Pedal Strike

Believe it or not, I’ve sort of been trying to avoid cookies. Or, eating cookies, rather.

I haven’t gone so far as to give them up for Lent, but a desire to lose the winter weight has me sort of watching what I eat. Sort of. Because after my first hour-long ride [perhaps ever, because I can’t really remember the last time I’ve done that], I’ll drop by IBC partially for some promised cookies.

And not just any cookies, but the hotly discussed [at least at IBC] Newman O’s. Oreo’s cousin if it was organic and actually tasted like real food. I ate four. Yeah, four. Because when delicious cookies come in a huge ziplock bag and are tucked away at a bike mechanic’s work station, well, they become that much more irresistible.

The strategic placement of those cookies meant that I was standing behind the counter, in biker gear and almost looking like I knew what I was doing. When customers came in, and all the actual employees were busy, I consequently looked like the lazy douchebag employee who refused to ask the obligatory “How can I help you today?”

Chris later came up with the idea that [given the fact that I can’t work at IBC even though he insists on telling me I should every single time I see him] I should just tell people I’m the IBC mascot. Thus, I’m required to hang out and represent IBC, but am completely unable to actually help out any customers.

I like that idea. That means I can hang out endlessly and watch my friends work/ride my bike around the store/fix stuff [note that Chris looks like he’s on a mini bike because he’s about a foot taller than me]. Just when I was getting a little sad that soon [after the completion of my new bike], I may not have an excuse to drop by IBC “to see my new bike/take a look at the new part that came in/pay Erich,” I now have a reason to perpetually hang out. Behind the counter, even!

But only if cookies are supplied. Oh, and don’t forget the [good] energy bars!

[If you’re in the Boston area, come out to the Middlesex tonight to celebrate the publication of Volume 3 of Embrocation Cycling Journal!]

Tags:   bikes · cookies · hanging out · international bicycle center · mascot · newman o'sNo Comments