Just when we were about to throw in the towel...(long)

[colby]

Hang in there Running Mommy and fam... I wish your shop was up here

[Pan Dulce]

What a great email! Whenever I go into my LBS I tell them how awesome they are, how much they help me, how much I appreciate their work. I really want them to know that I love how they treat me - they are the only LBS around here that didn't have that 'elitist' attitude or outright ignored me.

I hope things pick up for you. What you're doing for people is GREAT and hopefully the word will get around!

[Veronica]

I wish your shop was in CA.

Veronica

[Blueberry]

I wish your shop was in CA.

Veronica

Or in NC

CA

[Biciclista]

or in Seattle..

[Trekhawk]

or in Australia..

[Running Mommy]

I would LOVE to be in Australia.. Perth to be exact. So I can do Ironman WA, and not have to spend 10k to get there..

THANKS ALL for the encouragement. It really means alot to have your support.

[TrekTheKaty]

Running Mommy, take that email to the bank--seriously. I hope you make it through.

I just thanked a bike shop in Breck. I took a friend's ancient, filthy mountain bikes in--all with flat tires. I was dying to ride, and my friend refused to let me rent with "four perfectly good bikes in the garage." The mechanic washed, serviced and even advised we didn't need new tubes and tires after I said, "go ahead and change them." He apologized for charging us less than $10 per bike, because he had to do some fine tuning and add bar end plugs. When I returned the next day with the other two bikes, I bought a new seat. This simple purchase turned into a huge fiasco, because the bike had an old seat post and wouldn't accommodate the new seat--SO he rummaged through ALL the bikes in the shop--rental and new--until he found a post he could swap out. This took about 45 minutes and he refused to take any extra money. During all this, I chatted him up about where to go ride. He offered some suggestions.

The next day we took his rec, and had a blast. I called the shop to get his name--and he was the one who answered the PHONE! He eagerly listened to my bike report. I followed up with an email and an attached photo of the bikes at Boreas Pass--just to make sure his boss was aware of what a great employee they had.

[Tri Girl]

RM, I have thought of you often since the recession started last year. I'm always hoping that things will turn out OK for you and you can stay afloat. Starting a business is the scariest thing I can think of, and I just KNOW you are the best shop in the metro Phoenix area. I'm glad you heard from a customer that reaffirmed why you do what you do and sacrifice so much. Big hugs to you, and your financial future. I wish I were closer (or you were closer to me).