After yesterday’s adventures in biking I did not look forward to today. I knew that dragging myself back out there would be a very unpleasant internal debate that would probably end with me parked out on the couch eating a pint of ice cream. I was in the process of starting this debate when my neighbor, CC, wandered over to my yard. CC and I have always gotten along and usually end up standing around outside talking about how much we’d both love a glass of Sangria. We chatted for a while and I sighed about how I’d have to go out for a bike ride soon, maybe if I said it aloud to someone I would be held accountable. She stopped me and said.
“Going now?”
“In a bit.”
“Stop by my house first”
I was feeling intrigued at this point so I agreed to meet up with her and went up to change. By the time I came back down she had already returned and was beckoning me outside. I followed her out and stopped dead in my tracks. There, leaning against the fence was my old bike completely restored. I had given it to CC’s boyfriend to fix up just so it would run again, and after a year I had nearly forgotten about it. It was more than fixed up though. The old 1973 street bike looked like it had just come out of the factory. The fenders shone in the sun, not a spot of rust, the paint job looked fresh, and the wheels were brand new. Still, the best part was the little black basket on the handle bars; CC had even put adorable fake yellow flowers in it. I could almost picture Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz riding it with little Toto in the basket.
“It’s your graduation present!” CC said. I stood there grinning like an idiot, then proceeded to fan girl all over the bike.
“Look at the basket! So cute! It’s so shiny! Ohmygawd ohmygawd.” I Squiggled around and hopped from one foot from the next. “I can ride it? It’s better? Can I go can I go?!”
Like a five year old at Christmas I had to use my new/old toy right away. I hopped on and took off down the road. It was so smooth on the road, and when it coasted it picked up speed. I felt like I was flying. The only thing that was off was the bike was just a smidgeon too tall. But who cares about a smidgeon right? I could still pedal and steer.
Then came the hill. I had already gone up one hill already so the second hill didn’t seem like it was going to be an issue. Until the High School bus came around the corner. I had to slow down to make sure I wasn’t in the way, but then I found myself with no more momentum to finish the hill. I tumbled off my suddenly was too tall bike and walked it up the rest of the hill. At this point all the high schools had been dumped at their bus stop and were walking my way. Feeling slightly humiliated that I was walking my beautiful new/old bike I desperately tried to clamber back on, in the middle of the road, in short shorts. Needless to say, it must have been quite the sight to see a 21 year old girl trying desperately to get back on this 1973 bike with fake flowers, and short shorts. I made the mistake of looking behind me and seeing one boy doubled over in laughter. To be fair, were the places turned, I’d probably be laughing too. The rest of the ride went smoothly, no further injury other than my damaged pride. I returned the bike to CC for some final adjustments and vowed to return tomorrow to ride my new/old bike.
I would like to give a special shout out to CC and her boyfriend. Thank you so much for everything you’ve both done for me. I could not be happier with my wonderful bike fully restored with my special basket. Thank you for all your support and kindness. I love you both dearly. Don’t worry CC, I’ll get us a bottle of Sangria and we’ll drink it by the pool this summer. X
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