I used to own a bike. As a 'just-graduated-from-college-but-still-have-no-money' girl back in the day, I faithfully rode my bike to and from work each day. 3ish miles...no big deal. I was young and had the energy for such things.
But after establishing some steady income with my first full time teaching position, I was in a place where I felt ready to (possibly) purchase my first car!
I was cautiously optimistic that I could find a reasonable means of transportation within my limited budget- and I did indeed.
I became the proud owner of a white 4 door manual Kia Sephia with roll down windows and 'open with your fingers and not a key fob' door locks. No frills, no extras. But it got the job done and I was excited!
So excited, in fact, that I left my poor little mountain bike locked up outside on the rack all winter long and totally forgot that I owned it. I remembered that I had it in the springtime when the snow had melted away and it was a bit sad and rusty....its riding days were done. Oops.
That was the last time I rode a bike. Fast forward to the now. My dear pal 'A' and I are fond of taking adventures together and discussed how delightful it might be to take bike rides around town this summer. Just picture it- two gals on their cute cruisers with baskets in the front for baguettes and fresh flowers, happy bike bells ringing as they glide along in their freshly pressed sundresses and straw hats, soaking in the mid-day summer sun. Here are a few visual aids just to help capture the essence:
We were feeling pretty jazzed about this dream and planned a weekend 'Bikes and Brunch' date to begin our research on the bikes that would best meet our needs. We brought her husband along too because he has the gift of practicality and has much knowledge about bike stuff. He would be the one to help us look for more than just 'cute' as a reason for purchase. We decided that our criteria would fit the following:
Cute
Cost-efficient
Quality
The three 'C's....kind of. Hehehe.
We headed to a few local shops and were given good info about the size frame that would fit our bodies best and an estimate of what different styles/brands of bikes would cost.
We had also been looking online at a few companies that don't sell in stores that could be promising options.
With all the info in hand, we regrouped and discussed our options after brunch (B T Dubs. I had the most delicious, cheesy, creamy quiche ever to exist and it was perfect).
'A' had shown me the website for Public Bikes a few weeks previous and they were still high on my list of possibilities after chatting with the local bike shop. We took a gander once again and they were having a SUPER sale on one bike in particular. But it was red....not what I was thinking originally that I wanted. In my dreams, I for sure pictured myself strolling along in something pinkish or turquoise- the ultimate of cuteness.
After giving it a little thought, I decided that I had to take advantage of such a great deal (cost efficient), knowing it was made well (quality), and that it was still high enough on the cuteness scale to meet all my needs. I hadn't ridden on a bike, after all, in so many years. I didn't have to reintroduce myself to the world of biking by purchasing the Cadillac right out of the gate....
...so I'd like to introduce my new friend (yet to be named):
It's being shipped as we speak and I am quite excited for its maiden voyage onto the mean streets of StP....we will indeed collect wildflowers in our baskets, purchase fresh baguettes from the local bakery (or at least a donut. I love donuts), and feel the wind in our hair as we explore the beautiful Minnesota cityscape that surrounds us! Well, at least the cityscape within a 3 mile radius....cause let's be honest, that's about as far as this old gal's body will take her at the start:)
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