Dear So and So

[Blueberry]

As I can't post this on facebook, I will post here. To me, if you consider me a "friend" and a former neighbor, than perhaps you would support my business by perhaps at least calling or emailing and asking about the bike you just bought, from someone else, even though you know we carry that brand... Such is life I guess. It will be hard to engage with you at the next social function though.

Ah Sky King - my sympathies. This must be frustrating. As someone who tries really hard to support (several) local shops, I hope this post is never written about me. I'm getting ready to order a bike from a local shop. It's the one I trust with most of my mechanical work, plus they had the bike in my size and I could test ride it - but I'm sure it will hurt feelings at another local shop (who could get the bike, but the mechanicals there aren't as solid). I consider them all friends, and I try to order small things from the other shop too - when I can.

[Crankin]

I know the shop I bought both of my bikes from will be pissed when I buy my next bike, because they only sell "boutique" brands that I am not interested in; hence my next purchase will not be there. We have sent them a lot of business, but they have a terrible reputation for being snobby. Mechanics are good, and we occasionally use them, but DH does most of the wrenching here.
I am seriously thinking of buying a Madone, after riding one on my tour. The other local shop, even closer, sells them. We have a long standing acquaintance with them, as DS worked there in HS. The owners are getting older and are slightly nuts (I think the woman has some kind of memory issue, based on recent conversations with her), but our friend bought a Project One bike there last year, because there's a new fitter/sales guy who he found to be excellent. I have bought some accessories there over the years, as they cater to a more all around riding population.
Sky king, I would be pissed, too, if I were you.

[Becky]

I'm struggling with this now, as the shop I race for and sometimes moonlight at doesn't sell the frame I want. I feel guilty about buying the frame and fork elsewhere, but hope to appease my guilt by ordering the build kit from "my" shop.

[Sky King]

Thanks Crew, good insights and perhaps these "friends" think of the bike shop where they bought the Surly as the LBS for where they ride their fat bikes. It is in a resort town where they have their second home and that is where they ride said bike. I just have a hard time when it is flaunted in my face - my issue Crankin, We have some great customers who don't own the Surly's - how can that be - hee, hee. Yet they do buy all sorts of other items from us and I appreciate each and every one of them. I have adjusted my attitude, AGAIN all because of you thoughtful fellow bike riders.

[Dogmama]

I am seriously thinking of buying a Madone, after riding one on my tour. .

Crankin, I'm still loving mine 2.5 years later. It is a Project One.

[VeganBikeChick]

Dear Current Employer,

The pay rate you offered me today to switch to a department I love working in is a slap in the face. To make $10/hr less working every full weekend, nights? Are you crazy? And to have taken a $16/hr paycut to move here? I love Colorado, but their treatment of nurses is abominable. Looks like I'll be heading back to the PNW, back to all of my friends and a liveable wage. So tired of moving! At least I have it down to a science now.

Another (CO) nurse bites the dust.

[katluvr]

Dear "Friends",
I have tried to stay in touch. I invite you to our usual Sunday night beer nights. I keep trying to keep the friendship going. I reach out. I try to plan things. Sometimes I get a response, sometimes not. I see you have new friends, new groups that you hang with (thanks FB). I try to "like" or comment on your posts. You don't seem to have time to "like" or comment on mine. Maybe we are not friends. I know I am tried of trying. Maybe we weren't really that good of friends. Maybe there are better people for me to spend my time with. If you still want to be my friend, do things with me, if you care...the balls in your court. I am moving on!
K

[Sky King]

Right up there with the "friends" who are only around when they need you to do something for them

Dear "Friends",
I have tried to stay in touch. I invite you to our usual Sunday night beer nights. I keep trying to keep the friendship going. I reach out. I try to plan things. Sometimes I get a response, sometimes not. I see you have new friends, new groups that you hang with (thanks FB). I try to "like" or comment on your posts. You don't seem to have time to "like" or comment on mine. Maybe we are not friends. I know I am tried of trying. Maybe we weren't really that good of friends. Maybe there are better people for me to spend my time with. If you still want to be my friend, do things with me, if you care...the balls in your court. I am moving on!
K

[snapdragen]

Right up there with the "friends" who are only around when they need you to do something for them

Thankfully, I've managed to shed those types. It's amazing what getting sick does to your "friend" pool.