I've been officially working in a bike shop for a few months now and it might seem uber-cool to be around bikes all the time and don't get me wrong, it is, but you loose out on a lot of the fun big riding opportunities. It's not like I can't schedule a long ride for myself, but to turn down friends I really like to be with for a recent 125 miler because I was working, that was a downer. And not being able to run off and tour NY state or camp at "Cranks" stinks too but it is what it is for now.
What I do really enjoy is helping people find the bike that's right for them. I like to give people all the options and let them try different "genres" of bikes and you can just tell which is the winner by the sparkle in their eye when they come in from a test ride. I get to share the moment and re-live falling in love with my bike each time I see that. It is uber-cool to have someone come back weeks later and tell you how perfect their new bike is and how happy they are and even how much it changed their life.
It hurts to have bandaged up friends come in to get a replacement helmet because they skidded in gravel and crashed hard but at the same time knowing they wore a helmet because you strongly suggested(nearly insisted) they get one and they thank you for it... there is no price for that. None. The endless questions and the rides with clients to help them hone skills and gain confidence are nearly as much fun and rewarding for me as for them.
So what's my point? We are all very lucky people, those of us that get led to bikes for whatever reason and from whatever direction, we are the people who get to look at the rat race of life a little bit differently. We get to see the lost tortoise signs and hope to see him peeking out from the stream on a ride one day before winter and maybe we can help him get back home. We get to watch the seasons and see the flowers grow and relish friendships while we coast or hammer along.
I get to be reminded, everyday, that the true meaning of the bike is bigger than me and bigger than the next ride and even bigger than Lance could ever hope to be. It's about being a part of the seasons and the years and of history and to be a priceless part of the cycles of each other's lives.
Ride safe.
