I don’t dress particularly well, I don’t flaunt items of value or importance, and I don’t have “expensive taste” in the common sense of the phrase. I do own a lot of bikes, top-range electronic equipment, and I eat a lot… so in the less common sense of the phrase, all I do is spend money like it’s going out of style. The way I reconcile my inadvisable spending habits is through one line of thought: performance! I care deeply about my equipment and its quality i.e. ability to withstand being used as a tool, not a jewel. I also really like being in shape and feeling healthy. Neither of these comes without cost.
What does this all have to do with literally the cheapest part on my bike? Everything. That little bottom cap is not trying to be trendy or ironic, I’m not even really making a statement. To me, it is symbolic of fun. PBR was the beer that all the dudes used to drink in the pits when I was still a wee Jr. X racer. It was an icon of good times. On my 21st birthday, I had my first (two) beers, ever: pints of PBR. Nowadays, I hardly touch alcohol; No particular reason, it’s just the way of things. But that top cap, like a jalopy car, looking a little battered and worn but still sporting its character, reminds me of many happy times and the new, hilarious ones still to come.
A little reminder…
I’m currently stepping into other professional shoes in order cull some of the debt I incurred from the above-mentioned habits and personal tastes. I wouldn’t have it any other way, and my little stem cap reminds me of that each time I see it!
Muscle guy; measure guy; water guy. It’s a solid crew and a productive way to work off the price of happiness.
