: Local :
Posted: March 2, 2015 Filed under: Kindness, Meditation, Yoga | Tags: biking, cycling, Identity, nature, Omaha, social media, Support Local Business, writing 16 CommentsIt’s possible to walk out of your house with “local” footsteps, printing them one by one till they go on to make “global” consequences! Go, make a safe journey-
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I’m standing in a local bike shop, with narrow isles, bins and shelves filled with artifacts of a bygone world; hundreds of bicycling parts waiting to be saved and enjoyed once more. No fancy racks or displays showcasing the newest technology, grease stained shop rags tossed on a well used repair stand, an aging frame leaning in one corner, another new frame packed and ready for shipping to a new cyclist. There are quite a few customers of all ages steaming in early this morning as I think to myself – I have made the conscious decision of supporting my local shop instead of the convenience and bargains found online. And this experience, is what I prefer.
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Sheets of colorful cycling stickers and build sheets brighten the worn workbench. Vintage wheel-sets hang above the display cases below casting a playful glow from their chrome finish. And the superb aroma of chain cleaner and lubricants wafting in the air near the used bikes for sale on the shop floor. What better setting for a custom wheel build
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Daily Meditation:
While many of us mourn the loss of an expired Groupon deal or online savings code, I mourn the loss of a deeper social function in our society – Local workmanship and community. Local bike shops are struggling, yet they have something precious that is vanishing from our more digital and connected/convenient world – Real people, doing real, honest work. All of this is conveniently awaiting you at your local bike shop.
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Sincere gratitude and – Thank You – to the crew at Re-cycle Bike Shop here in our fair city – Omaha, NE. A big thanks to Onyx Racing Products, Velocity and Phil Wood & Co. for producing first-rate, Made in ‘Murica products. And what better way to test them by riding across a frozen lake in March!
CultFit 
Isn’t it beautiful, walking into a small business to transform whatever you’re purchasing into an “experience” rather than just have it be another transaction? Nothing beats shopping local.
I love it! Thank you for stopping over and hanging out for a spell – Take care 🙂
I am so appreciative of this writing. Will use and recommend these businesses. My husband has owned a small business for many years, and has noticed the change in people’s habits, from repair to throw away and buy new on line. Human contact, re-use what you have, and old style work ethic, so much better than ordering new on line!
Thanks for your post!
Its always a pleasure when you visit and thank you for your continued support!
I do some online shopping but also enjoy shopping locally as connecting with others is always my preferred way of living.
I’m a barging shopping fool online, although I’m gently weening myself away from it. The amount of time I spend looking and browsing or a “deal” can be better spent ordering a cup of coffee and chatting with a local merchant. My heart and spirit is longing to be filled with more than a transaction receipt sent via email 😉
This is the way I feel about bookstores…god I miss them! combing the aisles. reading every dust jacket, spending time talking with the owners helping to decide which boo suits my particular wont at the the moment…
I do my best and so often it is nearly impossible to shop locally for anything.
Thanks for the reminder, and the encouragement.
Goodness I love browsing old books stores here in Omaha. The visceral qualities as you so eloquently highlighted, are tangible and real … Time to go book shopping!
Kinda like Natural Cycleworks, huh?
I fell in love with this – http://www.cycleexif.com/mark-nobilette-gold-road
Check it out. =)
My home away from home 🙂
Awww…
Ok lol! That’s all I can say! 😉
How do you find cycling in the snow?
Pure bliss 🙂
Really? Weren’t you afraid of slipping? I am too scared to even ride in the rain!
Are you sure you want to open the Pandora’s Box of winter cycling? 😉
I thought about your question over a quick walk, without giving you some bloated, woefully self serving answer, telling tales of bike lore and crashes along the way … Don’t be afraid to dip your toes into the uncomfortable “things” in life. Be bold, be confident and most importantly – Be You 🙂
*Be honest – Is that a better answer than discussing proper tire PSI and pressure density at 970 feet MSL, with an ambient temp of 20 degrees Fahrenheit?*
Haha both answers would be perfectly appreciated!
I need two things in life: to be brave and secondly to do some proper research! Google here I come!