My Random Act of Kindness

[smurfalicious]

Our new store is right next to a Bicycle Village store. Could be dangerous if they weren't such a joke. We were walking out to go to lunch and I saw a gal struggling to get her Trek hybrid into the trunk of her car. Instantly I ran over without a second thought to help her.

She was semi spandexed and apparently trying hard to give this bike thing a go. She seemed a little bewildered as I dropped my purse and water bottle to help her. I could tell even with the back seat folded down it was going to be a bear.

"It might be easier to take the front wheel off," I offered.

"I don't even know how to do that," she replied.

I asked if she bought the bike there, to which she replied yes, but a little while back. I was astonished. "They never taught you how to do that when they sold it to you?" I asked. I could not believe what would happen to this woman with a flat, which is why I suppose she was there.

She instinctively undid the quick release. I smiled and told her it was a good start and instructed her to unscrew the skewer a bit. By this point I think her fear that I was trying to steal her bike were gone. I showed her how I straddle the bike and undid the brake noodle and popped her wheel free.

The next step was to show her the easy way to fit a bike in a sedan. I joked with her that this was how I used to transport my bike that was worth more than my car. I spun the handle bar around and told her the trick was to put it in with the crank/chain side away from the seats.

We got it loaded, I made some rack recommendations and closed her doors for her and walked to my friend's rig. As she pulled away she flashed me a big smile and waved. I'm sure my coworkers think I'm nuts, but hey if I can help someone enjoy her bike more, then what's 5 minutes of my lunch?

[Susan126]

You too! So many people today doing good things! And that's the way it should be. Kudos to you smurfalicious! You did good!

Sue

[jesvetmed]

Good job, Smurf! I think a lot of women depend on their DH's or other to do those things, and then when they are on their own, are very unsure what / how to do things. You are right -- someone should have showed her that! I'm so glad you did! It's one more thing that won't get in the way of her taking that bike to ride somewhere!
GOOD JOB!
Kharma back at you!
Jes

[Running Mommy]

VERY COOL Smurf! VERY COOL!!!!
It's those little things that make a huge difference!
Faith in human kind, faith that we aren't all mongrols!

[sgtiger]

Very cool! You're doing your part for bike love and increasin' the peace. Good Karma all around.

[lph]

Most excellent Nothing like showing that there are competent and friendly bikewomen out there!

[mtbdarby]

Another Atta Girl Smurf! And look at the pick me up and the rest of us got from it to. Thanks for sharing

[smurfalicious]

Most excellent Nothing like showing that there are competent and friendly bikewomen out there!

Indeed, and it doesn't hurt for the young whipper snapper who could pass her any day of the week to lend a hand. My mom taught me to sew, I taught her to quilt. I think sharing bike love and knowledge is important. I know a lot less than others, but clearly more than some. Who knows, maybe I gave her confidence to try and handle things herself. All I know is it made me feel warm and fuzzy, and that's just an added bonus.

[Wahine]

Very cool. Well done Smurf!!

[Red Rock]

I just wanted to say GOOD JOB as well. By just existing on this Board I have gained a lot of information on cycling in all sorts of ways. Everyone here has helped me a lot. Keep paying it forward.

Red Rock