I’ve been here 5 years and I’ve rarely talked to the neighbor across the street. I don’t know if they are elusive and avoidant, or I am. But of course, I’m not going to be like that anymore, right? The other day I walked down the ally behind their house and noticed it was filled with motorcycles. I had no idea they were such enthusiasts. I made a brief comment about it walking by. But today I saw them in their front yard, and approached them with one simple question: what’s a good bike for beginners?
That opened up a nice long conversation. That was the ice breaker we needed. And the network expands…
I also took out out my new-to-me beach cruiser. The Electra Townie 3i. I’m loving it. I’m realizing this is an age related change for me. I’ve been hating riding my diamond frame into town, always needing to fight against all the weight on my wrists. I’ve always loved riding “no hands”. So why not admit that I like comfort bikes more than the standard frame? This is the beginning of a new phase my life of cycling. Staring today, there will always be a “before” I owned a beach cruiser, and an “after”. I’m even considering selling my touring bike, which I rode on a solo bike tour from Seattle to San Francisco. Rather than feel sad about it, I like thinking of this as a new beginning.
And this Townie, much as I like it, will actually just be the first cruiser I own. I will mostly likely be learning more about the bike type and start exploring other makes and models. Right off the bat, I’d like to check out the Electra Straight 8. Pretty much the same bike bit with ape hanger handle bars and even more balloony tires.
For now though, meet my Townie….
Just got back from having a pint at the local pub.
When I pulled up with the bike I was immediately greeted by a stranger with, “I like your bike!”
So we have an nice conversation about bikes. It’s wild how much I’m talking to people now. Like an extrovert, even.
My buddy asks me what am I going to do with my old bike. I tell him I’m going to sell it. And he says, “I’d like to buy it!”
Wow. Can you believe my luck? Cuz I can’t. My life has seriously turned around. It’s crazy.
Anyways, selling it to him will save me the headache and risk of having to post the bike for sale online. And because my friend will have it, I’ll still get to see it and it’ll feel like it’s “in the family”. Totally awesome.
After that, I walked my doggo and saw a neighbor digging. I asked what she was planting and she said potatoes. We have a great talk about gardening. I said I would give her some of my chili peppers when they mature. She then offered me her warming mat later in the conversation. It’s so nice to feel positive about life. It’s uh, something. Something else, man.
Luck Factor. What else can I say?