I know what you mean. I had several pedal the bike home moments. A few push the bike home. One time Norman even came and rescued me in his pickup as I was pushing the bike to the airport. (Broke motor mount & flat tire). But now I wouldn't be afraid to fill it with gas jump on it and head off into the sunset. Just something about telling everybody you built what your riding. It's not pride it's,,,, well I guess it is pride.::
Mine looks like **** and I'm proud of that too... I hate glitz so it's just right for me. I love that it can be fun and still be just a bike. Doesn't have to be showroom looking to be fun.