The 4-Hour Mechanic

Where do I begin? The last post was almost three weeks ago, so I Nick and Ali have been prodding me to write something. Well, I guess the turtle is as good a place as any to pick back up at. About two weeks ago I was feeding the koi in my pond. I noticed something swimming around, but it took my brain a few moments to register what was going on. I finally realized what I was seeing -- a snapping turtle, approximately 18" in diameter! I have actually seen him in there once or twice before, but only for a fleeting instance, although I had no idea that it actually LIVED in my pond! I have waded in there before to move rocks, etc. -- never realizing what lurked below the surface. I called to Ali, knowing that we wouldn't have much time before he disappeared below. She was expecting a small box turtle -- she was definitely surprised! She calls it my "dinosaur" -- I feel as though I am living next to Loch Ness. I have seen him/her there several times since that sighting. I have a feeling that it has resided in the pond for the past several years. I have not lost any koi or other fish, so I am guessing that he lives off the koi food (I witnessed him inhaling pellets when I took this photo). I will be buying several dozen feeder fish just to make sure, though! Who needs a guard dog? I have a guard turtle living by my front porch! I would much rather take on a dog than this thing any day! The research I have done states that they are only aggressive when on land. I don't intend to test this theory!

We have been rocking at the shop the past several weeks! I have a feeling that the extreme heat might slow things down a bit, but things are great so far. I have had to stay late a few nights, but otherwise things have been running incredibly smoothly with just Nick and myself. He has everything down to a science, and we have a blast. He knows what I need and when, and he does an excellent job handling the floor while I tackle repairs. His mechanical abilities are increasing rapidly, too! We have about 20 new bikes in boxes in the warehouse, so he will be getting a crash course in bike building very shortly. I am willing to work 6-7 days a week until next year, which will allow me to invest more into the business. Alan has been a huge help, working Saturdays and/or Sundays to fill in the gaps.

Speaking of the warehouse, Nick, Alan, Keaton, and I moved the 600 gallon aquarium to a 10'x10' storage space last night. That was one heck of a job! There are actually three main parts to the aquarium -- the base, the middle platform, and the aquarium itself. The last time we moved everything from a storage unit to the new warehouse, we ripped one of the four wheels off. I thought that we would have plenty of space in the warehouse, but we need every square inch for the racking and shelves. We tore off another of the wheels this trip, leaving us with only two. Since the aquarium probably weighs at least 250lbs and is extremely bulky, this was no easy feat! However, we were able to successfully move everything without any injuries. We deserved that dinner afterward! I am indebted to those guys for their help!

While everyone indulged in beer and food at the tavern, I ate my salad and drank water. Why? I have finally decided that it is time to get back in shape. Most people would say that I am already in good condition physically -- maybe by society's standards. However, I know where I have been, and where I want to be. Working to build my business over the past several years, I have neglected this area of my life. I have had time to ride, run, and workout, but I just haven't been able to get serious about it. I could have woken early to accomplish these before work, but I'll admit it -- I am just worn out. My business is finally to a point where it is very smooth and efficient, and I have been yearning to get back to my former self. I had heard about The 4-Hour Work Week (by Timothy Ferriss) from a friend a few years ago, but I had never picked up the book. Outside magazine had an article about Ferris this month, and I read about his new book, The 4-Hour Body. I was skeptical about some of the claims in the book, but I decided to purchase a copy for my Kindle (I have been devouring books on a variety of topics lately). Ferriss is a believer in maximizing efficiency in life, so I can't wait to read the copy of The 4-Hour Work Week.

Previously, the most logical diet books I have read are Body for Life and The Abs Diet. While the Atkins Diet may work, it is still lacking in my opinion. Protein is great and carbs can be bad, but that diet takes it a little too far. The South Beach Diet just seems like too much work, and the dietary requirements do not seem to be easily sustainable. I have always been a believer in the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) principle in my life. Whether it is repairing bikes, working on computers, brewing beer, or eating, people try to make things overly complicated. I have been working around bicycles for 25 years. Know how many shift levers I have seen which were causing a bike to shift incorrectly (other than old grease in the pawls)? ZERO. Absolutely none. Sure, the lever may be worn out and not engaging. However, literally 95% of the shifting problems I have encountered with bikes come down to one of three things -- bent derailleur hanger, bad housing, or bad cable. That is it -- period! I want a diet to be the same -- simple, easy, and logical. No fluff or magic. Ferris nails it. Plus, most importantly, I get to PIG OUT one day a week!!! Not just indulge -- I can eat or drink ANYTHING all day long!!! Impossible? I doubt it -- his logic and scientific research are solid. The best part is that my girlfriend is a culinary genius and plans to make me creations on this diet which actually TASTE GOOD!!! How lucky am I?!

The Bicycle Doctor bicycle lives again! My Blue AC1 has full SRAM Red with Zero Gravity Red Devil Brakes, so I needed a beater. I moved the parts over from my Storck Absolutist 1.0 to the shop bike. With a complete SRAM Rival group and Mavic R-Sys wheels, it still only weighs 16.4lbs with pedals! Wow! Now I just need to ride, huh?

Ryan brought by his titanium hand cycle, hoping that we could help him install pedals. The holders for his feet were not safe on fast descents -- he actually had a foot bounce out at almost 40mph and drag behind him. Luckily, he wasn't hurt, but he did realize that he needed to improve the design. Once again, the machine shop next door to us came to the rescue! Within 24 hours, Dave was able to manufacture custom inserts out of aluminum, which will allow Ryan to clip in with standard pedals and shoes. Having been a professional road bicycle racer before his injury allows him to use his past experience to innovate the chairs. Who knows? We might be able to market something like this. If nothing else, it means a lot to be able to help him when we can.

Now for my (short) rant section... Things I hate:

• Kids straight out of college who think they are entitled to anything -- a job, weekends off, an easy life, etc., etc., etc. If there is one thing I know for a fact about life -- you don't deserve one single thing. People in this country think they are too good to work or get their hands dirty. I worked VERY hard for my degrees, and I am extremely proud of them. Yet, I get my hands (very) dirty every single day to achieve my goals. I am not too good for anything. No one is.
• People who think their personal problems allow them to treat others poorly.
• The general whining in this country. The litigious society we have formed. The belief that there is a medical solution for everything. "My son is not a bad kid who eats far too much sugar -- he has ADD." America -- stop whining and get off your ass and fix your life. It isn't easy, but it is worth it. Then we die.

This brief excerpt from Conan O'Brien's commencement speech at Dartmouth College is excellent:



Otherwise, things are great. Spent a wonderful Father's Day with Ali's family on their sailboat at Lake Lanier. Think being at the lake in 95 degree weather makes it feel less hot? You are COMPLETELY wrong!!! However, it was a perfect day, nonetheless! Steaks and gin and tonic -- need I say more?