Sunday, January 24, 2010

Jessica's New Bike

We finally bought Jessica a bike! It took forever, but it is perfect. Here's the story:

On the night of the first Saturday this month we were driving around and decided to go the thrift store to check some things out. We walked in and almost immediately off in the corner I saw a glint of blue from a bike. Of course I'm naturally drawn over to it. As I'm walking over I'm sizing it up and see that it would be about the right size for Jessica. As I got closer it suddenly hits me! It was the female version of the Free Spirit Britney!!! Now that might not seem significant, however, my first commuting bike (look familiar?) was a...**drum roll** Free Spirit Britney!!! I couldn't believe it! I jumped right on and started riding toward Jessica and the girls giddy with excitement saying "Jess, Jess, check it out!". She got on the bike and it fit. The best part? It was only $19.99 (not quite as good as the free frame that Matt Young dug out of a dumpster for but I'm not complaining, it was still an awesome deal).

I didn't get off the bike in the store. For one, I was excited about it and for two I didn't want someone else to get it. It's in super good condition, I believe all original parts. I just had to inflate the tires a little, adjust the seat, and do a little derailleur adjusting and it is good to go. The only thing is I need to replace the cable and housing for the rear brake.

Here's a cellphone shot of Jessica riding in the parking lot that night:



Today was the first day that Jessica really got to ride it. She loved it. Of course by the time we got outside and the girls situated in the stroller I realized I left the camera inside. So of her first ride I have one cellphone pic:



What are the chances of finding that same bike, female version, in primo condition, and it's the perfect size? Too bad my Britney was too small and I had to sell it. Tomorrow I'll dig the bike trailer out of our storage and we go for our first family bike ride! Woooooo!

4 comments:

Holmes said...

I love cycling!! I cant wait for some good weather on a day off to go for a family ride.

Katie thought I was crazy for buying Sariah a bike for christmas, but every kid needs to learn to ride!

Natalie said...

Wow, you are so lucky to find a great bike like that and for so cheap. You are also very lucky to know so much about bikes to be able to fix it up. I'm kindof really jealous! I bought a bike for $10 at a garage sale this past summer and it's still sitting in the back yard because it needs so much work. Want to come over?

Eric Miller said...

@Natalie, I'll be there tomorrow around 11:00, sound good? Even a small amount of money spent at the shop tuning it up would be well worth it.

Natalie said...

Oooo, sounds good. I actually am thinking that it will take a lot of work, but i guess i should stop guessing and just take it in.