2005-08-05-bike-01.jpg

08/05/2005 -- bike!

i finally got around to buying a bicycle, my first since sophomore year of college. i've been doing fine getting around on foot, but there are times when i'd like to go a little farther or a little faster, so i decided it was time to get myself some wheels.

i've watched freecycle and craigslist for months and considered glenn's advice of looking at the lineup outside the thrift store, but in the end, i decided to plonk down the cash for a good quality new bike from a bike shop. i took the arguments of bikesrnottoys to heart, and decided that if i'm really going to use it instead of letting it sit in the shed, my bike has to be pleasant to ride now and well-tuned in years to come.

so this one was $360, not $36, but it comes with all the bonuses of a bike shop bike: i got lots of good advice on choosing a bike and was able to test ride several models around the area, they built it for me on the spot, adding the mirror and pump i wanted, and they'll give me a tuneup in a month, adjustments for the life of the bike, and 15% off accessories.

and it cost 28 times less than my car.

thanks to the great folks at the bike doctor; i'm so glad you're so close.

two quick observations from the ride home:

1. i'm rediscovering muscles i'd forgotten.
2. i couldn't believe how high i was sitting. visibility was at least 50% better than in a car. i could see everything in every direction.

look out, here i come!

(and thanks to the welcoming committee in the door.)

09/19/2005 update:panniers purchased.