I take my bike store guys a big batch of homemade brownies around Christmas every year to say thank you for the good care they take of my bike and the patience they show in answering my sometimes less than legible questions and concerns. I also manage to buy at least a bag of sports beans or something if I go in to oogle the bikes or just hang with a few questions. The end result is that if I am out on a ride or just running around, I can usually get a tweak or a hand out with a minor concern. If it's anything major though I always make sure to call ahead and find out when my favorite mechanic or gear guy is free.
Everybody appreciates a little "way to go" which is why I make the brownies and take them in. But I definitely would call ahead and pick a time before a major ride or the like.
marni
Katy, Texas
Trek Madone 6.5- "Red"
Trek Pilot 5.2- " Bebe"
"easily outrun by a chihuahua."