My Favorite Red Bicycle
The coolest thing in the world happened to me today. Well, it happened to my kid. But what’s the difference?
You see, I bought this road bike years and years ago when I was 19. It had a classic, beautiful but pretty rare frame and it was made in Japan and, well, it was the first present I ever bought myself when I got a REAL job. And it was this dark ruby red color. And it weighed almost nothing. It was a work of art.
I was in love with this bike. And I rode it a lot. And then I stopped riding it. And I started just moving it with me wherever I lived and storing it in my garage. Boy did it look good hanging on garage wall though. I would ride it once in a while and be happy. And the rest of the time I would just walk by it and be happy.
But then we decided to move to Mexico. And I had 3 bikes at the time. And I rode 2 of them, but I didn’t ride the red road bike. So my husband INSISTED, in that way that only a husband can insist, that I really should sell the bike to make room for other stuff on the moving truck. And the very sucky thing is that he was right.
So I did sell it. To some Mexican guy. And I’ve regretted it ever since.
Now my daughter has a mountain bike, she rides it to school in the middle of snowstorms and everything. But she’s been wanting a road bike. And she’s been volunteering at some kind of bike exchange program where volunteers pull apart donated bikes and make whole working bikes and give them to people in need. And as a volunteer for this bike exchange my kid gets to build herself a road bike from the available parts.
So tonight she calls. She’s put together her road bike. And the frame she’s got is the one from my old bike!!! She’s got my beautiful deep red tripled-butted gorgeous road bike frame. Her dad, my ex, remembers that bike and he identified it when she came home with it. I can’t wait for them to send a picture.
And I can’t tell you how happy I am that my bike is back in the family, where it belongs! Yay!!
February 1st, 2008 12:56
Can you give me any insight as to what the Cancun real estate economy is like right now?
Do you know of any condo sales or other jobs available in Cancun area for a retired American looking to relocate to the yucatan?
What is the biggest issue these days for Americans living in the area?
Thanks, Lloyd
laughlinou@yahoo.com
February 1st, 2008 15:27
Lloyd – Well those are open-ended questions. The real estate market is slower than in years past. But the recent US Fed rate cuts may make a difference here, since lots of 2nd homes are bought by Americans who using home equity loans to pay for real estate here.
There are jobs here for Americans wanting to work in real estate. It’s not always easy to get permission to work legally in those jobs. And many real estate companies here are, to be frank, full of crooks. I recommend coming and interviewing and evaluating the firms here. You can’t just come and work for the first place you see.
The biggest issues here for Americans, well, Mexican immigration can be a big issue for some. Making a living here can be hard. If you have retirement savings you should be ok. Retirees who relocate here usually adjust better than younger people. Housing can pretty cheap if you don’t want to live on the beach and are careful about where you buy.
But the biggest issue for Americans is probably culture shock. Lots of people move here thinking it will be one way, and it’s not. Many people get here and when reality sets in they leave. If you own in the States I recommend not selling your house there. Adjusting to life here is harder than anyone expects, so don’t come expecting to love it. Don’t come planning on it being perfect. Come with a back-out plan in case it’s not what you want.
February 13th, 2008 23:47
That is ONE COOL story!
So glad the Red Bike made it back home.
I too get attached to my things and have a hard time parting with them.
Fned.
February 14th, 2008 09:29
I get attached to some things and others, well, I just seem to drag them with me everywhere I move, but don’t care. Weird. Right now my storeroom is full of all my nicest things, things I’m saving for what? Then the house is full of the things I use.
July 7th, 2008 12:42
I read your story by total accident, myself on the hunt for a dark red work of art road bike. I have to say it just made me happy to read it, you never know the things you’ll regret letting go or not fighting for till their long gone. At the moment I have this beautiful bike in mind… dark ruby red, honey colored leather seat, wood fenders, and industial detachable wicker basket. I see my components but will I ever own my dream bicycle as you did and now has been passed down… we’ll see. As for now your story gives me hope that ruby red dream bikes do exist, because till now I though they were a myth.
July 9th, 2008 14:19
Iris – I hope you find the bike you want.