I've bonded with my bike. We are now great friends.

[Maggie]

Yesterday, I found myself without a car. We have 4 cars hanging about
this house, but yesterday every member of the household had one. My
offspring and the husband had all gone missing. I think everyone headed
for the shore yesterday. South on the Parkway. Except the husband, I
think he was at Auto Zone...His favorite place. Or with his
sister...I'm not sure.

I had to get to a brunch given for a good friend of mine. I was
dressed in my finest and I was wearing Gucci Sandals with 3 inch spikey
heels. I was late. I jumped on my bike with present in hand and made
it to the party. It was quite a sight. I was actually very proud of
myself.

I'm enjoying owning this bike. Even if I don't know a lot about bikes,
and I am a casual rider.....I love having it now. It gets me to work,
it gets me places when all cars vanish from the driveway, and it has
truly become my friend. I think I have finally bonded with my bicycle.
Yesterday proved that to me. Last year I would have spent an hour on
the phone, finding a ride or getting one of my cars back.

The thing that was most priceless, was the looks on the faces of my
friends when I came riding up to the restaurant on my bike. Gift under
my arm, purse on the handlebars and 3" spike sandals on my feet.

I figure if I am not going to become a hard core, lyra wearing cyclist,
at least I can be myself, a "strange and unique cyclist" :-)

Maybe it filled my need to be the center of the universe, as most of
you think I have the desire to be...and you know what....I don't care
if that is my goal. I love being a little bit crazy and a little bit
strange. It is liberating.

That was a wonderful bike ride yesterday....I parked my WalMart bike
between a Mercedes and a Jaguar in the parking lot of the restaurant
and walked my 3 inch spike heels proudly into the restaurant. ;-)

Maggie.

No more pain
No no more strain
Now I'm sane
But I'll rather be in love again.

[Ben Kaufman]

On 5 Jun 2005 05:32:47 -0700, "Maggie" > wrote:

>Yesterday, I found myself without a car. We have 4 cars hanging about
>this house, but yesterday every member of the household had one. My
>offspring and the husband had all gone missing. I think everyone headed
>for the shore yesterday. South on the Parkway. Except the husband, I
>think he was at Auto Zone...His favorite place. Or with his
>sister...I'm not sure.
>
>I had to get to a brunch given for a good friend of mine. I was
>dressed in my finest and I was wearing Gucci Sandals with 3 inch spikey
>heels. I was late. I jumped on my bike with present in hand and made
>it to the party. It was quite a sight. I was actually very proud of
>myself.
>
>I'm enjoying owning this bike. Even if I don't know a lot about bikes,
>and I am a casual rider.....I love having it now. It gets me to work,
>it gets me places when all cars vanish from the driveway, and it has
>truly become my friend. I think I have finally bonded with my bicycle.
> Yesterday proved that to me. Last year I would have spent an hour on
>the phone, finding a ride or getting one of my cars back.
>
>The thing that was most priceless, was the looks on the faces of my
>friends when I came riding up to the restaurant on my bike. Gift under
>my arm, purse on the handlebars and 3" spike sandals on my feet.
>
>I figure if I am not going to become a hard core, lyra wearing cyclist,
>at least I can be myself, a "strange and unique cyclist" :-)
>
>Maybe it filled my need to be the center of the universe, as most of
>you think I have the desire to be...and you know what....I don't care
>if that is my goal. I love being a little bit crazy and a little bit
>strange. It is liberating.
>
>That was a wonderful bike ride yesterday....I parked my WalMart bike
>between a Mercedes and a Jaguar in the parking lot of the restaurant
>and walked my 3 inch spike heels proudly into the restaurant. ;-)
>
>Maggie.
>
>No more pain
>No no more strain
>Now I'm sane
>But I'll rather be in love again.

How far did you have to ride?

No worries about your unsecured bike getting stolen in the parking lot?

[Rich]

Maggie wrote:

> The thing that was most priceless, was the looks on the faces of my
> friends when I came riding up to the restaurant on my bike. Gift under
> my arm, purse on the handlebars and 3" spike sandals on my feet.

Next time, we need pictures.


> That was a wonderful bike ride yesterday....I parked my WalMart bike
> between a Mercedes and a Jaguar

What happened to the bike store bike?

Rich

[Joe Canuck]

Maggie wrote:

> I had to get to a brunch given for a good friend of mine. I was
> dressed in my finest and I was wearing Gucci Sandals with 3 inch spikey
> heels. I was late. I jumped on my bike with present in hand and made
> it to the party. It was quite a sight. I was actually very proud of
> myself.

Argh!

That is not proper cycling attire in the least, particulary in terms of
safety.

[Maggie]

Ben Kaufman wrote:
> How far did you have to ride?
>
> No worries about your unsecured bike getting stolen in the parking lot?


Do you really think someone would steal my Walmart Bike in a parking
lot filled with luxury cars. Whenever you go to this restaurant in my
town, there is a parking lot filled with BMW's Jags, Mercedes and the
like. I once saw a Ferrari. It's right on our main street. When Joe
Pesci comes to town to see his friends in this area, he always eats
dinner there. It's weird to see him in there. He has a house at the
Jersey shore. But all his boyhood friends are around here.

As far as distance, I did not have to ride far. Just to the center of
town. I think its a few miles. My 2nd bike is in PA with my brother.
I switched it and never switched back. He is coming here next weekend
and he is going to bring it. I like my Walmart bike. It's comfortable.
I changed the seat and put the computer on that one.

Today I am going to a Bridal Shower right across the street from the
restaurant. This time someone is picking me up. After the shower is
over, I will put on some decent riding clothes and take a ride. Its
about 200 degrees outside so I should sweat some of my extra weight
off.

I have a year to fit into my dream MOTHER OF THE BRIDE dress when my
daughter gets married. That bike is going to help me. I have 20 lbs to
go. Give me a break and cheer me on. Be nice.

Maggie

> >Maggie.
> >
> >No more pain
> >No no more strain
> >Now I'm sane
> >But I'll rather be in love again.
>

[wafflycat]

Maggie has bonded with her bike. She has been assimilated.

We are the Borg...

We are the Borg of Dyslexia. Resistors are fertile. Prepare to have your ass
laminated...

;-)

[Paul Turner]

Maggie wrote:

> I had to get to a brunch given for a good friend of mine. I was
> dressed in my finest and I was wearing Gucci Sandals with 3 inch spikey
> heels. I was late. I jumped on my bike with present in hand and made
> it to the party.

Biking to brunch means never having to turn down a mimosa.

--
Paul Turner

[Zoot Katz]

5 Jun 2005 05:32:47 -0700,
om>, "Maggie"
> wrote, in part:

>I'm enjoying owning this bike. Even if I don't know a lot about bikes,
>and I am a casual rider.....I love having it now. It gets me to work,
>it gets me places when all cars vanish from the driveway, and it has
>truly become my friend. I think I have finally bonded with my bicycle.
> Yesterday proved that to me. Last year I would have spent an hour on
>the phone, finding a ride or getting one of my cars back.

You're no longer a "casual rider", you're a "utility cyclist" now.
You've learned that bicycles _are_ vehicles. That they happen to be
versatile, clean, fun, efficient, well socialised vehicles that help
you burn fat is what makes them most endearing.

You might want to look at getting a rack so you don't have to carry
packages. That's much safer than riding one-handed. Also make sure
when riding one-handed you're not grabbing fistfuls of front brake.
For control purposes, it's better to use the rear brake. For stopping
though, the front works better. It just gets a bit dicier in low speed
handling situations. Best get a rack and use both hands.

A front basket would protect your handbag and give you a place to
carry your fancy shoes so you don't risk breaking a heel or twisting
an ankle.

Adding fenders and a skirt protector make's it a "real-ladies" bike.

Good on ya!
--
zk

[Tom Keats]

In article om>,
"Maggie" > writes:

> That was a wonderful bike ride yesterday

Maybe you /are/ getting addicted now.


cheers,
Tom

--
-- Nothing is safe from me.
Above address is just a spam midden.
I'm really at: tkeats [curlicue] vcn [point] bc [point] ca

[Leo Lichtman]

"Maggie" wrote: (clip) Gift under my arm, purse on the handlebars and 3"
spike sandals on my feet. (clip)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^
So you weren't kidding when you told me to look for you with a Gucci purse
hanging from your handlebars. Does Gucci make panniers?

[Will]

Maggie wrote:

> I'm enjoying owning this bike. Even if I don't know a lot about bikes,
> and I am a casual rider.....I love having it now. It gets me to work,
> it gets me places when all cars vanish from the driveway, and it has
> truly become my friend. I think I have finally bonded with my bicycle.
> Yesterday proved that to me. Last year I would have spent an hour on
> the phone, finding a ride or getting one of my cars back.

Good for you!

That moment when you realize the bike is MORE THAN EXERCISE is special.

Cars are so boring. They are boring to be inside of. They are
relentlessly boring to drive.

[Maggie]

Zoot Katz wrote:
> You're no longer a "casual rider", you're a "utility cyclist" now.
> You've learned that bicycles _are_ vehicles. > zk


I did learn that yesterday, didn't I? For the first time I thought of
my bike as a means of transportation. Not because I wanted to ride to
get in shape, or ride to prove something to myself.....but just because
I needed a means of transporation and I knew I had one. I looked at
that bike as a way to get to brunch. I did have a vehicle. I had my
bike. That was a kodak moment.

I just returned from a bridal shower. I spent three hours watching the
bride to be open gifts. I think when we start making preparations for
my daughters bridal party, I am going to go way out on a limb and try
to organize something that will not make everyone fall asleep.

Who invented Bridal showers and Baby Showers? A bunch of women
sitting around eating tiny sandwiches with the crust cut off and
italian pastries, while watching the dreaded "OPENING OF
GIFTS"....Ahhhh a toaster....Ahhhh a blender.....Ahhhh...a place
setting. Someone should have given them matching bicycles. Now that
would be a great wedding shower gift. Riding could be another
"Afternoon delight" for the couple.

Maggie.

No more pain
No no more strain
Now I'm sane
But I'll rather be in love again.

[Maggie]

Leo Lichtman wrote:
> "Maggie" wrote: (clip) Gift under my arm, purse on the handlebars and 3"
> spike sandals on my feet. (clip)
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> So you weren't kidding when you told me to look for you with a Gucci purse
> hanging from your handlebars. Does Gucci make panniers?

I never kid about Gucci. Nor do I take Coco Chanels name in vain. ;-)

Maggie

No more pain
No no more strain
Now I'm sane
But I'll rather be in love again.

[Peter Cole]

Joe Canuck wrote:
> Maggie wrote:
>
>> I had to get to a brunch given for a good friend of mine. I was
>> dressed in my finest and I was wearing Gucci Sandals with 3 inch spikey
>> heels. I was late. I jumped on my bike with present in hand and made
>> it to the party. It was quite a sight. I was actually very proud of
>> myself.
>
>
> Argh!
>
> That is not proper cycling attire in the least, particulary in terms of
> safety.

I see women biking in heels and skirts all the time in Harvard Sq.
Cambridge, MA. I imagine it must be common in many cities, particularly
in Europe. It's not a big deal.

[Stephen Harding]

Maggie wrote:

> I figure if I am not going to become a hard core, lyra wearing cyclist,
> at least I can be myself, a "strange and unique cyclist" :-)
>
> Maybe it filled my need to be the center of the universe, as most of
> you think I have the desire to be...and you know what....I don't care
> if that is my goal. I love being a little bit crazy and a little bit
> strange. It is liberating.

OK, next is a lycra *suit*. Surely there's a tailor in Jersey
that will cook one up for you.

Then you need go clipless. Sure the WalMart special will look
a bit unusual with Look clipless pedals, but hey, you're going
for "unique" here.

And nothing quite says "unique"...sorry, *screams* unique, as a
babe pedaling to the formal event in lycra suit and 3 inch
spiked heels with clips underneath.

Yeah walking one such shoes will be a pain, but isn't it anyways?

Have you thought about Gucci sponsorship? They might pay a
bundle to have their name on your lycra suit!


SMH

[Zoot Katz]

5 Jun 2005 12:50:58 -0700,
. com>,
"Maggie" > wrote, in part:

>
>I just returned from a bridal shower. I spent three hours watching the
>bride to be open gifts. I think when we start making preparations for
>my daughters bridal party, I am going to go way out on a limb and try
>to organize something that will not make everyone fall asleep.

I'm going to a wedding in mid-July. The wedding party and guests are
all going to be pedal powered. The couple have asked their cyclist
friends to help out by loaning their extra bikes for out of town
guests and towing various chariots and trailers for the guests too
feeble or inexperienced to pedal themselves. I'll be riding by then
but I'm not sure I'll be able to tow anyone.

>Someone should have given them matching bicycles. Now that
>would be a great wedding shower gift. Riding could be another
>"Afternoon delight" for the couple.

Only if they're both already cyclists and the bikes fit each of them
properly rather than just matching each other. It's a common mistake
that often leaves Mrs. with an ill fitting bike she might not even
like. He decides which bike he wants and she gets the matching step
through model by default. It's better to match socks or jersies than
to try matching bicycles.

Couples these days seem be pretty much over the "Afternoon Delight"
stage of their relationship by the time they finally decide to get
married. But maybe bikes could renew the excitement as they become
more adventurous discovering new secluded picnic spots.
--
zk

[Rich]

Zoot Katz wrote:

>>Someone should have given them matching bicycles. Now that
>>would be a great wedding shower gift. Riding could be another
>>"Afternoon delight" for the couple.

Or a tandem.

[Leo Lichtman]

"Maggie" wrote: I never kid about Gucci. Nor do I take Coco Chanels name
in vain. ;-)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I think you need a messenger bag. Does Gucci make those? (Ducking.)

[Ben Kaufman]

On 5 Jun 2005 07:51:20 -0700, "Maggie" > wrote:

>Do you really think someone would steal my Walmart Bike in a parking
>lot filled with luxury cars. Whenever you go to this restaurant in my
>town, there is a parking lot filled with BMW's Jags, Mercedes and the
>like. I once saw a Ferrari. It's right on our main street.
<snip>

A bike thief is not interested in cars when its so easy to pop your bike into
the back of a van/suv, or to hop on it and ride off, without an alarm bringing
attention to the crime.

Ben

[Maggie]

Leo Lichtman wrote:
> "Maggie" wrote: I never kid about Gucci. Nor do I take Coco Chanels name
> in vain. ;-)
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
> I think you need a messenger bag. Does Gucci make those? (Ducking.)

Yes Gucci makes a Messenger bag, but I don't think its exactly the kind
you are thinking of. I have a Gucci Messenger bag.
See Neiman Marcus...aka Needless Markup.....
Prada has messenger bags that are very functional. I love Prada too.
But not as much as Gucci. Designers do make Messenger bags. Even
Versace designed a few. European designers would never leave a
Messenger bag out of their collection silly. Europeans ride their
bikes everywhere.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?cmCat=search&itemId=prod10590122

Maggie

[Joe Canuck]

Peter Cole wrote:

> Joe Canuck wrote:
>
>> Maggie wrote:
>>
>>> I had to get to a brunch given for a good friend of mine. I was
>>> dressed in my finest and I was wearing Gucci Sandals with 3 inch spikey
>>> heels. I was late. I jumped on my bike with present in hand and made
>>> it to the party. It was quite a sight. I was actually very proud of
>>> myself.
>>
>>
>>
>> Argh!
>>
>> That is not proper cycling attire in the least, particulary in terms
>> of safety.
>
>
> I see women biking in heels and skirts all the time in Harvard Sq.
> Cambridge, MA. I imagine it must be common in many cities, particularly
> in Europe. It's not a big deal.

Well, it isn't common here in Ottawa, Ontario Canada.

Of course you are right, it isn't a big deal for me. I noticed one of
these the other day while at the grocery store. She had a mini skirt and
heels on while trying to ride a bike. I had the impression the whole
thing was rather awkward.

[Maggie]

Peter Cole wrote:
> I see women biking in heels and skirts all the time in Harvard Sq.
> Cambridge, MA. I imagine it must be common in many cities, particularly
> in Europe. It's not a big deal.

Since further investigation into this matter, I realize it is not
unique or odd. You are right about Harvard Sq. I love Boston and my
friend and I have been there on numerous occasions. Especially when
her kids were at Boston University. Women riding on bikes, dressed in
heels, was not unique at all. I probably never thought much about the
women riding all dressed up as I did about men in lycra shorts.

I've seen many men riding in suits and ties and never gave it a second
thought. Especially in college towns. When I took an adult studies
class at NYU, the professors were always riding in suit jackets.

Friends have told me that women dressed in heels and men wearing suits
is definately not an oddity in Europe. My daughter told me that when
she was in Europe, most of the people she saw on bikes were dressed for
work. And here I thought I was being unique. I guess I have to buy
bicycling clothes to be unique. ;-)

I'm happy to know I rode in a very Euro style to that brunch. ;-)

Maggie

If only I had listened
to all my closest friends..
You'd still be in my arms tonight
If only.
-RS.