by
roynelson
@ Wednesday, Nov. 01, 2006 - 00:26:44
Well,im always going to remember this Eve of All Saints day.
A month ago,a customer turned up on a bike.
It was in a terrible condition.The tyres were very low in pressure.The engine had barely any oil.There was an eletrical fault and one of the front indicators was smashed.
He asked for help with the indicator.
My friend sorted that quickly and repaired the ignition fault,too.
I put air in his tyres,topped up the oil and lubed his chain.
We did this as an act of kindness and courtesy.For all this,including the price of an indicator lens,we asked £5.
He was freaking while we worked on his bike.Complaining that he had no money.He jabbered on about doing the 'knowledge',where people wishing to become black cab drivers ride round London memorising streets and routes.In a few years,they hopefully pass an Exam and become taxi drivers,capable of earning £1ooo a week.For that they have to put in the hours but eh ?
We told him all he was paying for was the lens.
He listened when we pointed out the things that were dangerous or illegal.The bikes MoT was up soon and they needed repair.
He negotiated a price and booked a day to do it.
Because he was coming in again,i didnt take any money off him.Just let him go with a wave.
He didnt turn up !
Luckily,other people turned up needing bits and there was no two hour hole in our day.
I rang him the next day.He cut off the call when i told him who i was.We took it on the chin,as we sometimes have to do.
He turned up today,wearing a balaclava under his helmet.With only his eyes showing he asked me for the price of a rear tyre.His was now totally bald.
I recognised him and reminded him of the £5 owed.He apologised for not turning up telling me of a crisis.
A phone call would have been appreciated.He replied he didnt have our number.
My friend told him the price.We only stock brand tyres.We dont put anything on a customers bike that we wouldnt put on our own.Safety first-tyres and brakes.Spare no expense.
He told us he could get an unbranded tyre for £4 less up the road.Good Luck mate.He handed over the Fiver and left.
Twat,i thought.
One of my jobs is to take bikes to a MoT station.Just before noon I walked in the shop and there he was,giving their staff a hard time.His bike had failed its MoT and he was doing his routine asking for a cheap price.
I helped move his bike slightly so a bike could pass.He thanked me then left the shop.
I vowed then not to have him in the workshop again.
On my return,I was shocked to see his bike outside.My friend had agreed to do the work for him.Shit.
We WILL go out of our way to help people.My friend began the business to make money.He soon realised that was impossible-with his attitude.He will not burn anyone and always tries to help.
I love that attitude,especially in greedy,cold London.Thats why I am there,helping him create a Beacon of Light,if you will.
Today,we were also working on a 10 year old bike.It is immaculate and does very few miles per year.Riding it back to its owner after we had finished for the day,I was hit in the back with what i thought was a stone.Thrown by a group of five/six lads.I was shocked and pulled into petrol station on the other side of the road.
It was an egg.Covering the seat and my trousers,then falling onto the exhaust pipes,frying with the heat.One egg but what a mess.
I returned and with my mate cleaned it up.It wasnt easy and im sure we will have to do more tomorrow.
Now,im writing this for the future,when i can remember and laugh about it.
Right now,im just tired and pissed off.