(Sh)overs and (M)akers

The energy of mountain bikers (when not riding) is, in one word, "casual". The other cool thing about them is, they ride mountain bikes; and know a lot about mountain bikes. As such, since new bikes were out of my price range, and I do not know enough of much of anything to be a wise consumer, I began seeking advice from them for my Craig's List hunt for a machine. Reviews, words of caution, but most of all words of support poured back and forth on their email forum.

On Wednesday nights the clan gathers out at Sail Boat Cove. This Wednesday was their first official "Hump Day" ride of the season. They ride, they grill, they commune. With tax season coming to a head, making work less than easy going, I was in dire need of a fix. So I headed out.

One of the guys, Adam, walked up with a Trek 4300 frame which his son (also present) had outgrown. He handed it to me, "for the cause," he explained simply. I was flabbergasted. Excitement kept sweeping over me all night. I enjoyed hanging out and grilling with everyone (Geoff makes some tasty burgers!) but I kept having to go back to my car to look at my frame. Advice on parts and pieces began flying. I did my best to jot things down in my notebook. The sun had set and we milled about gathering in toward the warmth of the grill as the air chilled. From across the glow of the coals, with the jut of a chin, Tim King said, "I've got tires for 'ya."

Now, the trail has taught me to accept kindness for the blessings it is but I doubt anyone would ever call me much of gracious at anything. As such, I hardly knew what to do in light of so much open generosity; so I just let it fill me up to beaming point. I was squirming around (both inside and out) for the rest of the night. When I got home I woke up the family dancing around the house with my new frame.

The next night I came home from work, and trained like Pavlov's Dog, headed straight to my computer to make the cyber rounds. I checked into my email and there was a forum thread titled 'Fidgit's Bike'. I was immediately anxious. I walked away; I watered the cat and fed the plants. Finally I worked up the courage and went back to my computer and opened the email. There was an 18 message long thread discussing parts, tools, and location for a bike build. For my bike. I was smiling so much it hurt, I was blushing so much it burned. My dog came over, anxious but wagging her tail, not sure what to make of it.

A standing, open invitation on a warm-ish Friday night was the venue for the official unofficial 'pre build meeting'. We reclined in patio furniture outside of a much loved and well known spot, obviously accustomed to the Earth Rider's presence. I can say with certainty that not all waitresses would so easily accept the clickity clacking of clip in shoes and sweaty riders threading bikes around tables and patrons.

Stories were told, jokes were leveled, and plans were made. We were meeting at Tim & Heather's Saturday evening and building Fidgit a bike...