What am I going to be doing when I’m 70?
Who knows, but I bet it will be fun!
Today I bought a new mountain bike (new to me, anyway, it’s a 1999 Cannondale, full suspension, if you are keeping score.) I’ve had the same mountain bike since 1997, purchased at Fat Dog Bike Shop in Westwood. That bike and me have been to the end of earth and back – well, at least around the block several times. It’s heavy and strong, and has NO suspension.
For the last couple of years I’ve been meaning to get around to upgrading to a new bike. After visiting all the local shops and talking to some friends who ride, it was really looking like I was going to drop a couple thousand dollars for my new ride. That shook me up a bit, but there’s nothing like NEW, right?
Well, not exactly.
The musician part of me has gained a real affection for finding vintage gear on the website Craigslist. On a whim, I looked up bikes for sale and quickly found more than enough bikes for sale locally that would meet my needs. One jumped out at me, the Cannondale. This was the cream of the crop back in 1999! I called to inquire and an older sounding gentleman was on the line. He carefully answered all my questions and gave me his address.
“It’s a house,” he said. “Just pull down the side street and you’ll see my shop.”
About an hour later I arrive with my trusty sidekick Nyla (the family dog) to check out the bike. Much to my surprise, I walked into a well run used bicycle shop that also specialized in repairs. As I browsed the meticulously maintained inventory, Dick, the owner, asked me “How is business?” He saw the Masters Touch logo on my truck and knew I was a builder. We then chatted about business for 20 minutes as he told me the story of a career in building. Five years ago he retired and keeps himself occupied with the bike shop. I’ve never met a happier man, relaxed, thrilled to be recycling old bikes and helping people find a great deal on their new wheels.
Dick has a new customer, and I have a new vision of how great life can be now and in the future. What am I going to be doing when I’m 70 years old? I have no idea, but if I have anything to say about it I know I’ll be having as much fun as Dick.
Doug