My daughter asked me to ride her bike from time to time while she’s away at college, to keep it in good running order.
She’s planning on coming home for fall break and doing some riding.
I took a look at her rear tire … especially after our recent trip with the bike to college and back … and felt it was time for a change.
I have a dealer that I like, who has taken care of me in the past and who are always friendly. I called them and good news! They had the tire in stock. And even better, they were willing to work me in, even though they were extremely busy. “If you get here when we open, and you’re willing to wait, we’ll work you in.”
Did I mention they were two hours away? We moved since I visited them last.
Friday I got up before the sun. The 26-year old carbureted bike didn’t really want to start. But it ran after the third try. It was only after i was a mile down the road I remembered I never used the choke! How quickly we fuel injection types get spoiled.
I watched the sun rise as I rode. I made my way across Indiana back roads for a couple of hours, to arrive before they opened.
I was early, but I tried the door. Should’ve been locked but it was open. Everyone was inside, working. I half expected the clerk at the desk to scowl and say “we’re closed” but instead he said, “Good morning!”
I know it’s too late to say “long story short” but, they had me all set an out the door in an hour.
And I enjoyed wandering Indiana back roads on my way home.
Yes, I should buy the equipment to change tires myself. Yes I may have been able to visit a bigger dealer that’s closer.
Yes, the interstate would’ve been faster …. but where’s the fun in that.
