wheels for the Stan Pike. 4.30pm An elderly customer is losing his driving license and would like an electric bike to keep him mobile. Thursday
8am Reply to email from a lady about a used bike for her daughter. The bikes we bought on Tuesday seem suitable and Darren services them. 10.30am Roy, a legendary cycle rep, visits. We do the essential business, then play a game – Roy delivers his offers patter and I try to resist spending more. As usual, he wins. 6pm Campag wheels for the Stan Pike arrive. The tyres are not a good fit and the tube explodes like a gun shot. 8pm Go swimming at Sherborne Sports Centre, where I meet a friend and find myself suggesting a rickshaw for his son’s wedding – business never stops! Friday
Daytime Finish repairs in preparation for Saturday, when most folks collect their bikes. 9pm Fit replacement pedals and shoes to my bike for a ride tomorrow. My reward is fish and chips, just before they close. Saturday
heading to the shop. 11am Source a jacket for customer Bill, who cycles to work in Yeovil in all weathers. 6pm Maintenance class. We practice puncture repairs and look at get-you-home techniques, plus a bit of preventive maintenance. Wednesday
10am A new helper starts today. Yvonne has great positive energy and tackles filing, washing up and cardboard recycling with equal enthusiasm. 4pm Deliveries arrive, including treats: adventure luggage for Darren’s fatbike and vintage Italian race
8.15am Digby Etape club ride. Back in the shop for 9.40am, where Saturday lad Josh is telling us about new bands he likes. One is called Led Zeppelin… 10am Used bike lady arrives. Her daughter chooses her favourite colour, though her dad would prefer better components. They ask us to make a mongrel and go away to think. I don’t expect to hear anything, so am pleasantly surprised when they call asking us to prepare the bike for next week. 10.30am Nip home to change, grab breakfast and head back. 11.30am The day rushes by. Browsers come in, chat and admire classic bikes. Customers drop in for repairs. 2.30pm The gent wanting a used e-bike arrives and is delighted – it’s good to have helped him keep his independence. 4pm Wind down by tinkering with some projects and close up. Ride home on the gorgeous Stan Pike.
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