It started like any other day in the sanctuary of my trusty bike shop, where gears and wheels usually speak louder than words. But today, something else was clamoring for attention—a relentless sore throat, the kind that feels like you’ve swallowed a cactus, and a face ache screaming louder than any stripped pedal ever could.
As I hoisted another bike onto the stand, my thoughts weren’t on the derailleurs or brakes. They drifted to the discomfort that had taken up residence in my throat, an unwelcome tenant refusing to be evicted. The Excedrin had become my temporary ally, but relief was as fleeting as the quiet moments in the shop.
Snuggles, my ever-observant partner, eyed me with concern. Their brow furrowed as they watched me wince with every swallow, a silent alarm that maybe it was time to call in a different kind of mechanic—one that specialized in human cogs and sprockets.
So, here I am, pondering if I should continue to self-medicate and hope for the best or finally give in to the growing chorus of concern and seek professional help. It’s a wait-and-see that feels as risky as riding a bike with no brakes down a steep hill.
The shop, filled with the familiar scent of grease and rubber, usually a place of solace, now feels like a stage for a mystery play, with me as the unwitting protagonist. What’s causing this ailment? Why the one-sided facial assault? Questions abound, and answers are as elusive as a silent freewheel.
As the day rolls on, every tool I pick up is a reminder that some things can’t be fixed with a wrench or a screwdriver. Some require a deeper dive into the intricate workings of the human machinery, a complex system that, at times, needs more than a DIY approach.
Will I heed the wordless advice of Snuggles and the silent pleas of my body? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, every cyclist knows when it’s time to gear up and tackle the problem head-on. Maybe it’s time I do the same.
Boneshakerbike 
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