The laws have changed

I've heard often that being able to run a bike shop is considered by many a dream job. If you're into bikes, what better way to spend your days than sharing your enthusiasm with the world?

I don't disagree with that. The two years I've spent running the Trek Store have been awesome. I've met a lot of really great people — and a few not-so-great people — and learned quite a bit. And, of course, I've spent the last two years on awesome bikes. Like, ridiculous bikes.

But despite all of that, I'm moving on. Starting in mid-October I'll be working at Harvest Retail Marketing — the company that does all of the marketing and promo material for our stores and about 30 others across the country. Ever gotten a sale postcard from my store? It came from Harvest.

My official title is Online Accounts Manager, which means I'll be talking with a lot of clients and hanging out on Facebook lots. Also, I'll be working closely with Lucas again, which will be pretty cool.

So many jobs in the cycling industry are shop jobs with shop hours. This is a desk job — in Omaha, no less. I'll be working closely with my friends. I'll be working 9-5, approximately. The ride to work will be about five blocks longer now, but it's still mostly the same.

I'll miss being at the shop. Really, I will. I'll miss getting people set up on bikes, seeing the enthusiasm of a new cyclist. I'll miss helping people build their dream bike. And, of course, I'll miss my staff. I was fortunate to have an awesome group throughout my time in the store. (Also, I'm missing a managers' trip to California in February. Damn.)

It goes without saying that I was fortunate to land with Midwest Cycling — the stores' parent company — to begin with. Had Mark not hired me way back in that awful March of 2009, who knows where we'd be right now? Certainly not in this position. I know that.

As far as racing goes, nothing will change. As far as bikes, nothing will change. (Well, the paint jobs will, but that's about it.)

Everything else, though? Huge. Thanks, Omaha. I've enjoyed the ride.