NOTE TO DARIO

Big Leg Emma, glistening orange. Pacific Coast Highway. Swirling wind. Sun glints, bounces off sweat raining down. Glance at the coolest chain stays this side of heaven and chunk that sucker big ring small cog. Tires humming. Legs pounding. Flash of silver and yellow off the top tube. Asphalt rolling. The bike is my body is the road is the bike. Climbing now. Fighting for air. Upwards on wings of silken pain. Suddenly, far far below, ocean and mist. Sun overhead now, burning through clothing. Descending. Swervy steel humming sweetness. The sound of endless childhood flying on rails of joy... Get well soon, Dario. Emma needs a friend made to her exact likeness in stainless, painted with with love from Italy.

Matt Johnson, Los Angeles

Dear Dario, I'm very sad to hear that you are ill. Your craftmanship is in a class by itself and I am eager to see you get well and return to building the finest bicycle frames in the world. Best wishes for a speedy recovery! I ride a CCKMP and a Love #3.

Steve Petchon, Malvern, PA

Dear Dario, Although I do not own one of your bicycles I have always admired your work. Thanks for doing your part to make cycling the beautiful sport that it is. Last year I had the opportunity to ride over the Alps for the Leuka Society in support of Leukemia and Lymphoma research. Once we reached Cannes, we raised a glass to all those who suffer. So, here's to you! May you make a complete and speedy recovery!

Matt, Austin, TX

Weather the storm, round.

Vince Connelly, Durham, NH

Dear Mr Pegoretti, Your work has been an inspiration to me. I have never owned or ridden one your creations but whenever I find myself in a creative rut, I browse through images of your work and feel inspired. Aside from the exquisite craftsmanship, the different graphic concepts and the way they applied to the frames, is like poetry. They make me smile and they make me think. Best wishes to you sir and hope for a full recovery.

Keith, Providence RI

Dear Mr. Dario Pegoretti, I love my 8:30AM. My friends make fun of the name, but I laugh at their boring grey and black Cervelos, that can in no way compare to a handcrafted frame crafted by your hands. My 8:30 has led me to multiple amateur wins racing in Northern California, and will surly lead me to many more. If I ever purchase another bike, it will be a Pegoretti, not a factory-produced, yawn-inciting, conservative, uncharacteristic pile of metal they call a bike. If I could help in any other way, I would, but this is the only way I know, so my wishes are with you and get well.

Andreas Freund, Davis, CA

Signor P: anyone who finds inspiration in Zappa, Basquiat, and Mom is an inspiration to me. Get well and rest up; from the looks of this message board, there's going to be a lot more orders for Pegorettis.

Barry Rahmy, Weatogue, Connecticut

Grazie, Dario. E buono.

Jim Conrad, Idaho

I couldn't afford one of your frames (yet), but could afford a Giordano jersey with your design imprint. What a breath of heaven...such wonderful style. Please take some comfort from all of the good wishes and hopeful prayers that are born on your behalf...

Greg Burns, Upland, CA USA

Dear Dario, Best wishes for a fast and complete recovery. May you draw inspiration and strength from all of us, as we have from you. Feel the pulse of life and healing we're sending through the music and cosmic resonance. I feel it every time I crank the pedals and by beautiful 8:30 AM propels me along my way. Thank you and peace.

Chris Wright, Wayne, PA USA