It took 23 years for me to get back on a bike but just like something else (blush blush), you never really forget how to do it! (Did Bubbi Debi just say that?)
When I started my search for the perfect bike, I had one prerequisite. It had to look like the bike I had back in the 50′s. My husband laughed at this and said that it would be impossible to find that bike. He also reminded me how difficult it would be to ride a bike without at least 3 speeds up in the mountains. I didn’t care…I had my heart set on a certain kind of bike and I was determined to find it.
We started our search and I was growing discouraged. Nothing seemed right! Then we went to Walmart. There she was in all her glory… A pink Schwinn Cruiser! I felt her calling out to me….”Debi…Here I am, buy me…buy me!!” An employee around my age, stopped me from riding it up to the cashier. She said for liability reasons they couldn’t allow it. Then she gave me a smile and said, “That bike sure does bring back memories!”
Then it was off to a bike shop to find a helmet for an extra big head. (Have you seen my hair?) The salesman gave me a strange look when I politely asked if the one he suggested came in pink. A few professional bikers (I could tell by their fancy bikes) started to laugh. I had to settle for a black one, which was better than the red one, (which I explained to the crowd I was attracting) would have clashed with my pink bike.
I’m on my 4th day of bike riding and I’m loving it! I pedal my way around the development where I live, waving at neighbors and proudly showing off my pink bike. I’m sure I saw an envious look or two!
I named my bicycle Blanche, in memory of my Mother, the Queen of bike riders on Miami Beach. My Mother never learned to drive, and had several bicycles including a folding bike (for hopping on a bus) and a bicycle built for two.
Blanche and I are quickly becoming the very best of friends! My Mother, Blanche Barnett Nevel, would be glad!
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i use a combo of shea butter and aloe vera moisturizer. Works great. I use shea butter on my lips, around my eyes and nose (dry areas), My father swears by vasoline.
p.s. I dropped your name on Gina's post, Barb. ;)
Happy, happy, happy for you!
) In the city of New York you must be brave to ride in the streets, wish I was braver! l.o.l….enjoy…TRACK
When I visited New York City, I was overwhelmed by all the people! It’s a challenge just to walk down the street. Be safe my dear friend!!
This is wonderful. I also ride my bike quite often. I prefer my roller blades but do really enjoy my bike.
The bike shop obviously sold me an old ladys bike. I want something a bit racier next time.
I love your though and so glad you hung on until you found the exact one you wanted.
Me too!!
Great looking bike and it DOES bring back memories, enjoy it!
Thanks!
Go for it! I sold my bike last year. Don’t have enough money to buy one now, but my knees have given to extreme pain. Waiting and expecting them to heal.
I grew up in N.Y.C. I had a gold racing bike, very cool, when I was 18, loved swirling through the streets. Met my husband, who was on a beautiful motorcycle. A match made in heaven, as I suggested we trade. The marriage didn’t last, but my love for bikes and motorcycles has lasted through the years.
I learned how to drive a motorcycle when I was pregnant, 37 years ago. Drove all models of Hondas as my husband owned the dealership. I even rode the little honda 175, to my doctors visits at N.Y hospital.
Fun memories. Thanks.
I love that! You go, girl! Now I’ll have (thankfully) Freddie Mercury from Queen singing in my head all day: “Bicycle, bicycle … I want to ride my bicycle!” Enjoy Blanche!
Debi, You , sometimes remind me of myself. I have wanted a bike for a year now, but other things have gotten in the way. I have made Mother’s day my bike day….My husband seems to think that when I say I want a bike, that I mean the couple of thousand dollar kind. I keep telling him, no, the Wallmart or Target kind. I want a cruiser, with a wide seat, upright handlebars, and wheels small enough that I can safely get off and on. I have even seen some that have at least three speeds, that would do me just fine. My neighborhood isn’t too hilly, anyway. I would like a turquoise one. My favorite color. Happy Biking!!