January 03, 2005
My New Bike
This Solstice I was showered with all kinds of new mechanical devices. As you can imagine, I am a person for whom it is difficult to find a proper gift, given my vast archives, my rigidity, my difficulty reading instructions and my peculiar eye . I am often the recipient of a nice potted plant . This holiday was different. I received a new camera, a teeny tiny portaphone and a new bicycle.
Unlike my camera , my bicycle did not come with indecipherable instructions -- at least the kind that were important to read. Thanks to an unseasonable thaw , I was able to hop right on and take to the open road .
As you can see, this model is funky retro , like the PT Cruiser I once heard the frame style called a Dutch Grandmother's bicycle, though I couldn't find one on the net. Notice that there is no boy bar between the handlebars and the seat, so that I will be able to ride easily in a hoopskirt, should such an occasion arise. Other features include a luxuriously soft seat, with cushy shock absorbers , which make the whole cycling experience feel like riding my living room couch . It also has a much more sophisticated gearing system (all numbered, no inconvenient groping around, just a twist of the wrist on the hand grips does it). And the basket is so techno, black mesh , removeable with a handle for toting . You will notice that the basket is already full of my critical equipment, a new lock, a spyglass, earmuffs, gloves, my bike novel, three-in-one oil, latex gloves for tidy derailer adjustments , etc. Last but not least, no toeclips , in an effort to preserve my front teeth .
I know, I know, I should have gone to the dear and skilled cycling champion from Zimbabwe for a properly fitted cycle, but you can see that this is a machine fit for my little old ladyhood , and I know I would have forced him to compromise his principles , especially in the toe clip area.
Posted by Dakota at January 3, 2005 09:49 AM