Well that was interesting.
Took a wee bit off to try my hand at the backside of the industry for a while.
Fuck that,
it's an incest ridden clan I can not seem to find my way amongst.
Do things that make you happy they say.
So I am back wrenching, a lot less pissed and a lot smarter.
You can teach an old dog new tricks if they want to learn.
I must want to learn because I am also hitting the books full time as well.
Fifty hour a week job and then some learning off the clock.
Let's get to the smarter.
I chose where I wanted to work like I would chose where I would want my bike wrenched upon.
Step one.
Would you shit in there?
Would you let your lady friend sit down on the seat?
There is a long time myth of really disgusting bathrooms making a shop hardcore.
Really?
If they can't be bothered to clean up their own shit you feel good paying them to
fix your bike?
It's all about attention to detail, personally that is one big detail.
Step two.
I really have no need for anyone to fix my bike. I can do it just fine.
Now say I was out of town, without tools, and we all know about borrowing tools.
So where would I bring my bike?
Probably not to the guy whose shop looks like hell.
That whole mystique thing is shit.
Probably a good wrench but not with all the carbon, hydro, squish, and computer shit
that permeates our industry nowadays.
I want to be seen and trusted as a technician -- hell I want to be paid like one as well.
So the dirtbagwithattitudeholeinthewall is out.
I want to serve people who take pride in their bike and want to see me do the same.
Step three.
Interview the shop.
wait, what?
Yeah man. If I am going to spend 9-10 hours a day there I guess I should
WANT TO.
Fuck going to a place I hate everyday, that's why I left the other deal.
What are the owners about?, the people they hire?, do they have the same goals as I do?
I don't want to get a check and go, feeding some other guys dream.
Hell man I want to get some of mine as well.
Are they in it for the same reasons I am?
I prefer to not shlep at a mom and pop.
Nothing wrong with them but I know where I fit best,
I want what I want.
So I guess I should choose a shop that gets down like I want to get down.
It's only fair
then the people paying me are happy
because I am happy.
Happy is good.
yourbikehatesyou
yourbikehatesyou
