The Cycling Tour

I have thought of purchasing a bicycle for more than a year. I went to the Optimists? Bike Auction in 2010 and saw some pretty nifty bikes. Not only that, but from the sounds of it people were purchasing quality bikes for very reasonable prices.

I was not prepared to bid on one myself, though. I had not been in a bike shop in years, so I didn?t know what a good used bike should cost and how it would compare to a new bike. Furthermore, I didn?t know what I would do with a bike once I got it. I live within walking distance of the downtown, so oftentimes I can get where I need to go on foot. I was aware that there were trails in the area, but I had never gone on them and didn?t know where they went.

Since that time, I have studied up on bicycles. I know the trails better. And I have a greater desire to spend time outdoors. I enjoy going on walks around town, but I figured I could see even more of the town on a bike.

I anxiously awaited the Optimists? next bike auction. That auction was the morning of June 4, the same day as Ridiculous Day. There were all kinds of booths and vendors set up around the square that morning. One of the booths I came across was that of Washington County Public Health. Public health employees Edie Nebel and Chrystal Woller were there giving away bicycle helmets. What luck! I got the last adult helmet they had.

?With a free helmet in tow, how could I not get a bike?? I asked myself.

I arrived at the auction early to scope out the merchandise. I saw there were several bikes worth bidding on, although once the auction started I bid on only one. Fortunately, I won the bid and took home a mountain bike in good condition.

I have ridden my bike nearly every day since then, mostly because it?s fun but also to prepare for the Mayor?s Bike Ride this Saturday. I?ve spent some time reading about bicycle safety and bicycle maintenance on the Internet. I had never heard the word ?derailleur? until last week when I was learning about a bicycle?s transmission system (a derailleur is a device that moves the chain on a bike, allowing it to shift into different gears).

One thing I pay more attention to now is other cyclists, and especially how they treat traffic signs. A bicycle, when it is being ridden as opposed to walked, must travel on the road and obey all traffic laws. I?ve seen many bikers, both children and adults, who do not even slow down at stop signs. I can only hope they at least look both ways before crossing, but still it is a disconcerting sight.

I have acquired a few accessories for my bike and will probably acquire a few more. I added a rearview mirror to my handlebar so I can more easily see cars coming up behind me. I bought a foot pump, and boy, has that made a difference. The bike is so much easier to pedal when the tires are fully inflated. I might purchase a light, too, so I can ride at night. I?d also like to get some kind of noise-making device for the bike. I can?t decide if I should get a ding-dong bell or a bugle horn.