CafeVelo

Today I went out for a ride, and severely underestimated the temperature and wind chill, the temperature was 28, with 10 mph headwind and I was dressed for 40 degrees or so. I actually started out too hot. I was grinding along, and about 10 miles from anywhere I started getting the early signs of hypothermia. 30 minutes or so later I stumbled into my favorite bike shop (the closest place I could stop) a few minutes before closing, and the owner (who offered me a job yesterday) dropped everything to help me get warm, gave me a change of clothes, and drove me home. I'm convinced he saved my life. My question now is, what should I do for the guy? He not only helped me get warm and back to reality, but took time out of his life to make sure I got home. That's way beyond what I expect from the best shop I could imagine. I should at least send a card or something right? What would you do?

intransit1217

A card or handwritten letter for sure. Beyond that I'm not.

I got in over my head one year and survived 43 out of a 60 miler when my butt said I was done. The group dropped me in a business park under a tree and one of them went home, got his pov, and sagged me back to my house.

The opportunity to repay him hasn't arrived yet.

cb400bill

Sounds to me that for a start that you need to buy some cold weather riding gear from him.

2manybikes

I think a nice letter would be a good start, something he could display at the shop if he wanted to. Then something else, not sure what. Gift certificate to a really nice place to eat? Does the shop have an internet presence? Maybe a digital letter for them to post?

CafeVelo

Thanks for the replies. I'm definitely going to send some kind of thank you letter. I wasn't expecting that much help, I just knew I could warm up there. What they did was way beyond the call, and really nice of them.

okane

Without getting into particulars, I had a similar situation when I was able to help a person who had a heart attack. He was part of a group I was in charge of and I was able to get help quickly and stayed with his wife at the hospital until he was stabilized. When he recovered he wrote a letter to the editor of the local newspaper thanking me and the company at which I worked for our help and concern. A public thank you like that was much appreciated by me and my boss and I'm sure your LBS would appreciate a similiar gesture!

2manybikes

This is the best suggestion so far.

okane

I heard, "I saw your name in the newspaper" from my friends for the next 3 weeks. I'm sure the LBS would appreciate your testimonial because you can't buy advertising like that!

By the way, I see your dog likes to ride too! Lucky dog is my bike buddy but only when the temp is +50. At 14 he's not quite the outdoors "man" he used to be!

berner

I have screwed up enough times in life, and lived, that I now have a good many lessons to draw upon for many situations. On the bike I work very hard to pay attention to the world around me, I carry a puncture kit, spare tube and an old folding tire with good mileaqe left on it but very light and an extra layer or two. I once allowed myself to get so hypothermic while on a backpacking outing in Colorado, I had great difficulty opening my pack for warmer clothes. It is always easier to solve a problem before it is a problem.

Leebo

A thank you, yes. Support his shop. Positive yelp reviews. I like to repay favors with cold beer or homemade food. Like a full rack of smoked pork ribs. Are you a member of any bike groups? Maybe a public thanks on their blog or newsletter.