This has been true in every country I have visited, and this does not bother me.

I just put my bike back together in Queens, NY. I bought a 15mm pedal wrench at Posher Hardware in Bayside as well as a mini Phillips screwdriver for brake adjustment.

The next thing I know, one of the workers comes outside and puts my pedals on for me.

He also tried unsuccessfully to help adjust the mini v brakes, which took a beating on the airplane ride back from Europa. I let him go back inside before turning the bike upside down and doing it myself.

Sage has problems with men working on her bike for her; I do not.

Shopping with Joe.

Sweet bike assembly area at PDX!

And an amazing trip to insanely beautiful Hood River, Oregon for a wedding.

Got a box, borrowed a wrench to remove pedals which I will return in the morning by burying in some dirt near the store … Ready to pack’er up!

Barcelona! Great bike paths here as the city becomes more and more bike friendly!

And found this gentle reminder upon climbing back out.