THE BEAUTY OF LEARNING A THING OR TWO

IF YOU'RE FORTUNATE, not only do you live within a quick drive of a great, local bike shop, but there's a mechanic.  Not just any cat slinging a wrench, but...

... one that can work magic.

There's trust.

Mainly because we've never come in with a disastrous situation and claimed...

... I was just riding along.

And, they've never let us roll out the door prior to making sure everything is ready to rip.

What happens...

• if we aren't so lucky
• if we are traveling in the boonies
• if it's 10pm on a Friday and a race in the morning

... then, what do we do?

Well, 
we cry,
of course.

Because we didn't take the time when...

• the pressure was off
• we had all the time in the world
• our evenings were free for more than TV

... and learn a thing or two.

Not only that,
we got yet another latte,
instead of slowly piecing together the essential tools.

Trust me,
I know it's scary as heck to...

• loosen and tighten the headset
• replace the worn brake pads
• snug the bottom bracket

... the first time.

It's impossible not to think...

... I hope this holds, and I don't die.

That's why it's imperative to acquire these basic skills.

Because the day or night or adventure is coming at us fast, when...

... we need to be the mechanic who works magic.

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Note: I'm not talking about the gnarly stuff, or replacing your shop or mechanic, just the basics that are beyond lubing the chain and pumping the tires.