Riding alone
By Yawen Wu
Yawen Wu
Saint Charles, Ill.
STORY SUMMARY
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At 81, Elis Giannini, runs a bike shop, is its certified technician, and shows no sign of slowing down – still mentally sharp, physically active, and fiercely independent.
Elis went to MIT in 1957 but left in January, 1961 without graduating. He went to the military and then industry for four years. In 1965 he kissed his last paycheck goodbye and opened his motorcycle shop. Eighteen years later, he converted the store to a bike shop that is still open today. He runs the shop by himself.
Over the years he has had two knee replacements, one new hip, and one refreshed heart valve. Yet he goes everywhere in town on his bike. Although private by nature, he remains perceptive and personable with his customers.
Elis leaves the house where he lives by himself with no cable and no internet. A TV antenna on the roof allows Elis to watch his favorite show, ‘Jeopardy!’
Elis starts his day with a bike ride, wearing a full-protection bike helmet. His right knee shows the scar from his knee replacement surgery.
Elis still uses landline phones and answer machines at his home and shop to communicate with people. No cell phone, no text.
The workshop in the back of his shop is cluttered with bike parts and tools. With 38 years of bike repairs, Elis knows exactly where everything is in the ordered chaos.
Elis is always very warm and helpful with his customers.
For every bike sale, Elis insists on doing the final preparation himself. Here he is tightening the pedal of a newly-purchased bike.
Elis walks away from his work bench.
Elis has WiFi at his shop so that he can watch cartoons on his Chromebook while taking a break. “Courage the Cowardly Dog” is his favorite program.
Elis props up a 25-ft aluminum ladder he will use to climb over the rooftop of his shop so that he can fix a leak.
Cycling isn’t the only way Elis stays active. He also mows his yard.
Elis rides his bike to the local grocery store weekly about half hour before the store closes in the evening. “So there won’t be other people around you,” Elis said.
End of the day, helmet still on, Elis goes back to his home to spend the night alone.