From Timid Rider to Bike Builder: My Pandemic-Era Transformation

I became a regular cyclist during the Covid lockdowns. It is now one of my life's great joys. A fast ride down a hill melts away stress. I love ignoring petrol prices, traffic, and parking. But for maintenance, I was timid. If the bike worked, I did not ask how. Strange noises? I hoped they would vanish. A flat tire? I once walked it 30 minutes to a shop. My chain was always dirty because I feared touching it. Then I tried fixing a problem myself. The satisfaction was powerful. It motivated me to climb hills. That feeling changed everything. I have moved from fear to understanding. Now, I build my own bicycles.