The last 9 months has been crazy. I haven’t posted much of anything, although I’ve had plenty of time on my hands. Sometimes, I guess we just get in ruts. Here are the bullet points:
- As I already updated, In mid-July, I lost my job at BikeStreet USA in Greenville. Turned out to be a blessing in disguise, because the company announced they were closing up shop at the end of September. I hated it for most of the people that worked there, because they were pretty straight up. As for a few people in the company, it couldn’t have happened to better people. I’ve taken a couple of months and gotten over my harsh feelings about my dismissal, and that’s all I’ll say about that.
- Six months without a job is hard.
- I did two contract mechanic jobs with the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Flew out to Nashville and Tucson for their fundraising rides. Had a great time, met a lot of great people, and hope to attend a few more of those events in 2015, if at all possible.
- I found a new job. On January 5th, I started working at The Great Escape, in Greenville. I’m not wrenching on bikes at all (unless I can sneak back to change a tire or something…), but rather working the sales floor. I find a lot of enjoyment in talking to people, figuring out their goals, and getting them started on their cycling journey. The parent company, Atlanta Cycling, has been nothing short of wonderful to work for. I have never seen a bike shop with such a solid structure for training and equipping staff to do their job to the best of their abilities. I love this place. The shop is undergoing a big overhaul in March, and becoming Trek Store South Carolina. I’m ecstatic about being present for the change, and seeing how we can elevate the customer experience for all of our guests.
- School. Last semester, I took a full load of classes at Liberty University Online. This semester… same thing, except now I have a full-time job, too. It’s tough, but I have a goal, and I will finish.
Everything else is so-so. Family’s good. I’m not riding as much as I want to, but I’m starting to get back on the horse. I plan on selling my Scott Foil 20, and picking up a Trek Emonda pretty soon. Or maybe the Trek 720 Disc or Trek 920 (touring machines). I think that a new bike might light the fire I need to get my sorry butt back in shape again.
Any questions/comments/concerns? Want to read about something specific? I’m looking for topics. Please, if you think of anything, give me a shout at probikewrench@gmail.com. Take care.
PROBIKEWRENCH 