{"id":539,"date":"2007-05-06T21:17:02","date_gmt":"2007-05-07T03:17:02","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/outsidecat.com\/wordvehicle\/archives\/539"},"modified":"2007-05-06T21:18:56","modified_gmt":"2007-05-07T03:18:56","slug":"hey-i-got-a-new-job-i-mean-another-new-job-im-a-mechanic-im-not-kidding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outsidecat.com\/wordvehicle\/archives\/539","title":{"rendered":"Hey. I got a new job. I mean, another new job. I’m a mechanic. I’m not kidding."},"content":{"rendered":"

I decided a few weeks ago that getting a part-time job at a bike shop for the summer would be a good idea. After reviewing this, I decided that it actually was a good idea. I’d meet other human beings, I’d learn how to fix bikes, and I’d give Jstar<\/a> more time to work without being interrupted. All fantastic things.<\/p>\n

Maybe two weeks ago, on the way home from Lee’s Market<\/a> (it’s like Whole Foods, only indie and local, therefore even better) I decided to stop at the nearby bike shop. I walked in, explained that I was a full-time librarian who wanted to work part time – and BAM. I had a new job.<\/p>\n

I was a wee bit nervous about working there, because I’m not a roadie or a racer, but the owner is impassioned to provide accessibility to biking for everyone, so I convinced myself that I’m a legitimate commuter, and that’s my angle. I don’t own spandex, or shave my legs, but I do know the perfect kind of skirt material and cut to bike to work in.<\/p>\n

Anyway, it was awesome. The crew at the shop are really nice and not at all roadie-snobby. We listened to reggae (SB would have thrown up) and the second disc of an Ani Difranco live album, if that’s an indication of the variance and awesomeness.<\/p>\n

So I thought I’d probably end up a sales girl, despite my indication towards maintenance, but I spent the whole day tuning bikes. My bikety sensei was a good explainer, and by the end of the day, I had fused together a lot of previous bits of knowledge. I think I was at the cusp of a basic understanding of bike mechanics, and today really gelled it. For instance, I know about truing wheels from hanging out at Bruce’s in C-U, but I had never trued my own wheels. I knew what a ‘cone’ was from my new friend Matt, but I didn’t really know how to use a cone wrench, and I have definitely never taken apart a wheel to the point that I could see vulnerable, naked bearings looking up at me thirstily as I bestowed grease upon them. I really hope I remember all of this tomorrow.<\/p>\n

So I’m jazzed about what I learned today, and about my coworkers, and about this little side job. Now my goal is to get all good at being a librarian and shit, same with the bikety bikety, and then move to Iowa City or wherever and be a part-time librarian (and god knows, there are LOTS of part-time positions) and also run a bike shop. With Wadsbone. And Allison. And Alena and Anton. And the McQuerdas. And we live on a commune. And all my other friends come to visit during the summer and we all go on bike rides. *Falls over in happiness*<\/p>\n

In the meantime, I’m feeling (positive) pressure to ride more, so I Bikely’d myself a little route to the shop. Enjoy.<\/p>\n

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\nBike to bike work<\/a><\/span>
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