I miss my days working in the back shop of a ski or bike shop. Working on gear, making it work better or in some cases just trying to make it work. Fixing skis that the owner thought might be in need of burial. It's a good feeling to get somebodies gear in working condition again.
I always enjoyed the look of pure joy when someone came back to get the diagnosis, fearful that it was time to buy a new pair of skis to replace that favorite pair, only to learn that their sticks were ready for another day out on the hill or on the trail. They would gladly settle the bill and be on their way, ready for adventure. In those cases it was not uncommon for the customer to return with a gift, usually in the form of a six pack of micro brew that would then be shared by the crew working the repair shop.
It always amazed me how much I appreciated this gesture, and how it would often translate into me doing freebies for that customer, who was now a friend of the shop. It wasn't that they went out and spent money on us, it was the fact that they appreciated what we did and went out of their way to pick a little something up for us to show that appreciation.
Gone are my days in the back shop, at least for now, but now I'm on the other end dropping off my gear for a little love from the guys running the grinder. With that I am now the one picking up the beer to say thank you, and I do it with a smile knowing what it means to those guys and gals.
With that, I need to pick up a 6 pack of Pigs Ear and swing by to pick up my skis, as tomorrow is a ski day.
Sven
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