I'm not remarkable. Between you and me, we probably have about 1/2 of
knowledge on the subject of bike mechanics. While I wouldn't mind learning
more, I'm just as happy to support my LBS.
What IS funny, is that I never ("Well, hardly ever", for those of you who
get the G&S reference) leave for a ride without wrenches and the flat
fixing tools. I've loaned those out more times than I've used them myself
to the heads-down weight obsessed bikers who won't pack emergency
equipment or a pump because it weighs 4 oz.( or whatever they weigh). I
also carry my AAA card, because now they will help you if your bike breaks
down.
So, onto the good news! That is excellent and I bet L will be so happy to
have his bike returned so soon and in perfect riding condition! What a
nice after school surprise.
Here's my guess--the owner of the store went out of his way to get them
done as soon as possible because it was you. Give a little, get a lot.
Roberta
On Monday, March 25, 2019 at 3:34:38 PM UTC-4, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!
wrote:
> Roberta, I’ve said it before: you are a remarkable woman. Had we had more
> time together at our last visit, I might have begged you to show me your
> ways so I, too, could take off a wheel!
>
> I was in a poor mood this morning after having to drive instead of bike in
> lovely weather. I passed the crossing guard, who stations himself at 7:25
> at the far crossing because he’s expecting the boys and me. (This is a true
> story - very few people are ever using the far crossing, and he waits there
> to be our escort. Precious.) I wanted to yell an explanation out the
> window, but I decided not the cause a car crash instead.
>
> I slogged through the typical Monday drudgery (menu-planning, grocery
> shopping, etc) and decided as a reward, I’d take #thestolenclem for a ride
> after I got my chores done and before I have to pick up the boys. I was
> really looking forward to it, and then....the phone rang.
>
> “Your bikes are ready to be picked up!”
>
> Wow, such service! I’m so happy but for the fact that I will not get to
> ride. I will get to drive for 30 minutes, retrieve my bikes and hopefully
> make it back in time to get my Baby Bear and The Clem Rider.
>
> I’m off! I’ll be two bikes richer in an hour, folks!
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> On Mar 25, 2019, at 5:57 AM, REC (Roberta) <rcha...@gmail.com
> <javascript:>> wrote:
>
> I know how to change a tire (on the front) but like you I take mine to
> the LBS to help support them in business the little I can. What's really a
> shame is that your ride your bike every day, and they know it. I'd bet
> those other bikes will get picked up within the next weekend or two and
> then sit in the garage until Memorial day. Still, I guess the only good
> news here is that people are wanting to ride.
>
> Roberta
>
> On Sunday, March 24, 2019 at 1:02:25 AM UTC-4, Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!
> wrote:
>
>> We were all set to ride to the boys’ volleyball game at school today - my
>> whole family. Inexplicably, the front derailer on the Betz would not work.
>> At all. And it was not that little wingnut, which is the only thing I know
>> to fix. Also, the Cygolite is missing a piece! I’m the only one with access
>> to this bike and I didn’t crash it - a true mystery. Fine, I’ll ride the
>> stolen Clem, alright? My husband has a big ugly e-bike, so he won’t miss
>> his old under-appreciated Clem. I had to move Baby Bear’s little Hotrock
>> out of the way, at which point I discovered his front tire WAS TOTALLY
>> FLAT. This is the same tire I posted about a couple of months ago. That’s
>> it; it’s going in, along with my Betz.
>>
>> I arrived at the shop and the owner loves me because I’m totally
>> worthless but I pay my bills. We have a mutual affection - he performs
>> hocus pocus and sprinkles fairy dust and my bike comes back to life; and I
>> pay the bill and shower him with all the praise and appreciation for
>> returning TBBITW in fine form. I decide that every single major and minor
>> issue with these bikes will be written up and addressed this trip. His
>> assistant kindly writes it all down (and I am not one to use words
>> sparingly) and then tells me to expect the bike back on Thursday.
>>
>> Thursday?
>>
>> I gulp. The weather is going to be sublime all week long - FINALLY - and
>> we need these bikes for it. It’s one thing for me to lower myself and try
>> to commute with the Clem instead of TBBITW, but Baby Bear has *nothing* to
>> ride. I am, essentially, bike-grounded.
>>
>> “Oh,” I say, “I suppose this time of year gets busy.”
>>
>> “Yes,” chirps the helpful employee, “People bring their bikes in and say
>> the weather is nice and maybe they should ride the bike they have in their
>> garage. And I tell them, ‘Of course!’ I mean, that’s great, right?!”
>>
>> I smile and nod and pretend to agree but really I’m thinking that these
>> people and their under-utilized, garage queen bikes that they will likely
>> throw a leg over once or twice this year are AHEAD OF ME IN LINE. I am
>> selfish and impatient and don’t want to see from Saturday to Thursday the
>> empty place in the garage that my bike occupies. My mind is racing but I
>> keep my composure and slide in a sly, “Ok, well I guess I can drive the
>> kids to school this week. What a shame the weather will be so perfect. Let
>> me know if it gets done sooner?”
>>
>> I know that I’m whining and that I have only myself to blame. If I knew a
>> thing or two about bike maintenance and repair, I would not be in this fix.
>> Don’t trouble yourselves coming up with solutions; I know I need an
>> education but I just haven’t done it because that shop and its agreeable
>> owner exist. Now you’re here having to read this drivel and it’s not your
>> fault and you don’t deserve this BUT....I will leave you with the feel-good
>> video because you’ve been such good sports. Patrick Moore posted it eons
>> ago and I’ve watched it dozens of times because I love is sooo much. It’s
>> about a very old bike shop in Europe and the man who owns it. And if you
>> watch it to the 9:15 mark, you’ll see me guest-starring. I’m a 70 year old
>> woman who can’t fix a flat and comes crying to the bike shop. But unlike
>> her, I make a mean sandwich.
>>
>> https://vimeo.com/133432406
>
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