Wow, did this year start off with a bang! I had become a Guinness World record holder, shuttered our 20-year retail store, and started a successful consulting business. Little did any of us know what was around the January 2020 corner.
Over the past several years, I wound down my local road racing while ramping up gravel riding. I've found great pleasure in including my wife, Rhonda, in my training. We started joining in on longer rides, which in turn led to Gran Fondo and Century touring. We've attended the Cache Gran Fondo in Logan, Utah for several years and recruited Bike Ambassadors for this mid-July road trip. COVID obviously cheated us of this plus many group rides as travel ground to a hard STOP.
Not one to sit still for long, as you can only put so many puzzles together, I snagged a part-time position at my local bike shop in late April. I began to notice that most of the bikes, which first time riders were bringing in for "complete tune-ups" just needed a good clean and lube. We had to sanitize every bike out in the yard prior to bringing it into our bike techs. While the customers' bikes were in the rack, I'd discuss washing every other ride with dish detergent liquid, an old tooth brush on the chain, wax, dry or wet lubes; the little things that help those small mishaps from turning into big, expensive repairs. "Save your $$ for fun clothing, colored pedals or bar tape, maybe upgrade to new wheels." I've made quite a few new friends through just starting the conversation, being thoughtful, and offering helpful advice. Having a now semi-seasoned rider stop by the shop, hunt me down just to say "thanks" with a big smile beneath the mask feels awesome!
As Bike Ambassadors, we should all stop and assist, start the conversation, wave as you pass riders and listen to others' concerns. It's amazing how often we can help if we just listen and hear what others are trying to convey.
Our missed Fondos, Centuries, and group rides have allowed us to see and hear things we would have missed otherwise. We've spent more time with our immediate loved ones. We all hiked, biked, and commuted more. We are all learning that the "new normal" is doable not to mention the overall wellness these new endeavors have shown us.
Cheryl
