Dave: What’s wrong?
Me: My derailer snapped off between a couple rocks. I had to run the last two miles. (I pull the mauled, decapitated derailer from my jersey pocket.)
Dave: (Thoughtfully examining the mess) Hmm … .
Then, from behind …
Matt: I’ve got a spare.
Me: (Surprised) Matt!
It’s Matt Lodder, proprietor of Cary Cycle Surgeon, who’s racing in the Men’s Duo category and is awaiting his partner to return. Though he may be racing, like any dedicated wrench, he’s always on call.

Matt: It’s in my van. I’ll be back.
Meanwhile, Dave begins unscrewing the remains of the derailer hanger, which has also snapped. He ducks into the mobile unit and returns with a replacement, which he begins screwing into place. Slowly, the realization that my day, with just one lap under my belt, may not be over.
Me: I … I’m going back out?
Matt: (Again, surprising me from the rear) Here it is. It’s a used DX, but it should get you through the race.
Meanwhile, another mechanically challenged racer hobbles in.

Dave: Matt, he needs help. Here — (Dave tosses Matt an Allen wrench; Matt rushes to the stricken cyclist’s aid and begins triage.)

Me: Wow, I can’t believe I smashed my derailer and I get to keep racing. It’s really —
Dave: (Taking my bike off the rack) You’re ready. Better get going.
Me: What do I owe you? (Bracing for astronomical sum for emergency roadside assistance, a sum I’m only too happy to pay.)
Dave: A hanger is $10.
Me: And labor?
Dave: Ha! Just $10. You can catch up with me later. Now go!
Me: (Choking up) You … you guys are the best! I won’t forget you!

Thanks to Trek of Raleigh, thanks to Cary Cycle Surgeon (Performance and The Bicycle Chain were also on hand), thanks to their support of the local cycling community by supporting events such as 6 BC I was able to keep racing on Saturday.  Was it Price Point who bailed me out in a pinch? Was it Colorado Cyclist who laughed at my inquiry about labor? So is it Price Point or Colorado Cyclist  I’ll be patronizing for my new derailer?

I think not.

Photo: Dave Naderman of Trek Bicycles of Raleigh works feverishly under primitive conditions to get my bike back in shape for Saturday’s 6BC mtb race.

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