True story...

[troybilt]

Probably one of the coolest and funniest and most humbling things happened to me recently. First I should go back six or so years... One day I happened across the build thread of a bike that totally captured my attention. I checked the build thread daily in anticipation of updates. It was that good. Well the bike turned out crazy amazing and I became a huge fan of the builder. The bike was a re-phased xs 650 that went on to be featured in magazines and such and the builder went on to start a business called Hugh's Hand Built. Over time I continued to follow HHB and to say I idolized them would be an understatement.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. Leading up to a Cycle Source show, I had a lot going on and was waffling back and forth about taking Willow. The morning of the show, even though it was raining, I decided to go. It was a wet ride but I had a rain suit and extra clothes. Once there I ran into Hugh Owings from Hugh's Hand Built. I had a blast hanging out with Hugh and his crew and a lot of other down to earth cool folk. The company made the trip totally worth it I would have been happy to leave empty handed. Besides, the other bikes in attendance were simply amazing, (including Hugh's bike I followed being built years earlier) so I didn't expect much than a glance or two at Willow.

This is the rest of the story:

http://hughshandbuilt.com/2013/08/1257/

 

[haircuttergirl]

Too cool! Hugh is pretty much my neighbor. His shop is close to my place. Only met him once.
I haven't had the pleasure of seeing much of his work so far though. I'll check it out.

 

[Kamn]

Troy, thats a fukn awesome story! And Willow is a gorgeous ride........and you can tell with the ear to ear smile that you just love riding her

Cheers

 

[troybilt]

Too cool! Hugh is pretty much my neighbor. His shop is close to my place. Only met him once.
I haven't had the pleasure of seeing much of his work so far though. I'll check it out.

thanks Jenn. I had no idea you lived so close. The guy is great company. You and E should drop by their shop someday but I have to warn ya, E may not want to leave haha

Glad you enjoyed it Kamm and thanks for the kind words. Always a big smile brother, always a big smile

 

[cyclefreak]

Congrats brother. That was an awesome write up for a great bike and a great guy

 

[DeanLundgren]

Troy, You are a great bike builder, I just lost my sences, when I saw your bike, One of the best looking bikes I have ever seen

 

[Big R]

Congrats Troy! Can't say that I'm surprised about the trophy though. Willow is an awesome machine.

 

[clem]

I agree with Big Rich. Would you have expected anything else? That bike is great and the trophy, that thing has swagger.

 

[Maritime]

Nice Troy, You put your heart and sole into Willow, didn't stop until the bike you needed to build was done so that just comes ut when you look at her and people must see it. Congrats on the trophy but more important, congrats on riding Willow to the win and riding her home. Maybe more of the trailer Queen builders will take note.......na I doubt that. Hope to get to see you soon.

Cheers,

 

[trek97]

Your gonna have to wash that trophy. Ha ha. Absolutely too cool. Congrats on the win.

 

[moetrout]

That's an awesome story, thanks for sharing. You can't get better accolades than that!

 

[sasquach]

That's really cool and well deserved .

 

[trek97]

Just thought I add this for any noobs that may be unfamiliar w Troy and Willow.

 

[VonYinzer]

Badddddd. Assssssss.... Well deserved my friend.

 

[oldskool]

Prolly the best gesture I've ever seen. and if you know Troy and you've seen Willow then you'll understand that the effort Hugh went to was one of pure appreciation. so awesome!!!

 

[Scruffy]

That is about as good as it gets. Beautiful bike, putting the " check writers" and "catalog custom builders" soundly in their place with a truly hand built labor of love, and actually enjoying using your bike.

Absolutely stunning piece of work Troy. Hell of a mark for others to try and reach.

 

[SONICJK]

So badass man congratulations.
No pressure for your next build right

 

[4eyes]

S W E E T !!!
Stuff like this helps to renew my faith in humanity.

 

[Redbird]

Rad Dude: adj. a "catch all" phrase used to describe badass bike builders who are also the coolest people you ever want to meet.

Troy truly is a Rad Dude

Congrats Troy! That's a great story
And if you wipe any of the dirt/grit/grease/funk off that trophy you'll have to hand over your Man Card!!

 

[ronnie]

That's great Troy, very cool story!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2