RogueMechanic

More Atlanta Information

As I mentioned in a prior post, my first scheduled time in Atlanta is just about two weeks away.  Since this is just around the corner, I wanted to take some time to better explain what RogueMechanic is all about.

I do bike repairs, maintenance, and custom builds.  The majority of my jobs involve road and multi-sport but I also work on a lot of CX and mountain bikes.  Here in CLE, I seem to have cornered the “problem solver” market.  By this I mean that I get the bikes that have an issue that the local bike shops can’t solve.

I’m an alternative to taking your bike to a bike shop.  I am by all means not anti LBS.  Some of them are my best customers.  The fact of the matter is that most local bike shops focus more on sales and recreational bikes and just do not have the time and the resources to maintain and/or troubleshoot high end bikes.  That’s where I come in.

I am a BBI Certified Mechanic with over 26 years experience.  I've been told that I take what I do too seriously... guilty as charged.  I believe that without trust you have nothing.  Trust is earned, not assumed.  What I do is built upon trust and integrity.  You can be the best mechanic in the world, but if you can’t be trusted, you’re worthless. 

In order to get the ball rolling in ATL, I’m offering a special price for my Complete Tune.  If you book a Complete Tune for January 18-19^th, you will get $50 off.  This is a huge deal.  Additionally, I am working on a referral reward program.  I’ll get those details out as soon as possible.  In the mean time, hit me up with any questions. 

RogueMechanic in Atlanta

After bouncing the idea around in my head for quite some time, it is finally going down.  I am excited about the opportunities and potential for growth in Atlanta, so I’m heading South.  Here's the scoop so far...

When: January 18th-19th, 2013

Where:  Still to be determined.   I can say that for now, it's going to be inside the Perimeter.

How:  By appointment only, with limited availability.  Contact me to reserve your spot as soon as possible.  Pick-up and delivery service will be added in the future once I get up and running-  for now I will need for you to drop your bike off at a location TBD.  If this works out, I can see being in Atlanta 8-10 times a year

My MO is to provide a verbal estimate, and then require verbal approval before I start working on your bike.  Estimates will typically be given when you drop off your bike, but there are situations in which I will need to do a more detailed inspection of your bike.  If this is the case, I will contact you with the estimate as soon as possible, and will only proceed once you’ve approved.  To get an idea of my rates, here's a link to my service menu.  Like I tell my new clients here in CLE, I expect to earn your trust...I do not assume it.  I'm looking forward to building new relationships within the cycling and multi-sport community in Atlanta. 

Lastly, If my schedule allows, I might also have a meet and greet at a local adult beverage establishment during one of the evenings that I'm there.   Follow me on Twitter at @RogueMechanic for any updates or announcements.  To book an appointment for your bike, email me at roguemechanic@gmail.com or call me at 440-503-6257. 

 

Thoughts about Race Across the Sky Movie

As probably all of you know, the premier showing on the big screen of Race Across the Sky happened last Thursday in many theaters nationwide.  Up front, I have to admit that I was fairly pumped to see it, especially after watching the trailer more than once.

This years LT100 race was different for me than the other five that I had attended over the years.  This is because it was the first time being there for the event and not racing.  My reason for being there was to prep some bikes the day before and to crew the day of the race.  I have to admit, that it was pretty cool seeing it from a different perspective and worlds easier.

Now, after seeing it and letting it sink in for a few days I'd like to share with you my perspective.  First, let me say that I can't really complain about ANY movie on the big screen having to do with the LT100.  How cool is that! I bet Ken and Merilee are thrilled to have this amount of exposure for the event that they put a ton of effort into.  I am very happy for them.  But..... I would be lying if I said that I wasn't more than a little disappointed when the screen when black after Ken pulled the trigger on the scattergun, and here's why.

I think that the producers might have missed focus about what this race is all about for the vast majority of those who go out to tackle this event.  We all know that Lance, Wiens, and Brown can ride fast and kick butt on any given day.  Why focus the vast majority on them?  They ride for a living.  The rest of us who suffer like dogs do not.  I'm not blind to the fact that having Lance in the movie will definitely sell tickets and put butts in the seats, and that can't be ignored.  So, here are a few things that I think were missed (or ended up on the editing floor) that I believe might have played a significant role it the other "ninety percenters":

• Signing in at the starting line, and the nervousness of the start mid-pack and back...
• The bare-knuckled narrow rocky descent back down from the columbine checkpoint when you have riders pushing their bikes on your left...
• The first aid tent at the finish...
• Merilee draping the finishers medals on the riders after they cross the finish line.
• The awards ceremony with the handing out of the buckles and the sweatshirts with your name and finishing time...
• Something about the rider(s) who can see the finish line when they hear the BOOM.
• The Last Ass Over the Pass award (Last rider to finish under the 12 hour mark)...

To wrap this up, all in all, it was good, but I thought that maybe having the Last Ass over the Pass winner and the person who was the first to miss out on the coveted La Plata Grande with Lance, Dave, Travis, et al during the discussion after the movie would have been the icing...

RogueMechanic at 2009 Leadville 100

I was able to make a quick trip out to Leadville this year to crew for two buddies and to prep bikes for other riders that where there.  It was the first time for me being there at the race without racing... wow... what a completely different perspective!  Anyway, I kinda threw this video together in minimal time and effort.  I set up "camp" just outside the pipeline checkpoint (outbound) and was able to catch Lance both outbound and inbound.  Check out the video at approx 4:34 and see what I was able to come away with (photo below)... Very cool!  Anyway, bottom line is that both Chris and Marcus was able to come back to Leadville this year to finally claim the Silver Buckle that has been just out of reach in past attempts.  Did I miss not racing this time around?  Maybe just a little.  Did being there put a spark back in me to do this event for the 6th time? Maybe... Finally, check out the "guest" appearance at the end of the video.  Enjoy!!!

Here's what Lance didn't need to bring home the win in record time...