Monday, May 11, 2009

I want to ride my bicycle. I want to ride my bike.

Fiona

Fiona - Taken by Erich

Let me get this straight.

There are those of you who do not enjoy riding bikes, correct?

As someone who used to scoff at the idea of riding a bike as a form of transportation anywhere but on a bike trail or college campus, I can relate. But as of late, as many of you know, I've become enthralled with the idea of riding a bike wearing adorable little outfits and going downtown for drinks and the like.

Mostly, I want to ride my bike to the farmer's market.

So, a little while ago, I finagled my mom into trading us two bikes. We haven't ridden them terribly often but when we have, it's been fun and plenty worthwhile.

Well, mister was looking for a new old bike on Craigslist like mad and had enlisted me to his search party. He was looking for a Schwinn Varsity after having his stolen a year ago. As an avid craiglister, I would check the bike section daily for a bike for him until one day I saw a beautiful bike at a great price.

It was a 1970 something black Raleigh LTD-3. She was beautiful with her fenders and brooks saddle and at the price tag of $50 I knew I had to take a look at her. John and I drove out that very night to check out this deal and I bought her on the spot despite having a few technical problems and me being convinced that she was too tall for my stubby legs. (Oh, John bought a Schwinn from the guy too).

Since bringing her home, I've given her to my brother for some sprucing up since he's the resident bike guru. And now she's fixed and ready for riding! All she really needs is a beautiful wicker basket for carrying vegetables and maybe chinese take-out. I can't wait to get her home and ride her. I just hope she's more comfortable on my lady bits than I remember.

6 comments:

  1. 1974, I found out. If it were me, and it certainly is not, I would do the following: buy a wicker basket, buy a Brooks B-67 saddle, buy a pretty bell.

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  2. I'm currently in cahoots with 4 local bike shops trying to find a wicker basket. If I could afford a new brooks saddle, I'd get one.

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  3. [...] that’s all…. And a tandem. A Pashley, a mixte and a tandem and that’s it. And my Raleigh. A Pashley, a mixte, a tandem, and my Raleigh and that’s [...]

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  4. [...] desparately wanted a pair of riding boots.  I had this mental image of myself in them, riding Fiona around Grand Rapids in the chilly weather.  Watching the leaves change.  Eating sushi.  Oh life [...]

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  5. Ah, how funny I have a vintage Raleigh bicycle too!

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  6. That's great!

    I absolutely love mine. She treats me well.

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