I recently lost something that was almost like a death in the family. For as long as I have known Alex we have gone on our little photo taking adventures and used our bikes to get around and cover a lot of territory. My little cruiser is so “me” in that it is a little old school with a few dents which gave it character. I added a very strange bell and a beat-up basket for my camera which made it a little quirky and that was what I liked about it.
When I need to make a trip that is less than five miles I generally take the cruiser. I ride the bike to places like the bank, the supermarket, or the library (I have even been known to wait my turn in line for the ATM on the cruiser). So you can imagine my surprise last week as I walked out of the library with my usual ton of books to discover that the cruiser was missing… gone… STOLEN!
Alex mourned my loss as well because the cruiser was so much a part of our picture taking adventures and carried our cameras. After a few days I came to accept that the cruiser being stolen was another one of those life lessons about moving on even when you don’t want to. So, last weekend we made the rounds of second hand bike shops (we wanted to give a used one a good home).
We spent the entire day looking for something that came close to the character of the cruiser with no luck. And then near dusk at our third Flea Market, as the vendors were packing up to go home, Alex saw a man put a cover over a red retro beach cruiser. I’ll admit that I was not sold on the idea of a retro bike and was worn down by the process. But, after a little haggling I was ready to take the little beauty home.
As I added my own little touches to the “new” cruiser (a new basket, removed the chain guard, ordered fenders) I realized that I was about to begin a whole new series of adventures. I accepted that it was OK to embrace the change in my mental image of myself and welcome the chance to make new memories.
And so…I’m glad you had a chance to meet the new “me” (without the ordered fenders that have not yet arrived). Funny, but I see loads of new memories in my future and a big lock!
I can imagine how u felt when u walked out and your bike was gone!. My heart would of sank to my feet.. I am glad u went and got another one and I bet u will have adventures w/this one…
Thanks Chrissy,
The cruiser had a special place in my heart despite the fact it was old and a little beat-up. I have other more expensive bikes but the cruiser always reminded me of fun. But, so far I'm having fun with the "new" cruiser and its way of doing things.
Nice blog Cherrie – I like the honesty…
Door closes…door opens. Wonderful looking new adventure partner you have there.
"Once some robbers came into the monastery and said to one of the elders : We have come to take away everything that is in your cell. And he said : My sons, take all you want. So they took everything they could find in the cell and started off. But they left behind a little bag that was hidden in the cell. The elder picked it up and followed after them, crying out : My sons, take this, you forgot it in the cell ! Amazed at the patience of the elder, they brought everything back into his cell and did penance, saying : This one really is a man of God !"
Thomas Merton, The Wisdom of the Desert
PS. Your new cruiser is a beauty ! (and a blessing…)
JLBO,
Great story! And, I agree that my new crusier truly is a blessing. I first started riding it thinking about all the things it was not in relation to the old cruiser. Then one day I was riding it and it came to me I had to accept it for what it was and enjoy it. It has been great fun ever since.
Great that more people are riding their bikes….unfortunately they also want to ride other peoples bikes too. Oh well, at least those thieves are concerned about the environment. You know what they say…if someone takes your shirt, give them your coat as well. This is one of your tests in that CoActive Dream of yours!