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Remember when the first car that drove by would stop to help, if you were broke down? On my way home from work yesterday, I saw an elderly woman standing by her car on the side of the road. I almost drove right past, but something said stop. Upon asking, it seemed she had a flat tire. She didn't exactly seem thrilled that I had stopped, not at first anyway. But once I offered to change the tire for her, she seemed to warm. Turns out her spare was also flat. So I suggested we take both to a near by tire shop. Once there the fix was easy, inexpensive and quick. On the way back she admitted to me that at first she wondered if I was up to no good, and had been wary of my real motive. I told her I completely understood, but how sad is that? Not everything about the "Old Days" was good, but I sure miss the good deeds. I learned about doing good deeds from my Parents and from Cub/Boy Scouts. Do kids learn about good deeds today? The woman (Beverly) offered me $20.00, and was almost miffed at my refusal to take it. Until I explained that not only would my Mother be appalled, but that the kindness is and should be it's own reward. I could tell by the glint in her eye that she was thrilled that "her era" was not completely gone. As for me...I've strangely been on cloud nine since. I often struggle at being the person I aspire to be, but today I feel good. Teach your kids about the value of good deeds. As they are not just one sided affairs. Off to save the world, one flat at a time.

The more I read about Dave Kirk, the more I want one of his bikes. Just sounds like a good guy. I am now just waiting for my new wheels. I decided to go with Brent's friend Troy for the build. He has come up with a cool, at least I think so, solution to the weight the wheels have to carry. I will post pics when they get here next week.

"We're sorry....the number you requested is not in service. Snow will continue for the foreseeable future." Un...believable..... Mother Nature is seriously pissed at us.

Finally signed up for a bike locker at the train station. Hope to start my mini commute next week. Need to figure the best way to transport ipad, etc. comfortably while on the bike. Any of you guys have bike bags (pannier or wearable) that you recommend?

Don't misunderstand me, I don't feel that it's a shame we feel frightened about stopping to help someone. I feel that it's a shame that we need to feel frightened to help. And I don't condone anyone putting themselves in any kind of danger. Each situation should be individually assessed, and any doubt should rule out. When I lived in Portland, OR I was driving downtown one night, when I came across a woman with her car hood up. She tried to flag me down, even jumping in front of my car. Something just didn't feel right, and she seemed way to aggressive for a woman surrounded by open businesses, where she couldv'e gone to call for help. I continued down the street and noticed two large guys peeking around the corner. I'm certain that was a robbery setup. Yesterdays situation looked harmless, as I had full view of her car and the surrounding area. So I took a chance.

Thanks for posting that Steve. Good to hear the "good old days" aren't gone. Back in the 1980s I was driving a motor home back from the Kentucky Derby. Not too far north of Louisville the transmission started going. I pulled over at the first exit and stopped at a local diner. Asked who I should call. Called the guy and he said to meet him down at his shop. Drove the two blocks and in pulled the owner of the shop in a brand new Lincoln Town Car. He checked things over, told me he didn't do transmission work but would have it towed to a friend's transmission shop on Monday. Not safe to drive. He then asked if we wanted to rent a car. Yes, we sure would. After telling us the closest rental was in Louisville he handed the keys to his Lincoln over and told us to put the keys in the mail slot when we dropped it off. This we did. As a follow up the transmission guy was great, worked cheaply compared to the shops we knew back home and did a great job. Good guy! Last year driving home from my trailer on a Sunday morning a van was broke down beside the road. A chubby mother with three young children were standing beside it. I pulled over. Offered to let her use my cell phone and then asked if she needed a ride. Moved car seats from her van to my truck and off we went to her church. No big deal for me. A few minutes of my time and a minor detour to take her to church. Their relief and safety ... priceless.

STFU!