Marshall's
bicycle is a spooky old machine. Though its frame is deeply rusted and
discolored, the bicycle is sturdy and fast. Its new rims and
components glisten around the brownish body, giving it a classic "diamond in
the rough" look.
When at rest it looks, to the untrained eye, like trash. But when it moves, it moves like treasure. Fast, efficient, bicycle-shaped treasure.
The
silvery front lugwork looks kind of gothic juxtaposed with the blackened
tubes to which they cling. This effect is further enhanced by the
dormitory water fountain in the background.
Marshall was skeptical when he was first scoping his future bike out at Lex's shop. Lex wasn't working that day, but I had already had a discussion about this particular bicycle with him in the past. I paraphrased for Marshall: "If you repainted it, sure it would look slick and new," I told him. "But then it wouldn't be a conversation piece. This bike is something special. It needs an owner who can appreciate its natural beauty, and I think you are the man for the job."
Sold.
Nowadays
Marshall can be seen speeding silently through campus, usually under cover
of night and followed by an entourage of squeaky mountain biking dorm-mates.
Sometimes he is hard to spot though because he of his opacity deficiency.