Dear So and So

[Nanci]

Dear Cracker Chicken,

I hope you are happy in your new home. We really miss you. You can come back any time you want- I won't fill in your burrow.

Love,

Nanci and BF

[Bikingmomof3]

Dear LBS (the closest one to me-you know who you are),

Why has each visit been more unpleasant then the previous one? Do you realize my family consists of 5 bikers? Did you realize you just lost a small fortune? I have 3 growing boys, who need to be outfitted and two need brand new bikes. The first clue would have been the teens and DH sizing bikes! You claim to carry items, which you do not have and only half stock items! You refuse to carry women's clothing, do you think only men ride? One of your employees actually refused to help me because I did not buy my bicycle there-ACTUALLY I did buy a bike there a mere 3 weeks ago, but upgraded not only my bicycle, but also my bicycle store. The ONLY reason I went back this evening was to purchase shoes for my ride tonight. Three men, not one could/would help me?? Yes, I was stupid, I should have not given you any of my business. Lucky for you I really wanted to ride this evening. A pity you will never know just how much of my business you lost. You see, I am addicted to biking!
Oh, and while I am on a roll, why would you carry Thule bicycle carriers, but none of the stabilizers and accessories needed to make the darn thing work properly? Even a novice like me heard you give incorrect advice to not one, but three customers. Thankfully none of them bought anything from you!
They were smarter than me. From now on I shall happily ride out of my way to the VFNSLBS (Very Friendly Not So Local Bike Store).

I am watching to see just how long your small store stays in business.

[mimitabby]

Hey Biking mom, you ought to write that letter to the owner (or parent company of that store) it might at least make it better for the next hapless woman who shows up there!

[Bikingmomof3]

Hey Biking mom, you ought to write that letter to the owner (or parent company of that store) it might at least make it better for the next hapless woman who shows up there!

I think I will. I found out last night they sold me mtb shoes, when I asked for road. Too late, they do not except returns or exchanges. They did not show me how to put the shoes together and told me nothing about cleats. Everything I know I learned here and from hours on MSN with Cari. I am heading out to where I bought my bike and they are going to set everything right.

[mimitabby]

A lot of us here use MTB shoes instead of road shoes because you can actually walk on them.
The MTB shoes I bought had too much tread on the sides so I gave them to a coworker (model-maker machinist) who ground the bumps off.. easier to get in and out of my pedals now..and you can't see what he did unless you get really close.

[Bikingmomof3]

A lot of us here use MTB shoes instead of road shoes because you can actually walk on them.
The MTB shoes I bought had too much tread on the sides so I gave them to a coworker (model-maker machinist) who ground the bumps off.. easier to get in and out of my pedals now..and you can't see what he did unless you get really close.

Thanks for telling me. I will talk with jack, he is so friendly and knowledgable and I know he will make certain I leave the shop with the proper pedals, mtb shoes intake with clips, etc.

[SadieKate]

Dear BikingMom,

Those of us with small feet grind down the lugs of our MTB shoes all the time, but this is only useful with smaller pedals such as Eggbeaters and SPDs. If you want a road pedal with a large platform, such as Look, you will need road shoes.

After your huge list above, I'd go back the original store and throw the biggest tempter tantrum you ever saw. If I paid by check, I'd see if I could put a stop order on it. I'd be so flaming mad you'd see smoke.

SK

[withm]

I think I will. I found out last night they sold me mtb shoes, when I asked for road. Too late, they do not except returns or exchanges. They did not show me how to put the shoes together and told me nothing about cleats. Everything I know I learned here and from hours on MSN with Cari. I am heading out to where I bought my bike and they are going to set everything right.

Jennifer - don't discount those MTB shoes too quickly. Lots of us use them with MTB pedals on our very expensive road bikes. Think about the kind of riding you are going to do - are you EVER going to walk in them? I was constantly fighting wearing my road shoes/cleats and having to walk in dirt to get from my street to my shed to put the bike away, or walk around at a rest stop, or want to walk on the boardwalk, or just walk into a restaurant for a coffee or snack - road shoes will make you miserable (unless you get "coffee shop covers" - IF they are available for your shoes). Plus they are very hard to walk in more than 50' or so. And if you should by chance walk in grass or dirt, they will pick up gobs of the stuff, then when you try to clip in (or worse, out) of your pedals you may have extreme difficulty. Been there done that.

I made the switch to MTB shoes (Sidi) and Speedplay Frog pedals. They are WAY EASIER to clip in/out, more comfortable for walking, and infinitely better riding. Don't let any stuffy shop try to intimidate you from putting MTB pedals on your road bike. It's ok, and I doubt that anyone will give you a hard time about it.

On the other hand if you really want road pedals, I have some practically new (400 miles) Speedplay Xs, cleats, AND coffee shop covers, that I will happily sell. And a pair of Specialized Road shoes size 43. (Shoes were great, but I eventually decided they were actually too big for me - part of my problems with the whole set up....)

Martha

[Nanci]

Dear Sidi Road Shoes,

I can't help it, but I hate you. I hate how you slip off the pedal and make me rack myself. I hate how I am afraid to cross in front of cars which would be far enough away if I was sure my foot was going to stick. I hate how I can't unclip and just ride unclipped in uncertain situations, momentarily, because my feet will slide off. Why did you have to look so pretty on the website? Some day when I am not lazy, I will try to find a new home for you. I love your MTB sisters, though...

Nanci

[oxysback]

To Whom it May Concern,

The weather here in the Willamette Valley area has been beautiful. Please, if you could just keep it this way for the rest of the summer I'd be very happy.

Yours truley,
A Biker That Hates the Heat


~~~~~~~~~

Dear Road Pavers,

The road that you recently repaved near Champoeg Park is WONDERFUL! So nice and smooth. I got up to 29 mph last night at one point! Now, if I could direct your attention to French Prarie Road...

Keeping My Fingers Crossed,
Ellen

~~~~~~~~~

Dear DH,

Thank you so much for riding with me. By "with me" I mean close enough so we can talk, not 1/4 mile ahead of me. I know I'm slower than molasses flowing up a tree in winter compared to you, but it means so much that you are willing to ride at my pace. Thank you for being a supportive husband!

Your Loving Wife,
Ellen





That is all.

[KSH]

Dear Sidi Road Shoes,

I can't help it, but I hate you. I hate how you slip off the pedal and make me rack myself. I hate how I am afraid to cross in front of cars which would be far enough away if I was sure my foot was going to stick. I hate how I can't unclip and just ride unclipped in uncertain situations, momentarily, because my feet will slide off. Why did you have to look so pretty on the website? Some day when I am not lazy, I will try to find a new home for you. I love your MTB sisters, though...

Nanci

Dear Sidi Road Shoes- Part II,

I hate you too. When I first bought you, it took me like 2 months to break you in. Unfortunately, I had to suffer through 2 days of pain at the MS150, where the tounge dug into the front of my foot. Yes, it HURT to put you back on, for the second day.

I also hate the way you are made for REALLY SKINNY FEET. Sure, I have narrow feet. But dang, if I get the least bit hot, or if I need to put on thicks socks... you don't fit me anymore... and your to too tight.

Finally... why don't you have comfy padding in the bottom of the shoe? Yes, I put new padding in, but that sucks too.

And, my toes go numb when I wear you, but I won't blame you for the numb toes... although maybe I should.

One of these days, IF I have enough money, I am sure as hell going to replace you with shoes that I like.

Sincerely,
Karen