we love our jobs

An older guy with two younger girls stopped in front the of the shop and then after chatting a little decided to come in. I thought they just wanted to take a look around, but instead when I asked if they needed any help, the guy wanted me to confirm a belief. I guess when they were initially walking by, he said to the girls that the people that worked in bike shops we some of the happiest people around. We ride our bikes to work, fix other peoples bike and then ride them and then ride home. It's not all about making lots of money, he said. He was pretty on point. I agreed. My job is awesome and I haven't kept a non-bicycle mechanic job for more than a month in the last ten years. Plus, I don't wear a uniform and I get to listen to my music all day. Of course the girls said they never doubted him. I often tell people the same thing. That my job is great and I love it. It was interesting to have someone come in and ask my opinion on my job in such a way.

Don't take this as way of thinking I don't have other interests and ambitions. I do, and they are coming to life right now. However I think I will always find myself a part of a shop or some how working on bicycles.

Just a Sec

New favorite band: Bodyslam. From Thailand. Kind of a Pop-punk sorta thing. I have the album entitled Save My Life. Look at how cool they are:

Can't Wait for Summer

I finally caught whatever nasty shit was going around. I was hoping it wouldn't happen, but when half your house and half your co-workers are sick, it's not an easy thing to escape. It's cool though. I turned off my space heater and did myself a solid by staying in and resting. I just wish it didn't have to happen on some of the nicest days of spring.

All this warm weather and longer day light is getting me so excited for summer. Long bike rides that last far into the night and end up who knows where. Fires in a barrel and maybe a wild boar roasting over it. Hours on the back porch watching the sun set (or rise) bullshitting with friends. Wearing as little clothes as possible and watching other people do the same. These are some of the things that I look forward to the most. I have this iconic image in my head of this summer. It seems to have been taken with a Holga with Kodak 160nc film. I'm out of the saddle with no helmet leisurely climbing a hill and the whole scene is washed out with a sun flare. Let's see if I can make that happen.

I have two rolls of film that I need to drop off. Hopefully soon. In the mean time:

Italians + Cycling = Yes.

Ok. I talk about how I want new bikes almost constantly while I'm at work. It's to be expected. I work on some of the nicest bikes in the industry(just wait 'til my next post!!!). Once again I have changed my mind on what I would like next. Of course I'm going to get a fit from the great Molly Cameron, but, now I want to be fit for this:

And I want this to go with it:

Ok, actually I can't take a picture of it and show you because I think it's a secret helmet. I will assure you though, it is ITALIAN. White and gold and Italian colors. Trashy as shit and I love it. You know I would get a kit to match. Full kit; white booties and gloves and eeeeeeeeverything.

I need a sponser for looking good.

The First Avatar: Trailer 2

This is out of control.

The Forest. On The Coast.

R.I.P Mark Vanford aka The Spiritual Giant