HOW I turned my LIFE’S PASSION into a $100k/yr BUSINESS as a SELF EMPLOYED bicycle mechanic!

[@jonmeek3879]

This was the most interesting and honest thing I’ve ever seen on KZbin Thanks

[@bkefrmr]

@@jonmeek3879 this is the most validating comment I’ve ever read! 🙏❤️

[@bradleysnyder8158]

Also, people love your channel.for a lot of reasons, but i wanna add i love the simplicity, not overproduced, no weird intros/structures, amount of music is perfect, tons great info, natural feel...once again, keep it up...the world needs you

[@ramsien]

"When things get weird, I'm already there." Thaaaat's a keeper.

[@bkefrmr]

No doubt

[@tomanderson9497]

I’m in for 10 “when things get weird, I’m already there” BikeFarmer stickers….shut up and take my money!😅

[@valle3452]

This would look good on a t-shirt.

[@r0ns0n0l]

@@bkefrmr yeah you should design a t-shirt with that text :) I would definately get one .

[@SuperUnsupervised]

One for the algorithm. 👍

[@billhemingway5558]

At 72 I find myself authentically joyful on a bike. I like riding them more than fixing them, but i could watch you "work" all day.

[@jonnyoneplate]

Just stay on the sidewalk asshole

[@aq7705]

How about a shop tour video...tidying and organizing?

[@brrrt6666]

just talking and shopkeeping, I'd watch that!

[@toms1499]

Very inspiring! I have started my own bike shop in a small town with an up in coming bicycling community. Im honestly a rookie mechanic at best but have been making my way. Thanks for sharing the trials and tribulations you have been through. I very much enjoy watching your videos. Best of luck to the future, and keep up the good work!

[@dewittlunsford2527]

Loved your story, I’m 22 years older than you and still trying to decide what to do when I grow up 🤣

[@bkefrmr]

@@dewittlunsford2527 well, I do feel blessed, but I still have my bad days for sure! I’d rather not have to earn a living at all. I’m always looking out for the next big opportunity to jump on!

[@don_sharon]

I think the Bike Farmer is back. Super interesting, not angry, no politics - just a great bike video to get lost in. I sincerely hope this is your next viral video. Well done dood.

[@bkefrmr]

It’s just one video, just like the others. There are many sides to Andy Q. You’re not gonna like them all.

[@don_sharon]

@@bkefrmr Sigh... You're probably right. I should go now.

[@lifeabove8]

@@bkefrmr LOL Buddy! Let's get lost on some Davement when the weather warms up.

[@bkefrmr]

@@lifeabove8 I’m down

[@thewintersteiner]

This was my favorite video so far. Thanks for sharing the story. I can relate to the low self esteem from failed interviews and constant rejection. 23:40

[@borisstanislav4560]

"Become one with the dork disc my little grasshoppers" -Sensei Bike Farmer.

[@viadharmawheel]

Never heard that dork disc before this channel. I only remember that you could not keep it clean so I left them long ago...

[@johnduggan4993]

Know the power between the dork side and the forks.

[@jonnyfish76]

Zen and the art of bicycle maintenance. Im glad that you found your zen. Another video of yours got me thinking about transforming a mid 90's Giant MB into a slow bike for my wife. I appreciate you bringing me back to one of my oldest hobbies. (Born in '76. Former BMX'er)

[@geog.8120]

Your story is inspiring! Thanks for sharing. Maybe someday you can show your personal bike(s) in one of your videos. Long live BikeFarmer!

[@bkefrmr]

I’m gonna rank them . Top 10 list style. Gonna be a banger!

[@garysmoot1144]

Andy, I subscribed a few months back and really enjoy your videos. This one was great. Started my own small construction company 25 years ago. Best thing I have ever done. Retired 2 years ago. Back in the 80's cycled a lot. 140 mile days, rode up 14,000 ft Mt Evans in Colorado etc. 2 years ago bought a Trek fx 7.2 and now ride 2 or 3 times a week 25-30 miles at a time. Bought a bike stand and do one of your tune ups every couple of weeks based on your videos. So here is an idea for you: Go out to Iowa and do RAGBRAI this upcoming summer. You could ride it all or take your van and do fixes every night to show what happens to bikes on that tour. Would be great video content. Maybe take your employee along and ride part and fix part time so we get a mixed video. Just a thought.

[@bkefrmr]

I rode Mt Evans from Echo Lake when the road was closed to cars in 2020. Thin air up there!

[@adoj105]

@@bkefrmr I did the same thing!! It was a great ride with no cars as long as you didn't kill yourself on the way down by flipping over a gopher hole.

[@daniellarson3068]

Good Variation on a Theme - The autobiographical story. I've seen this used before. Rick Beatto often goes over my head, but his autobiographical videos have kept my interest. You used an excellent technique with your comment, "What does the future hold for the bike farmer?" This entices the watcher to join in on the journey. Thanking the viewer rather than chastising them is also a good feature. It was relatable to most of us. Who loves working long term for a corporation? My dad bumped from job to job and the only constant was fixing radios and TVs. (It was a different time. They still had typewriter mechanics.) You share the pain with many viewers. Being an English major and married to one, I expect quite a bit of originality in your videos. Keep it up.

[@chuyism]

During COVID I got back into biking but it got expensive fixing my bike and the ones i got for my nieces and nephews. So, i started watching KZbin videos. I Really love your channel. However , I need some BikeFarmer swag. Do you have BikeFarmer hats? 👀👀Thanks!

[@Adventures4vida]

I worked 20 years in the restaurant industry, and never one wanted to be a manager, or excel in that profession. I've been a full time bicycle mechanic for 8 years now and I love it. I love fixing bikes, I love the feeling of learning new things, and mastering everything on the bicycle. I don't have the capital or credit to buy the shop I'm working at now, so when this guy sells I'm gonna do a year long tour, and then try my hand at being a mobile mechanic by bicycle. Good video, Happy Thanksgiving!

[@wolfgangweber9924]

I give you the thumbs up at the end. That way you know you earned it! Your first bike ride story brought back some memories. I learned to ride using my mom's bike. It was probably around 40lbs with 28" wheels and coaster brake. When I got on the pedals the seat's nose pointed at my neck execution style. A few weeks in of actually riding it I got a little overconfident. I sped up on a slight downhill when my foot slipped of the pedal. I crashed and scraped along a fence wall. My whole front was scraped up: forehead, nose, chin, chest, knees and feet. My parents cleaned the scrapes and powdered everything. And someone gave me a descriptive nickname that I won't disclose here. It made me (in)famous in our town!

[@olegfzv]

Keep up the good work! Great content!

[@bkefrmr]

Thanks hey!

[@ClintDowd]

Thanks for this one! I also really appreciate the sobriety story... I'm currently on year 4 and I'm feeling unemployable at the moment. Trying to move back to small town Kentucky where my daughter lives but working there is difficult. Your story is encouraging. So thanks again.

[@bkefrmr]

@@ClintDowd I was about 4.5 years sober when I started The BikeMobile. Looking back, I think Recovery was my job for those 4.5 years. I really had to dig deep, buckle down, and go through it. It almost feels like I lost a few years of my life. It’s all a blur. Wild to look back on it. But eventually, I really did find the serenity and gratitude I heard so many others talk about before me. I hope you find it too!

[@ClintDowd]

@@bkefrmr I can understand the process. I left Kentucky and spent the first year in Washington State and Alaska. Then i moved to Florida with my sister to get established and got a job with a company that had a branch in Louisville. I transferred last summer but I'm still 3 hours from my daughter. I see her often but she's 7 and I'm trying to make it more than 2 weekends a month. 3 hour drive is better than flying every month but I'm trying to make the next step. Your videos have helped me learn the skills I need for a side hustle so I really appreciate you. I usually just break even or support the hobby but it keeps my hands busy. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@DavidEricNemeth]

Hope you get back home unless you are from Coventry or Louisville, saw the McCoys and Hatfields are profiteering from the old feud, think several own plumbing business together near Loretta Lynn hometown

[@ClintDowd]

@@DavidEricNemeth I'm living in Louisville. Trying to get home to Paducah.... Far western Kentucky almost in Missouri. LoL

[@lancerawlings5401]

I was captivated all the way to the end. Watched the whole vid, “as per the usu” (sp). WOW what a life you have lived and I think you have managed it well. I was self employed as a general contractor for 40 years I really enjoyed it. Now retired many clients are now my friends. I was wrench’n bikes in the 60’s as a kid loved it. I knew every inch of my PX10 Peugeot 10 speed. I could have used your videos then as I have learned a lot now. My Trek 5000 is shifting and stopping great! Thank you!

[@robinmichel9048]

Here's to following your dreams.

[@bkefrmr]

Thanks hey!

[@glennthomas4159]

This was probably my favorite video of yours. I generally watch them all to the end. Life’s definitely a journey. If you ever hit Austin again it would be cool to meet up. I agree with 90% or more of your philosophizing and the rest I appreciate as honesty. Keep’m coming! I’m on the fence for starting a channel and if we ever get to chat, I’d like to examine the viability of it.

[@HeyDavePhotograpy]

Love Watching, love your content and story. Hope to someday make the trek (pun intended) up to your shop someday buy a bike and have a taco with ya! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! 👍🏻

[@bkefrmr]

Thanks hey!

[@mariorosales4639]

Best page on youtube! Huge fan great story! I love fixing up bicycles and do it as a hobby and would love to do it full time and hopefully i can one day. Thank you for sharing

[@BobM-t8c]

What a great video! I discovered your channel a couple of months ago, and it has become my "comfort food" of KZbin channels. I really enjoy hearing your stories, and this one was truly inspiring. Congratulations on finding your true calling and on your success so far. I have no doubt that this channel will continue to grow. This was the perfect Thanksgiving video - it reminds me (and I am sure others) of what we have to be thankful for. Godspeed, Bike Farmer!

[@chrisxshock]

I love how much I relate to you and how much you understand the market. You're a fantastic storyteller. I have two small businesses with my wife. I just train martial arts an raise our 4 girls. But we just opened up our second hair salon. Everything you say in this video is so honest and true. Success comes from failure! Love ya bro!

[@durden.tyler537]

Same here, I love tinkering and fixing more than riding. Not that every ride isn’t magnificent, life is Zen when I’m making a bike great again. So much so that on Sunday I brought a buddy’s 1984 rusty crusty Peugeot home to restore it because all 7 of my bikes are at maximum modification and I “need” to tinker. Funny, I used to work in HazMat, then a semiconductor manufacturer and now a pharm company.

[@jeffrobnc1971]

Thank you for sharing your gifts of storytelling and bike repair.

[@TheRongWay]

Coincidentally I did start my own thing, also quit my job (although looking for another one), and got sober a little over a year ago. Got into riding bike this summer, and started watching bike fixing videos because I wanted to go on long rides pretty much right off the beginning. I feel lucky and grateful I found a local bike shop with really nice guys and some KZbinr like you, who kept me motivated and inspired. I don’t know, this might be a middle age crisis too lol Anyway, thank you very much for your videos ! It’s been great ❤ looking forward to more! You should definitely pass by Montreal again and check out the F1 track for biking

[@DavidEricNemeth]

Andy may know French, Oui! He did not mention where he attended college, I saw report Our Lady of Lourdes in Iowa became a party school like Marquette and Notre Dame, maybe he is a NWestern grad! Childhood acquaintance mine played several years for the Expos, has done nothing to get people running the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area create bike paths, just for Wranglers and ATVs, you Christian, Jew, or Quaker admiring Muslim pray to God for USA!

[@ShapezPuller64]

Honestly - be cautious about algorithm optimization in terms of doing or not doing things. I've watched a lot of unique people let those unique parts of their voice be sandpapered off so they fit a mold that itself is changing constantly and without rhyme or reason. Be true - sometimes that means being inefficient; but not everything in life is. Hope that part of you doesn't get sandpapered off. Great vid.

[@bkefrmr]

Well, I think definitely think it’s possible to talk about my take on modern politics without endorsing a party or a candidate. Unfortunately, I think many of the folks we lost in the process would agree with me on most of it.

[@eighty6gt]

​@@bkefrmrSometimes you have to let go. Being mellow is something people are really drawn to.

[@bkefrmr]

@@eighty6gt I don’t understand what you’re trying to say here

[@fredrappley6960]

I gotta tell ya, I just love these videos! Keep up the good work.

[@bergmes]

Your videos have motivated me to try upgrading my old 1990 Schwinn High Sierra. New front V brake and new shifters. I removed the old indexed shifters because I wanted my old bike to perform more like a newer one. So far I am finding out that some of the new stuff doesn’t play well together with the old stuff.

[@robertapholz2279]

I share the magical feeling of entering a bike shop. The smells, sounds, and visuals. It’s the only time I feel truly alive.

[@ReaperCH90]

What a great story. Proofs what I also learned in the last 10 years: No matter how bad your situation is, life will always go on and get better if you do something for it and have patience and dilligence. Greetings from Switzerland

[@bkefrmr]

Living in Switzerland is my other dream!

[@joepauly6769]

Good inspiration Bike Farmer. I started my own small landscape maintenance business and it was amazing. Hard work but worth it. Customer base grew really fast by word of mouth and had a full schedule in a couple months.

[@rainerunsinn4808]

So much truth and wisdom here. Worked at/around a couple of shops that went out of business, things that will get you in trouble: - Don't understand the business aspect - Not paying attention to what your (possible) customers want/need - Don't be a snob, don't talk down to people on how their bike sucks cause it didn't cost +1.000$ and is by brand XYZ - Talk to customers, explain why you would do/not do this or that

[@gideonvaneeden2681]

Removing the freewheel and spraying WD-40 in from the back works to get rid of old sticky grease. I usually follow that with some oil (such as Finish line wet chain lube or tenacious oil) to lube the ratchet mechanism. Usually works well to get it going without disassembly.

[@Vlad-bu3mr]

I have no idea how to do it but this needs to be on the opening page of your channel its just very interesting and pulled me in

[@aaronrobinson4519]

VERY interesting story. Full circle, I love it. Glad to see you ending up where you started and genuinely doing what you love.

[@laurawalters7973]

When you find your path and follow it, the universe sends you what you need. I love your story.

[@billincolumbia]

Thanks for sharing your sobriety story. I think that's so important for so many to hear.

[@jonathongebhardt3015]

Your videos have taught me so much about basic bike maintenance and beyond. I really appreciate the effort you've put into your content. I look forward to all of your new videos. Thanks so much!

[@DonMccourt-q8e]

Great video Andy Q, one of your best. I know a little more of what makes you tick. Keep up the good work.

[@bradleysnyder8158]

Its like you were born (literally at the right time and place) to fight for the the true ethos and pure culture of the bicycle, as an opposing force against things like trek that are now something destroying the pure culture of the bicycle...a jedi and a rebel force against the empire, we salute you...

[@ReCyclesBikes_]

That's it! You've inspired me to start. I've had customers asking me to start making videos, but have been keeping it on the backburner. Been making a living with a business model much like yours since 2019. Thanks Bikefarmer!

[@tipfallon7309]

Love this video man! Thanks for sharing your story. As someone who strives to be authentic and is a solo-preneur who also has to “play the game” to a degree this all resonates. Here’s to following your nose for many years to come.

[@jeffandersen6233]

Thanks for sharing your personal American dream story. One point of your story really resonated. Being in a bike shop, hanging out with the owner. The shiny stuff, the freewheel cog boards and figuring out gearing, the smells. I was doing that in the early 70s when bicycling started to take hold. Great times those were. Maybe that's why I watch your channel. A reminder of when the ships were owned by more down to earth people and the bikes were easily serviceable. Yes you e found the niche.

[@TimSeaman-f6q]

One of the best parts of my day is enjoying your content....

[@MrLmb4682]

Thanks bike farmer, this is exactly what happened to me two years ago but the money is less of for now. (Hope that changes) Living the dream that at one point seemed like a nightmare . God is good 🙏🙏

[@nathanpoole2308]

Andy, I enjoy seeing your personal bike collection videos. I like the range of bike frame brands that you have. Especially since some of those companies have closed. Please do a bike shop video and also show your showroom floor. I would also suggest showing your bike inventor online too.

[@jaimedezubeldia6067]

Love this. Wish I was close to Wisconsin. I need bikes for the whole family soon. I haven't found a problem to solve in woodworking or lutherie yet but working on it. If you can recommend any honest bike mechanic geniuses such as yourself in the Hillsboro, Oregon area that like to refurbish used bikes please let me know.

[@indianadave8881]

I too, enjoy wrenching on bikes. I've turned it into a second income... We had a local bike shop for a few years, but they were snobbish, and really didn't want to work on older, or lower-quality bikes, or bikes that weren't purchased there... They knew I worked on my own older bikes, so didn't really like me. I bought tools, and lube, and the occasional tube from them, but otherwise steered clear. I get my business thru word of mouth, or from my posts on our towns Facebook chat group. If it wasn't for health insurance, I could see trying to open an actual shop, and making a living at it, but I just don't see that happening. Especially with the cost of real estate in our little town going thru the roof. I'll just stick to doing it part time out of my garage,

[@daniellarson3068]

The weird comment - Have you ever wondered how many entrepreneurs are denied the opportunity in the US because of the health insurance thing? Have you ever thought how many innovations don't occur due to the health insurance thing? You may now return to the original normal comments.

[@seandwyer3598]

This is so true and relatable. I feel like I'm in the same boat--if it weren't for insurance I'd be on my own, too. Insurance in this country is like the golden handcuffs but these days they seem more lead than gold. Just like the post below by daniellarson3068 said--how much talent and needed local service do we all miss out on because of our messed up healthcare system?

[@wolfgangweber9924]

Count me in as well. My advantage is that I am retired and don't need the additional income. However the activity keeps me busy and the cash is nice to pay for bike touring etc.

[@anniebikes7002]

So interesting! Thank you. We have a 22 year-old son who's a self taught bike mechanic, 2020 graduate who never wanted to attend college. He works for a non profit bike shop and has amassed nice personal tools. Who knows where he'll end up someday but for now he's where he's happy.

[@bkefrmr]

Mamas don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys! Sounds like he’s got the bug. This is why I think they should teach entrepreneurship in high school. Also, I started with one bike and grew from there. After proving the concept, a good plan helped get that small loan. The toughest part was convincing myself it had to be done. I sure wish I could’ve skipped all those huge mistakes I made getting to that point!

[@Wheel_Horse]

@@bkefrmr Yeah but... if you HADN'T made those mistakes, think about how different your life experience perspective would be! "That which does not kill me... etc" Be thankful for the rain!

[@bkefrmr]

@ totally

[@peterbaskind9872]

First, I am so proud that you have found sobriety. That will change your life. It’s also an amazing example for your kids. Like you, I sort of fell into my path. It’s a far different path - I am now a trial lawyer. Before that, I was a radio disc jockey. But, I love what I do MOST DAYS. And I was shocked to find that I’m good at it. Cheers, Andy. You’re winning.

[@bkefrmr]

I think I’d be a good attorney too. Just don’t like school at all.

[@peterbaskind9872]

@ You know, I barely graduated high school. Hated it. I am also autistic. But when I grew up and went to college, I killed it. A little maturity goes a long way. I even have TWO law degrees. Yeah… crazy. It’s funny. Some of the skills from radio actually translate to trial work. It’s all show business. Cheers, Andy.

[@KeithHeinrich]

Thanks for sharing. I suspect this story could be filed under the category of getting your sh!t together and I mean that in the most positive and respectful way. Congratulations on your success. The secret sauce that makes the vids work is the story telling I feel. Always a good time when I sit back to listen to you. 👍

[@kaoserdnase]

I've learned so much from this channel

[@sethat8e]

You have all of your viewers here learning. You've paid it forward several times over!

[@Jabberwocky4k]

Great video man! Thank you. I've been watching your videos for a couple of months now recently discovered your channel. I have a Trek 4300 BTW and I have had that thing since it was new, that was a number of years ago but you already know that. I think my first bike was a huffy back in the early '90s when I was a kid. Subbed.

[@anothervisionofthings]

Thanks for sharing your story, it was exactly what i needed to hear now !! I'm a junior Mechanic & really good at sales too but i'm gonna follow my intuition & like you makes my dreams a reality with bikes :)

[@robinmichel9048]

I love riding bikes so much that as a kid, before I got my own bike, I rode my dad's bike. I couldn't reach the pedals, so I would push down really hard on one pedal and then wait for the other one to come around and push down hard on that one. I was ecstatic when I got my first bike - second hand Schwinn with a banana seat and sparkly blue handlebars. I rode it everywhere.

[@0---RABB1T---0]

im 18 and love bikes sooooo much, my first was a Schwinn crisscross 1993, started working and got myself a $250 gravel bike from walmart. it was a piece of crap so I brought it to speeds bike shop in sparta WI. they helped me get 2 new wheels, derailleur, crankset, chain, and so on. after the next ride I realized the only thing left was to change the brake calipers and I decided I should be good enough to do this myself, and well, I was. shortly after that I noticed the frame was made poorly and would lean slightly to the right when riding. after alot of thinking I decided to save up for a new good beginners bike. after about 3 weeks or so I managed to save up $800 and got myself a black n yellow 2020 salsa journeyman gravel bike. ive had this one for almost 300 days now, its my baby. over all this time ive had my fair share of accidents but never involved anyone else and would always ask myself why I fell and what I can do to avoid it next time. not to toot my own horn but im the fastest cyclist in the bicycling capital of America, and I dont seem to see anyone else riding through the blizzards... im hoping to get my first job as a bike shop here in sparta after the winter so I can get some bike mechanic experience. as of now my favorite things to fix on a bike is anything evolving its transmission and truing wheels. only real ones made it to the end of the video! ride safe everyone!

[@jacobatherton8339]

I actually have a Giant Boulder 500 frame from the late '90s with a Budget Bicycle Center sticker on it. Perhaps you tuned it up at some point. It's gonna live it's life as a fixed gear now

[@cotoXD]

A nice comment to boost the algorithm for you man, keep it going❤

[@alejandromoreno5056]

great story! definitely resonates because there are parallels to my experience.

[@juanmanuelromeo3038]

I really liked your videos. It is like listen to a friend talking about his life. I love bikes, I love to use my bike on my every day life. You had difficulties on your life, you moved on and now your look like living your dream bikelife. Congrats for everything. I´m watching you from Argentina, sorry for my einglish I´don´t exercise it too much

[@CC58]

“When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro." - Hunter Thompson 🚴🚴‍♂🚴‍♀ Happy Holidays🦃

[@darenneuenschwander6860]

AWESOME!!!! Video. I really enjoyed hearing your story of how you arrived on the scene as BikeFarmer. Your videos are just, mesmerizing? I don't know, just enjoyable to watch and I learn something!! Please do consider doing more videos about your Rando rides, also interesting. I believe in your politics but keep up with the bread and butter, these type vids, teach us, entertain us! Glad this is working for you!

[@philmorrow2446]

Personally, I really enjoy the mix of story and skills. The Rant Stand is my favourite bit! You don't need my approval for everything, that's not real life. Just keep it gong and I look forward to the next instalment. keep it in the day, bro.

[@brianchudzik7829]

Ahhh, my favorite hippy bike mechanic is just killing it. Very well said, and quite the story.

[@ssmtb]

I've listened to a lot of bicycle related videos/podcasts, this has easily become one of my favorites, thanks for sharing your story 🙏

[@thellester]

My first road bike was a blue Ross compact. Just an amazing bicycle. The crank kept rotating while the bike was in motion even though the crank arms were not rotating. Made it easy to learn to shift. Would ride the 4 miles to school and could hang out with my friends in town after school rather than riding the bus back home. The freedom that bike gave me to go where I wanted when I wanted hooked me for life. Thank God for small town bike shops.

[@bkefrmr]

THAT’S THE ONE! Holy shit. I’ve never seen one since - even after collecting THOUSANDS of bikes with FB4K I’ve never seen another. Shimano Positron crank freewheel system. I looked good on paper!

[@recyclespinning9839]

​​@@bkefrmr posittron crank.??

[@jimh5054]

thanks andy for giving me the confidence to show my bikes the love they deserve. i wan't a gib's bike shop water bottle and i still wan't to see that boston terrier that was in one of your earlier videos.

[@justincapek1132]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing your story. I also worked in a bike shop in college in 2000. Degree in Journalism, English Minor. Current path substantially different from that... Ha! Just successfully enjoying the ride. I think we all need a good existential crisis to get us to where we need to be! Carry on!

[@nalissa77]

I find your content entertaining. I don't have the space or tools to work on my bike but it's fun watching you do it. Glad it's working out.

[@josephorr5175]

Very interesting video! Thanks for sharing the details. It's so amazing to me to see how folks grow up through turmoil and diverse lives. Most of us have had to crawl through things to get what we wanted. I am happy you did as well. Life isn't fair, TBS, but drive and tenacity will aid us all to succeed if the cause is good.

[@chrissy24-7]

👏 Wow what a triumphant story, and so much kismet in you shop acquisition ❤ thank you so much for sharing your story with us! ☺️

[@ibanezgj1]

Thanks for sharing your story... Very positive and uplifting..... 😊

[@russell154]

Andy , what a fascinating and inspiring journey you have been on,,, thank you so much for sharing this. Your sincerity honesty and genuine nature makes this channel fantastic. The bikes are pretty cool too. 😊

[@DownInItCycles]

I really enjoyed your story. Keep up the great work.

[@irondistance4313]

Loved hearing the BikeFarmer story. It’s true my parents own a cattle/hay farm and it’s identical, they love what they do work their butts off to make a living with the farming. That dang freewheel you didn’t let it win though 😂❤

[@tshadow6]

I had a Ross for a few years in middle and high school. It worked great.

[@hatbpto5180]

Really liked this video. I have been messing with bikes since around six years old. Loved this one solid-tire bike I had!

[@brianlightbody2612]

There are no coincidences in life. Devine intervention is about right!

[@bdogsp0012]

I found this really refreshing and entertaining. I wish you all the best with your business and KZbin channel.

[@erictrelz3519]

Everyone needs to go his or her own way. Glad you found something that works for you. Congratulations on sobreity!

[@ostekuste3646]

Similar story here. Got my first bmx bike for Christmas and it was way too big. Had to stand on the first step of the front porch to get on it, and crashed a lot till I figured out how to ride. Got my first mtb in the early 90s from a shop I ended up working at for ten years. Got burned out and quit, sold every bike and part I owned and didn’t touch one for years. Now in my early 50s and been riding purely for fun for a few years but I’m itching to work on more bikes. Don’t know about working a day or two for any of the new shops, I might look into bike farming out of the garage. Wish I lived in your town, I’d damn near work a couple days for free just to hang out and wrench a little.

[@kennethbransford820]

I watched the whole thing. Thank you Mr. Bike Farmer.

[@kylevandeusen]

Watched 'til the end AND told a friend :) Great story, Andy Q!

[@MikeConner88]

I have freed up many a freewheel by flushing it with WD-40 and then adding gear lube or something similar to it. They are much quieter this way to.

[@nadimacmud7528]

I like your videos. Would you mind sharing a best technique to loosen a frozen stem? Thanks and regards.

[@martinprice1738]

Thanks

[@richbowie76]

I grew up in the Chicago suburb of Niles which had a Bicycle Patrol ( college students ) during the summer in the late 70s..We got into a lot of "Dukes of Hazard " style chases with them all summer long ! 🚲🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️ Saturday morning bike court appearances were a drag ! The fine was sitting through a bicycle safety movie and class.

[@TheUglyFrogKing]

I had one of those trek 970's it was a great bike I rode it for years. Trek called the color dry blue 😂. I agree with you it was purple.

[@davidp6839]

Awesome story! I was about 11 in 1987 when I bought my first "nice" bike with paper route money, a Ross Mt Hood from the LBS for $434. Loved it!

[@giowawa5035]

That's a lot of money in 1987

[@DavidEricNemeth]

Ditto! I bought a maroon Columbia 10 speed in a department store near a college town half hour away, my late father loved driving his Chevy Nova - had a 3 or 4 speed manual tranny! But I got angry at a neighbor who was a bodybuilder harassing me and cut the bike to pieces front of him, he passed away I think from cancer!

[@davidp6839]

@@giowawa5035 Absolutely... Lotta papers delivered for that bike!

[@chrisdowner3758]

Thank you for another great video! I'm a "shade tree" wrench, day job is high school woodshop teacher (first year). I'm 55. Been thinking about starting a channel for very basics hand tool woodcraft for kids and adults wanting to get started without a shop full of machinery. Been laying out how to get somebody started with a fun and easy project that will be a quick success while teaching some basic skills. Lots of maestros with grey beards (like mine) but I think they start at too high a level to be relatable to today's high tech society. Going to give it a shot, Thanks to you!!! Best, Chris from silicon valley

[@etr9650]

Bikes are an amazing invention. Good for you that you found a way to make a living reviving bikes!!

[@nealart]

Authentic self. Good mantra.

[@burmajones803]

Cool video, man. Glad this gig is working for you, and I was happy to hear your story. Here I am working at 9:20pm the night before Thanksgiving because my bosses gotta make payroll and make profits in the consulting business--which means everyone is balls-to-the-wall busy all the GDamn time. Including me. Not sure I have the stuff to strike out on my own, but this video helps me keep the dream on life support at least. Maybe one of these days I'll figure something out, but until then, it's good to know someone is out there making it work for them. Peace!

[@artlew27]

This is great stuff! Thank you Andy

[@williammrdeza9445]

Thank you for sharing your personal story with us, Andy. I am always amazed when people share their personal journeys that eventually led them to the place where our lives ultimately intersect. Yours was very interesting to me. The one thing you left out, though, was how and when you and Maggie met! It will be interesting to see where you take your life from here. Hopefully, you'll take us along for the ride!

[@bkefrmr]

Match dot com! Randomly, she was sober too! That’s a WHOLE different, but major part of the story. I’m not sure I’d have made it out of my crisis without her.