DEAR EDITOR:
Some days just present us with certain challenges that tend to
deflate our spirits. This is the way my Super Bowl Sunday
began.
DEAR EDITOR:
Some days just present us with certain challenges that tend to deflate our spirits. This is the way my Super Bowl Sunday began. I had broken down earlier in the evening in my truck, the undiagnosed problem became glaringly apparent to me. I was the victim of inept auto thieves and my ignition system had experienced complete meltdown.
I missed the rear side window broken in yesterday evening’s darkness. Following a two-hour plus wait on the side of the road for the bargain tow service that quoted “20 minutes, sir,” I felt the rate of deflation increase at a rabbit’s pace. Some straws break the camel’s back and mine was starting to ache.
Everyone I know of was off to a Super Bowl party. Not having close to the correct change for the #68 Valley Transit bus, not willing to pay $20 for a bus ride, and confronted with a bus driver who “drove by the rules” left me with one choice … the ancient nomadic form … on foot!
So there I was, 45 years old, stressed, less than acceptable aerobic condition, and my spirit now comparable to yesterday’s party balloon, walking four plus miles down Monterey Highway to a steep right turn on First Street, which soon led me by complete coincidence to the door of Sunshine Bicycles. It was here at this established local merchant that the first rays of sunshine peeked through the clouds of this dark and dreary day.
I was greeted inside by Norman Currie and he proceeded to show me gorgeous fine-tuned cycles in a wide array of styles, colors, and costs. I had to interrupt Norman and sheepishly explain my current dilemma combined with taxed finances and certain high costs to repair my truck.
I could nil afford such luxuries. Norman excused himself to the back of the store and in a few short moments returned with a beautiful, mechanically sound, and soon to be life impacting mountain bike for me at a price that earned him my complete customer loyalty and deep gratefulness.
I had forgotten just how exhilarating, economical, healthy and just plain fun bicycling is. I now ride daily and reap it’s great rewards both physically and mentally … gotta love those endorphines baby. I have made a personal commitment to train and enter a mini-triathlon this spring for fun. The experience is being shared with my children and it affords us true healthy quality time together with positive results.
I challenge the community to provide a bit more road respect to all the bicyclists sharing the asphalt with you … give us a brake and a thumbs up. Please try getting on your bikes again for those short trips around town … help spare the air, and of course please support our quality local merchants such as “Sunshine Bicycles” providing quality products, fantastic service and fair prices. Thank you Norman, you have made a difference in my life.
Brian J. Elsbree, Gilroy
Submitted Monday, Feb. 9
