Like Butter
I am not one prone to random cliche references (unless I am making fun of sportscasters constant overuse of cliches to describe the play of the day). But, I just couldn't help myself this weekend when I was heard to exclaim, "My ride is like butter. . . "
I stopped,realizing I wasn't even sure if that made complete sense but it seemed like it conveyed the light and smooth feel of my Equinox on the road.
After a ride last Thursday, I decided Friday would definitely consist of a trip to consult Scott, owner of Bucks County Bicycles. Scott has never been one to not take me seriously when all I can do is point to large areas of my bike and say, "something is making a noise." (this usually accompanies my best imitation of said noise). Sure enough, when I wheeled my bike in and said to Scott, "something is making a noise, around in here, I think in my chainrings. I don't know what it is, or how to fix it but I want to learn," he didn't blink twice and popped my bike on the rack in his service area and invited me to learn (only in the world of bikes can you do this - I seriously doubt the Honda service mechanic is going to invite me to poke under the hood of my car next time I'm in for service). I then spent the next hour and a half learning about limiter screws and my front derailleur, adjusting for equal "grab" in my brake pads, tightening spokes (I had a loose one), truing a wheel (my rear), giving my bike a bang with a hammer (bent tooth on my large ring), and filing a small metal "burr" also on my large ring.
The result: My ride is like butter. My gears shift effortlessly and dreamlike and it's like I've reached the zen state of being one with my bike. I loved my bike before Friday but this weekend my Equinox and I re-fell in love.
Other than highlighting I perhaps could be prone to odd cliches, my lessons were this: 1) Find a bike shop mechanic you trust, 2) Don't care if he/she laughs at you (so long as you are willing to laugh at yourself), 3) trust your gut when something just isn't feeling right with your ride and 3) someone who is willing to teach you is priceless so long as you are willing to learn and admit what you don't know. [I guess this applies to more than just bikes, now that I read it back (just insert whatever you need in for bike mechanic)].
Swim. Ride Like Butter. Run. Repeat. . . .
-Jen
Your story was great. I felt as though I was riding with you.
M
Posted by: Trek Sister Marie | Aug 14, 2008 9:36:49 AM