I bought a Richard Sachs because I'd never seen such a beautiful bicycle until I literally bumped into one hanging in West Hill Shop in Putney, Vermont around 1977. I was working as a mechanic at a Schwinn shop at the time and planning a cross-country tour and wanting the perfect bike, something special.

When I saw the craftsmanship on that frame, and after Neil Quinn, the owner of West Hill explained what went into it, I knew I'd found a frame that would travel across America, and then some. And, I started anticipating owning a truly unique bicycle, one built especially for me by an artist.

What I didn't know is how far that bike would take me. And that I'd still own and enjoy it today, 25 years later. It handled the 5,000-mile winter crossing (loaded with 60 pounds of gear; front and rear racks) effortlessly. And, when we settled down, it worked wonderfully for touring, training, commuting and even some fairly serious racing.

I was riding the Sachs when we moved from New England to California. It was my main ride when California Bicyclist Magazine asked me to write a new column, launching a second career for me in cycling journalism. I was soon writing for VeloNews and Bicycling Magazine, and then left the bicycle shop to open the west coast office of Bicycling Magazine. All the while, I rode my Sachs.

All told, I worked for Bicycling Magazine for 11 years, and while I can't even guess at the number, I'm sure between working there and in shops for 17 years, I test rode hundreds, if not thousands of bicycles -- and all manner of machines, from other custom frames to superbikes from Europe and Japan made of every exotic material you can name.

Yet in my opinion, my Richard Sachs still holds its own as a one-of-a-kind, rolling masterpiece, something I'll enjoy even more in another 25 years. And, while no one can explain for sure how or why things happen, like a treasured keepsake, I believe it's contributed to all my great years in cycling, too.