Originally Posted by ftwelder

What comes out of their mouths has a lot to do with their age. The guys older than me will just look around with a smile on their first visit. On their second visit they usually bring a small cycling item that they have held their entire lives. Perhaps a Wheelmen coat button or a tool.

The guys my age will offer a story of fixing a "tape on" tire or a local BMX event held many years ago. The sights cause them to think of something in their own lives which they share after "not thinking about that for a long time".

The young men, twentysomethings, racers or "riders" (dirt jumpers) that come by to visit enter the building slowly, briefly looking at everything and carefully touching as much as they can reach, an old number plate pinned to the wall or a broken part on display. They are wearing music devices and don't say anything. I ignore them and go back to work after saying "hi" since I assume they aren't listening to me anyway. I let them wander around. Later I get a squeeze on the arm and a smile. One will point a fist at me to bump knuckles, the others follow suit and walk out the door.

The thrirtysomethings leave their sunglasses on when they enter the shop and keep peering out at their car, worried it's going to get jacked by the neighbors, unaware the only locked doors in the 'hood are his.

I love all of the visitors. I rush to the door when I hear a car coming.