On the New Year
Ah, the New Year. A time for rebirth and new goals. A time to review last year and make changes so that the next year will be better. Perhaps, even a time to remember our resolutions from a year ago and to determine, perhaps painfully, how successful or not we were with actuating them. It is a time to take chances….to push ourselves to our limits in the name of self-improvement.Which brings me to the topic of this month’s Corner. I received a call on December 30th from my good friend Dave ‘Bikeman’ Richardson. (For more about him, see under ‘Team in Training’ above). He asked me if I was sitting down. I sat. He proceeded to tell me that he had sold his bike store. I was indeed glad that my butt was planted as I did get a bit lightheaded. Dave began many years ago by purchasing the small but popular Lutherville Bike Shop. His business and clientele grew requiring that he move to a larger and frankly more posh location, just a few blocks south on York Road. He began doing in-house bike fits and upgrading his bike selections to more top end brands. All the while, he kept ‘good service’ as his calling card. A friendly knowledgeable staff with quick turn around on repairs as well as guaranteed customer satisfaction. He had reached the pinnacle of his business. And now he has retired.After I had recovered from the shock, I asked him what had fueled such a change. His reply was simply that he had achieved everything he could in the biking business and felt that it was time to do something else. And what might that be,’ I asked. I have no idea came the reply. The great operatic singer, Beverly Sills wears a bracelet. It says…’I.D.T.A.’ She got it after she retired from singing opera at what most feel the top of her form. She got tired of answering the question ‘How could you have stopped singing at the top of your career’? I Did That Already was her reply. And so I applaud you, Bikeman….or should I say ex-Bikeman. Your Chutzpah, which is Jewish for Chutzpah, is admirable. I am glad that I had the opportunity to finance much of your children’s education (yes Lisa and Jeff, you ARE welcome). I am glad that you are moving on to another phase of your life. You and your lovely bride Fran are truly a model for what I think most married people would like to be. And you know I must mean this, as you can’t give me any discounts any more.
And so now, I need to go and meet Ron, the new owner. You know how I hate giving my money to strangers.
