Steve,
Just the fact that you would spell out what you do to keep this great enthusiast site running, in my eyes speaks volumes about your integrity and commitment to the custom (or is it Kustom?) bike scene.
Everyone I've referred here loves the site, finds something good here to take away. It's run like no other place on the net. We are able to work and play and share our experiences here, and we are free from the overwhelming commercialization of so many busy sites. We are kept free from the language, attacks, attitudes and drama that afflict every public space on the Internet now, right down to your local newspaper's home page.
You provided a great framework for all of us to hang around in. It's why I've never left after years of visiting here. I never get bored. I rarely take offense at anything people say, which I hope is also others' experience here.
Other people who've never signed up or even been much interested in building a bike, have shared the site with me innumerable times: over my shoulder, through links, through messages, through parts sources and sales and other connections.
Friends have built things for me, I've built things for them, I've bought, sold, traded, gifted, given, shipped and been amazed by 1000's of bike parts, with dozens of other people in the hobby. Here is an indication of how much I am personally into this site: I created my email address,
[email protected] about 5 years ago when I signed up here. I felt that from what I saw, I would use it a lot, and so I set that up and shortly after signed up with Rat Rod Bikes.
I've had over 25000 emails at that address in that time. It's almost overwhelming. But this community of enthusiasts is amazing!
I've met and spoke to people all over our area and around the world. These are folks I simply would not have met had it not been for Rat Rod Bikes. My story is not unique. This site has created lasting friendships for many of its members and visitors, some for years now. These guys are acquaintances who share a passion for building or fixing or collecting bikes. We are brothers-in-arms now because of this place.
THANK YOU STEVE!
--Rob Bareiss
NLCTVWguy
Moderator, Rat Rod Bikes
New London, CT USA