I finally made contact with Mike early in 2010. He claimed that the circumstances of our break in communication were innocent as he'd simply lost my contact info and intended to give me a full refund. My helmet was finished at one point, but since he couldn't get a hold of me he painted over it and sold it to someone else. Mike had pictures of it, but must've misplaced those along with my contact info...I'm sure it was rad. I'd moved to Texas at this point, so we discussed how he'd produce repayment for a few months before comms went black again. I took a shot in the dark trying to get a hold of him at the beginning of 2011, and actually got him to wire me almost half of what he owed me. As the clerk processed the transfer and counted the cash, I felt as though I was witnessing a miracle. Had I just been involved in a white-collar robbery of an HEB? (that's the main grocery chain in Texas) Mike said the rest of the money was on the way soon, but I was getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan and this issue moved to the back burner as I became more concerned with getting my other affairs in order. Our last contact was about a year ago, and the trail has been cold since then. I'm getting ready to come home from Afghanistan now, so I may pick up where I left off. Yes, I'm writing a Yelp review from Afghanistan. Do I get a first for that? I'd review the various Pizza Huts, Burger Kings, dining facilities, and shopettes that I've visited, but Yelp isn't set up for international reviews. Minus 1 star, Yelp. It's been so long since I originally commissioned Mike to paint a helmet that my taste in motorcycles has changed, but I'd still actually like him to paint me a helmet suited to what I'm into these days. Maybe I'll work something out using the store credit that I still have. I do feel like I owe him something for at least giving me some of my money back. That something is a one star increase in my review. Two stars, Mike. I'll give you another for a sweet helmet or the rest of my cash. read more