Hey Folks,

There’s a band from North Carolina called Sluice but I think it’s mostly just a guy name Justin Morris and in March they put out a record and on that record is a song called Ratchet Strap which is a funny name for a song but even funnier is that the song’s narrator is a piece of pressure treated 2x4.

Not a metaphor that eventually resolves into a person. A pressure treated 2x4, fresh from the mill, strapped to the ladder rack of a woman's F-250, riding through the North Carolina hills, wondering what she's going to make of him. "How will I be of use?" he asks. "A rafter for her husband? A board that's coming loose? A cradle for her child?" The whole song is 3½ minutes and I’ve listened to it probably 40 times.

SluiceRatchet Strap

The thing is, I think it’s a fucking love song. The lumber doesn’t want to be admired or displayed or even noticed, it just wants to be of use. “I am straight and true for her/No matter her knack.” Whatever she builds, no matter her ability, the wood just wants to do a job.

There’s a bible verse in Ephesians (not mistaking me for a bible scholar, I think I saw this on The West Wing) that sucks about wives being subject to their husbands but nobody talks about the line before it, “be subject to one another.” Both directions at once. Two people saying “build me into it.” They are the lumber, not the architect. Everybody’s the lumber. We’re all the lumber.

Another thing, related, I guess, is even in my daydreams I have a job. Like if we had the Holodeck in real life I would want to live in Glasgow, Scotland in the early 2000s working at a low level ad agency and going to shows every night. The peak of the great Glasgowian bands - The Delgados, Arab Strap, Mogwai - drinking every night (no hangovers in the holodeck), laughing but still having to go to work every day. Otherwise I’d be bored. I don’t know if that’s a virtue or a condition - the 2x4 doesn’t know either.

The album is called Companion. Ten dollars on Bandcamp.

SluiceRatchet Strap

What does this have to do with a small bike shop in the Richmond? Nothing, I guess. But thanks for giving me a job.

Anyway.

Here's what's going on this month:

FLAT FIX CLASS

Thursday, August 6, 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

We hold your hand through getting the wheel off, finding the hole, patching the tube, and putting the whole thing back together so it holds air. All supplies included. Bring a flat of your own if you've got one, and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

This one is already full. But you can get on the waiting list. Or, honestly, just show up. People no show all the time. https://luma.com/db10o928

NIGHT MOVES COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE

Thursday, August 13. Meet at 521 Balboa at 7:00, roll at 7:15.

Tea, cookies, and designated slow pokes. It's never more than 12 miles and the pace is conversational. Bring a mug and bring lights. No sign-up needed, just show up.

ROTATING MECHANICS CLASS

Thursday, August 20, 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

This month it's a smorgasbord: routine maintenance, the stuff you should be doing and probably aren't. Also how to carry your bike up and down the stairs without wrecking your back or your paint, which nobody teaches you and everybody needs. Then a couple of us mechanics stand around and answer whatever you've got. No wrong questions.

This one you do sign up for. Ten spots: https://luma.com/h3qoljpa

COMMUNITY NIGHT

Thursday, August 27, 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

No agenda, no sign-up. Just come take up space. Have a drink, ask your bike questions (or your life questions), and listen as the music plays a little louder than it does during business hours.

DAY GROOVES COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE

Sunday, August 30. Meet at 10:45am, roll at 11:00am.

A ride for the girls, the gays, and the theys. Pop music, a coffee stop, slow uphills. Allies welcome but keep it down. No sign-up, just show up.

The shop is open 12pm to 7pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Classes need a sign-up, everything else just needs you.

Jay