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Saturday, November 26, 2011

The bright side of a flat tire



In the middle of a 3000 mile ride, I pulled into a truck stop to escape the rain with a cup of coffee and realized I had a flat rear tire. Getting a flat in unfamiliar territory and in bad weather could have been a disaster. A fellow at the truck stop sent me to Howell's.

I am not sure how I got a flat but I am so glad that it happened at low speed and near Howell's Cycle shop. I really lucked out.

Eric Howell was willing to open his shop for me on the holiday weekend. I couldn't have asked for better service. In fact, I half expected to get the Yankee Special: pay some inflated prices on the tire and labor, been forced to sit for hours in a waiting area, and been treated like a fool for being out in a hurricane in the first place. Already wet from the storm, I was afraid I was about to get soaked.

Instead, in Mr. Howell's care, I got a fair price on a tire, a great price on the value of his time and expertise, a front-row seat in the shop where he treated me like family: showed me the tire-changing process; explained the ceramic balancing beads; and told me stories about riding with his Dad. It was like Saturday morning with an old friend.

If I had to have a flat at all, I couldn't have dreamed up a faster, more friendly, and more fair deal. Personally, I think everyone should have a flat tire near Howell's Cycle shop, just so they can meet the owner!

Thank you, Eric!

Howell's Cycle
8142 FM 16
Van, Texas
USA 75790
903-963-8953


Check out their website: Howell's Cycle Online

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2 comments:

  1. Dave,

    First of all I am glad you had a safe trip home, and thanks for letting me know. Like my website reads my customers are my friends from the new ones to the old ones.

    I am glad I was home to be able to be of service to you, thanks for all kinds words and feedback!
    If I can ever be of service again just let me know.

    Happy Holidays to You and Yours!

    Eric Howell

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  2. It's called southern hospitality or if you are in the Midwest, it's called "that's just what you do".

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