It’s come to my attention that many of you are not aware that I have more than one bicycle…it’s true. But since most of you only see me riding around town, all you have seen accompanying me is my “townie,” hybrid or comfort bike (I hope one of those is the right term). Twice last week, I had different people ask me whether I had purchased a new bike—when I was riding a bike that I have had for the last two years?! Yes, I have a road bike (I know that’s the right term)—a Cannondale Synapse. Now she is the flagship of my fleet and probably has more road miles on her than the other three combined…no…not the townie, hybrid or comfort bike. My reference is to the rest of the fleet—a 35 year old reconditioned classic Schwinn Speedster that my father rode, a 20 year old Specialized Rockhopper and the Cannondale Adventure 3.
Each of these bikes has a personality, and I think many of you will agree with me that yours do too. The Schwinn is the Ol’ Man of bicycling that creaks, grunts and groans about moving but is solid and reliable even though a bit crotchety. The Rockhopper is an Ol’ School ride with no suspension and many a scar from the incoming freshman, but as durable as it is aloof. The youngster of the fleet, the hybrid, is made for comfort and taking junkets around town always eager for another adventure or three.
It’s the road bike I want to talk about…she has a persnickety personality that can become somewhat spiteful at times. She loves the open road, but doesn’t get out as much as she would like. She loves speed, but her rider is often more reserved. She loves attention, but is treated like a “trophy bike”…all guised with nowhere to go, so she hangs on the wall at home. But every once in a while, she reminds you that she is “all that!” You envy her light frame, sleek design and superlative performance; but be aware, she emphasizes her displeasure with disuse by offering a mindful nip from her chainring—a Luv’ Bite—that will remind you to take her for a spin more often.
Thanks to Bellyton--PedalPower, the Hooterville Mayor, Double G, and Road Legs...and the Breakaway--the kErnEl, Dirk, Gene and Craig for a great ride on Saturday!
6 comments:
There are a lot of "she's" in your post. How do you know the bike is a sheila?
OUCH! The bikes do get their revenge when they feel they have been left out or have been mistreated in thier minds!
It's just a flesh wound ;-)
'Twas a fun ride indeed.
Your "other" bike I think would be classified a hybrid and is sexy in "her" own right.
Now yer road bike, seems to be just a bit jealous.
That means you have to get yer keester in action, on the road, riding "her" more often.
Now, all of my bikes are male.
I don't know why, but that's what they told me...
A couple of thoughts...are all bikes "shes?" Does the gender of the rider affect the pronoun used for one's vehicle of choice?
Also, I want to applaud the use of the word "persnickety." Thank you; it made my day.
Pedal on with your badself!!
Check out my blog at www.dakotakim.blogspot.com.
You have to be nice to all of your bikes. That, and stay away from recumbents!
That's all I know.
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