There's a man in Little Rock who started an organization called Recycle Bikes for Kids. People donate their old bikes, he fixes them up and donates them to children who don't have one. That's the main premise, however, he also has a ton of adult bikes that he will give you if you give him a few hours of work.
My sister took me to get one so I could get around town. I was immediately drawn to an old road bike even though I've been told that they aren't practical because of the thin tires. They just look so cool. So mine looks kind of like this, except blue...Sonic Blue!
You get the idea. It's so cool. It's been about 12 years since I've used a bicycle for my primary mode of transportation. But really, how hard could it be? "It's like ridin' a bike."- isn't around for nothing.
I pictured myself riding all around town with a backpack on and my (newly) toned legs, zipping through traffic flawlessly. When people saw me they would say to themselves, "Gosh, I really should start riding a bike."
I got on the bike at his shop and wobbled about. Ron said I should take it home and give it a try, if I didn't like it, he would let me exchange it for a model that fit me better. Win-Win.
We loaded up the bike in my sister's car and got it back to my apartment. I read a few articles titled "How to Ride a Road Bike" and I was ready to practice.
My roommate and I took it to a parking lot nearby where we took turns riding in circles around the flat lot. I got cocky and decided I could ride it home. It was only a block, how hard could it be?
I pulled into the street flawlessly and took the first turn like a pro. I pulled up to the next stop and waited until it was my turn to go. The Capital Hotel has a valet lane, a Four Runner opened it's door moments before I was supposed to pass by but I dodged it. I've heard the trolley tracks were a road bikes worst nightmare but I cross the first time without incident. What was all the fuss about? I had to cross them again before taking a right and arriving at my front door. My bike was positioned properly to get across but something happened. I looked down and my front tire was stuck in the trolley tracks. WHAM! I went down like a pile of bricks.
I got my bike off the road and surveyed the damage: right elbow scrape, right knee scrape, left hand injury, crushed pride.
Lessons learned: 1) Always wear a helmet 2) Never try to cross the trolley tracks
In hindsight, I probably could have avoided injury if I had just put my foot down to catch myself.
I'm getting back on it...as soon as the weather clears up. Also, I'm definitely riding it to UFD on Monday.
If you have an old bike or some time to donate, you should get in touch with Ron at Recycle Bikes for Kids, he's doing great things.
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