I used to build and repair bicycles for Velocipede at 10th or 11th and Pine on Capital Hill many years ago and I worked with this crazy hoot of an enthusiast named Val.  Turns out he was struck down by cancer, but as you know when you get struck down it only makes you more powerful.

RIP: Val Kleitz helped us all stay “rubber side down”

Here are a couple of images of ol’ Val sporting his signature mustache and dressed as he fucking pleased (taken from the above linked article).

You can find more pictures of Val here.

One time this old dood brought us his bike for some minor service.  The bike was an old hulking steel monstrosity already destined to destroy your spine should you take a second floor walk-up.  But what really made it the talk of the shop was the fact that everything was connected to this frame using hose clamps.  Dozens of them.  Good times.

Rocket Pizza!  Ciao, Val.