What an odd yet exhilerating day. The oddness was work - which was amazingly casual. I managed to finally clean up my desk and organize things, even had my computer defragged and email archived. During this process, one of our favorite clients came by to go over a few things - but was preoccupied by a triathalon (his first) he's doing this weekend. I caught part of this discussion when he called me in to help him order a bike for the cycling part of the triathalon (it's a casual, "starters for newbies" charity event that he described, he's doing it with a friend). I said, how can I help? He understands very well that I do a lot of cycling and sequestered my advice - then just flat out asked - can you help me buy a bike this afternoon? How could I say no - he's a client, and I have the knowlege. So we shuttled off to Performance Bikes after a few phone calls. What I thought was going to be a casual quick extended long lunch break with this client, turned into a full afternoon of getting him completely set up.

We went to the Performance store in Reston and we settled on a bike - a 2005 Fuji Roubaix, with carbon fork, carbon seat stays, but he's a tall man and needed a 60cm frame. The bike store called around and found the same bike at their sister store in Tysons Corner. I helped him get all the usual bike shit - tubes, patch kit, gloves, tire levers, mini pump, and a saddle pouch to carry it all - he bought me a few water bottles in gratitude then we drove over to Tysons. Now, a quick note about this client - he's very multitasking oriented, and high maintenance. He drives while answering emails on his blackberry, driving with his knees. At one point, he said "grab the wheel while I answer this" so he could draft an email on his blackberry. It was too funny.

We got to Tysons, the bike was already being prepped - and pedals were put on, all the mechanics there know me by name. It was reassuring to him as I continued to help him get all the things he needed. Including a bike rack, helmet, gel packs, power bars, et al. Finally got it all out to the car - assembled the bike rack and put the bike on it. He said "how sexy!" (red Pontiac Grand Am, bike rack with a red Bike - he has a red helmet, and had earlier in the week - he and his buddy had custom triathelete cycling outfits made in red). On the drive back to the office, he asked - so you up for a quick ride tonight? Sure why not, how far ya want to go? He was like, only 10 miles. Cool (will be just my warm up ride).

Got back to the office @ 4:00 - and no pressing business - while he called and ordered the same bike, rack, helmet, et al for his triathelete buddy. He said "you just made a $3,000 sale. We laffed. I asked him what his wife would think of his purchases - le laffed, "naw - she has her hobbies, I have mine". I finished up what I could and then suited up - we headed out. On this "quick" 10 mile ride, I wore his ass out, but he kept up and loves the challenge and was very thrilled with his new bike, and all he was needing to set up. I said farewell as he put his bike on his bike rack, and I went another 34 miles (he thinks I'm a freak).

The weather was amazing - perfect sunset, warm weather. Life is good.

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