s brilliant).

·      Everyone there who I’ve personally worked with, chatted with, received help from including but not limited to Rich, Mark, Miesha, Keven, Spencer, Dave, and Grant.

·      Irish straps!

·      The idea that, unlike a car, a lot of people can have a very fine bike if one makes bikes as a priority.

·      You don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun at Riv:  a cap, a kerchief, a pennant, Resurrectio decals.

·      Pine tar soap, the Official Soap of Riv Chica Warrior!

·      Sometimes you might even get a fine espresso!

·      They are not afraid to be bold, to be creative, to be bold soldiers.

So what am I gonna do?  Well, the one thing I know is that I want a Riv that, with luck and health, I can ride when I’m 80.  This points toward a mixte.  I also want one that will take as fat a tires as possible so that I can ride it anywhere.  Plus I'm not tall—at all.  So maybe a mountain mixte?  Definitely a kickstand plate, that’s for sure.  I plan on making the pilgrimage to Riv HQ at a time that works with Grant’s schedule so I can really dial it in right—and to offer my most humble gratitude and thanks.

All of your comments mean a lot to me and have warmed my heart all day.  And I still can’t believe it.  Really?

Will keep you all posted,

RCW

[Bill Gibson]

Please do keep everyone posted! It feels like I won to be on the list and see that "one of our own" won. And yes, there are many useful little things to buy on the site.

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[Manuel Acosta]

Congrats Liesl. Remember pictures prove that it exist!

-Manny

[William]

Hell, yes!  

[Montclair BobbyB]

Congrats Liesl... you are most deserving.

Peace,

BB

[Will]

Perhaps something like this?

http://rivbike.tumblr.com/post/2349587723/mountain-mixte-custom

[Peter Morgano]

That bike is beautiful and top notch but is it a mixte without a split tube? I know Grant has his reasons for not preferring that setup but I find the split tube to be much more attractive and elegant.I love the look of the Soma Mixte, aside from the threadless setup which at max height gives you so many spacers it looks ridiculous.

On Thu, Jan 3, 2013 at 9:44 PM, Will <waller....@gmail.com> wrote:

http://rivbike.tumblr.com/post/2349587723/mountain-mixte-custom

[jimD]

Wonderful!

jimD

[Tim McNamara]

Now I'll be the one shouting "nice Riv" when *you* ride by!  W00t!

Tim

--

[Rob]

That's awesome! I'm glad for you! Enjoy!

Rob in Seattle

[Ron Mc]

yee haw, or should it be HooRah for a warrior.  

[Matthew J]

Irish straps!

 

I sure love mine. 

 

You always have interesting unique things to say on the RBW board.  Very happy to learn you won the raffle and look forward to seeing pictures when done. 

[Mike]

Liesl, really happy for you that you won. Gotta be a dream come true for a Riv lover. I'm glad someone from the list won rather than some anonymous person so that we can see the final product. 

And yes, as Manny points out, pictures prove that it exist. Looking forward to the final product.

--mike

[Jay in Tel Aviv]

I screamed "Yeaaaah" when I saw that you won.
My kids think I'm nuts, but you soooo deserve it.
Enjoy.

Jay

[William]

"the one thing I know is that I want a Riv that, with luck and health, I can ride when I’m 80.  This points toward a mixte. "

Dude, now I'm totally tempted to buy one of the last remaining 58cm Betty Foys.  

On Thursday, January 3, 2013 5:18:29 PM UTC-8, Liesl wrote:

[René Sterental]

The Betty Foy is still the bike that probably makes me smile the most when I ride it, compared to all the others I have. Get one even if you have to keep it boxed until you are old...

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[William]

Rene, that is precisely my plan.  But, you know me.  It will probably won't stay boxed for long before I just have to start wrenching.  :)

[Kelly]

I was stoked riding my Wifes Betty even though it was way to small... just such a sweet ride.   Go for it.. great bike.

Kelly

[Doug Magney]

What an awesome gift, Liesl! Shoulda heard me woo-hooing in the lunchroom at work when I read the Blug. Enjoy the process, I'll look forward to seeing it someday. -Doug

[Marty]

I think a Chicapalooza would be perfect for anyone from 8 to 80!

http://tinyurl.com/ahz7cg3

[dougP]

You're going to have a really fun project.  Congratulations on the win & all the kind thoughts about Rivendell.  They are truly a special group. 

dougP

On Thursday, January 3, 2013 5:18:29 PM UTC-8, Liesl wrote: