Moots Profiles
Every morning I sit at my desk picking at the emails that have sprouted overnight. My desk faces the open door of the sales floor, leading to the stairwell. Reliably, the third person to come upstairs every day is Caleb Franklin, lead finisher turned welder. Caleb is putting away his lunch for the day- which almost always includes cheese and crackers, and he’s followed by his ‘Short Tailed African Cougar Hound’ Luther –my favorite shop dog.
MORE>>
Slow, steady steps… Ka-Pow! And Sam is in a fine samurai stance at the top of the stairs. Outlined by the doorway, he reminds me of an extra from ‘Harry-Karry’. From karate chop position, he walks through the door and often we find ourselves saying, ‘Good Morning!’ with an overly extended wave that uses the whole arm. Naturally we’ve gone from ancient Asia to synchronized swimming moves without a flinch…
MORE>>
Dave and I share milk. He typically beats me to work by at least a couple of minutes, and is on his way to the coffee pot with a bag of Big Gear Grind by the time I lug my yawning self up the stairs.
MORE>>
Mail ride….
A quick run to town today on the winterized cross rig was the adventure of the day. I have a beat down set of wheels that have Nokian studded tires mounted on them year round...not meant for speed but will keep you upright on the slickest of days. Our little town of about 10,000 has been hit with a good number of storms in the last 2 weeks. The snow banks are noticeably higher this week vs. last week. The skiers are in heaven, and our city crew has been clearing the bike path with every passing storm. The path system stretches from one end of town to the other; totaling about 7-8 miles in length...it's a treat to be able to stay away from the cars and visitors that may not be so good with the winter driving skills. Winter has arrived! On my ride to the post office I pass by many "Ansel Adams" type settings....beautiful to say the least. Along the path is also the birthplace of Moots. Back in the day this is where it all started....nostalgia takes over and I think about the days when I worked in that building, and met my wife as the two of us had lunch at the picnic table out in front of the building. Originally called Sore Saddle Cyclery and now goes by the name Orange Peel Bicycle Service. They are one of Moots’ top 5 dealers in the country and very much worth a visit if you make it to Steamboat. They are the only year ‘round full service bike shop only in town. Today the store was manned by Bill, who is the right hand man to the owner Brock Webster. I really can’t write enough about the crew that works there and sees to it that the dedicated riders in our town keep on rollin’. On my way back from the post office a stiff head wind cut through all four layers of clothing I had piled on from the office. My “windproof” helmet, which consists of an old Giro helmet with clear packing tape over the entire shell, came in handy. Once I returned to the office I looked up the temperature on the web….10 degrees F with a -5 wind chill. Time for a hot cup of joe.Visit Orange Peel Bicycle Service: Orange Peel Bicycle Service
27 December 2007
| Comments (2)
|
Comments
Great story. For someone who has never been to Moots Country it is nice to be taken there in words.
There is this great magazine that only comes out once every 4 months. Mountain Flyer...and it has loads of local stuff for the 4 corners area. Orange Peel BS has this ad that always catches my eye. Loads of bikes crammed in around this huge pole. There is a Moots hanging up for sale almost like a shrine...or maybe that just because i am psycho about Moots.
Anyway I have like three of these magazines and that same ad always makes me wan tto visit that place. I had no idea it was housed in a famous place. (To us fans)
Thanks Jon for the words, you made my evening!
mad props to brock, who at this very moment is helping to tweak my mooto-x ybb ROHLOFF! woo hoo!