Our Beijing bicycles, part 2: Wally returns—修车小哥回来啦

Sometimes you run into people who are a true inspiration. They may notwin medals or public acclaim, but they are determined, cheerful andunpretentious, and generally make the world a better place.

But I’m getting ahead of the story. Let me back up.

People were surprised when we ordered a bicycle online, finding such alarge item an odd thing to have delivered -- only partially assembled -- in abox.

The convenience factor was definitely an attraction, and, as I wroterecently, we were satisfied with the quality of our new Chinese-made bike.

Still, I felt a tinge of guilt about buying from a disembodied entityon a screen, especially after reading that China's bike-sharing boom is puttingeven more pressure on some bicycle shops.

Bike shops and mechanics play an important role in the cyclingecosystem. We depend on them, and enjoy being around like-minded souls.

About a year ago, we started patronizing a bicycle mechanic who had abusiness in a closet-sized space. He had pluck and did good work – he was alittle bit of a mechanical wizard, unafraid of rebuilding and modifying thingswhen necessary. He was always smiling and happy to see us. But not too longago, his budding business disappeared.

We'd been getting by, going to several places, when a few weeks ago, mywife Delores passed by a small storefront with a new red sign, and bicycles andaccessories on display.

I’ll let her pick up the story: “I looked into the shop, and in thedoorway stood our guy! I'm not sure which one of us grinned bigger when we saweach other. Despite the language barrier, I managed to make him understand thatI had been shocked and sad when I went to his shop and he was gone.

“He made me understand that the English name he uses is Wally. I am sothrilled we found him again. The whole time I was there, people came by forlittle things a squirt of oil or minor adjustments. He'd stop and help them. Itwas really funny -- I could tell from looks and tone and good-natured laughterthat he was telling everybody about the funny foreigner lady who was so happyto see him again.”

Wally’s new storefront is still small, but larger than his previousspace. He now carries a modest inventory of road and racing bikes, and takesbankcard payments.

Wally runs the kind of shop that is the heart of a community. Littleold ladies ride up to get air in their ancient bicycles and Wally fills theirtires for free, with a smile.

He's open nearly all the time and works hard. He's obviously very proudof his little shop. He's a man with a dream whose ethics seem solidly intact.He's the kind of person who inspires loyalty.

You might call Wally an everyday hero.

I feel certain that he will be one of the enduring memories I have ofChina, no matter how long I live here.