Last Updated on April 25, 2015 by stevehoggbikefitting.com
There is next to nothing to do with cycling in this post so don’t bother reading further if cycling or bike fitting is your sole interest in reading here.
On the top of the blog page it reads “Observations on bike fitting, cycling and life.” Since I started this blog, I’ve written a lot about bike fitting, a bit about beer, very little about cycling and nothing about life. So ‘life’ is the topic for today.
I’ve had the same best friend for 40 years. Pick and stick.
We haven’t always seen eye to eye, but each of us get over it and get on with our lives and our friendship because we value each others contributions to our lives more than the bullshit that happens occasionally when opinions differ and strong minded people fall out. The one thing I can say about my best friend is that once his word is given, it is forever, no matter what happens subsequently and and no matter what cost. Which is why he is my best friend. Pick and stick.
I like to think that I live up to the same example he sets, and though imperfectly, I try, which is probably why I am his best friend. Pick and stick.
We live in a world where self interest and the $ rule and a person’s word is negotiable. Name your price………… and there almost always is a price. If you meet someone who doesn’t have a price; pick and stick.
As my favourite modern philosopher, Nassim Nicholas Taleb says “Any friendship that ends wasn’t a friendship. There was at least one sucker in it.” One or both didn’t pick and stick.
So why the low key rant?
Several things have happened that have brought this topic into almost bas relief. Pick and stick.
If you are lucky enough to have good friends or a good wife or husband, hang on to them tight, because they’re aren’t many like them. Pick and stick.
How to relate this to bikes?
Well this isn’t about bikes but since I’ve raised the subject, buy a steel or titanium frame because they are real, not plastic, and properly designed and cared for, will give an unparalleled cycling experience for many years. Pick and stick.
Pick your friends and associates the same way. And stick.
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Lovely post. Made me take a moment to appreciate my friends. On the bike-related side, I recently restored an old steel Guerciotti (not particularly rare and certainly not expensive). I’ve bought and sold a few bikes since I got back into riding; but after a few months riding this one, the thought popped into my mind: I will never willingly part with this bike. I’ll pass it on in my will. Pick and stick.
Good rant Steve – I agree.
Thanks Tai and Craig. I know how you feel about your Guerciotti Tai. I have a Seven titanium frame and an old Moto Guzzi motorbike that will be mine until I fall off the perch.
You’ve stuck with me Steve for 15 years through thick n thin. I’m not going anywhere. I will eventually need to replace the frame(s) I’ve stuck with though! I give ’em a beating.
G’day Alex,
It has worked both ways. Not just from me to you. You’ve got
more tenacity than most I know.
Bravo re friends!
Re steel/titanium, the added benefit of it (Ti in particular) is that every 3-5 years you can get it re-painted into different colour and hey presto, a new bicycle for a few hundred dollars. A lot cheaper than other, more plastic, alternatives.
G’day Yuri,
I like it!. I’m running naked Ti; nothing to scratch. But there
are some simple paint schemes that do appeal.
Top post Steve.
As usual FANTASTIC observations from an extremely talented gent, Steve youve certainly been an inspiration and always great to talk with, I look forward to talking lots more. Cp
1996 Bontrager Ti Lite ATB. She is a little worn but still rides like a champ. I met “Bonnie” before Kelly (wife) and Paolo Minissi (boss/co-worker/best friend). All three are “pick and stick” material. And of course, Mr. Steve Hogg.
Well Steve, I just read your blog for the first time. After 40 years all I can say is thanks for the chess lesson this afternoon. 3 nothing. I am sure I will get over it by next month, Thanks for the kind words. Pick and stick says a lot. I like the new site. All the best
Cheers
Denis