Major progress update! The frame has already been built. I was also able to work out some time to visit Steve for a couple of hours while he worked on welding the rear brake mount and stay bridges. He showed me a ton of stuff, and it’s amazing the amount of thought and work that goes into everything he makes. He showed off his steady hands and attention to detail while I hovered over his shoulder. The remaining welding and cable guides were attached after I left, and the fork should be built over the weekend. Once I get the color scheme for the fork sent to him, off it goes to the painter.

Few more shots of the weld detail at the major tube junctions. I also received the Jones Ti Loop Bar on Friday.

And one final treat for you all…

I went thru my pics again to try to find a few more worth posting. I know it’s pretty much more of the same, but these additional pics may have a few more things of interest.

The big metal cylinders on the workbench were a place for him to rest his hands and stabilize his posture. For those who don’t know how these torches work, what you can’t see is that he’s also operating the torch with a foot pedal.

Another shot of the brake mount. I brought him some home baked goodies from my wife, and he liked it so much, he had to write down her blogspot site.

There were various vintage bikes hanging from the rafters that I didn’t really have time to ogle. There were also some ti rear triangles hanging around. Not sure what they were for. Could be for some of Castellano’s bikes. Notice the shop is filled with natural light. We’re on a hillside facing North with a really nice view of Tamales Bay.

And finally, here’s a pic of Cowboy, Steve’s Jack Russel. He dragged his bed over to join us at the table when we were talking. And he kept tapping me on the foot for more play time. But he pretty much just chilled whenever Steve was working.

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