Monday was a glorious day here in San Francisco. Eric and I started out at the studio, but pretty soon we decided to escape for the day. We drove to Half Moon Bay and explored the most amazing antique shop (I'll post pictures later), then we continued to Santa Cruz and Capitola. Eric knew of a bike shop in Capitola, so we went there and spent several hours test-riding bicycles up and down the beachy streets, with a break for a Mexican lunch.
We both have mountain bikes (thanks Dave for putting in new inner tubes while you were here!) Mine was a $80 Craigslist find. It's fine, but it's heavy and slow. I wanted a bike that had big wheels and thin tires for efficiency, but a frame that made for a straight riding posture and a more recreational bike-riding experience. You know, for tooling around the neighborhood with a big grin.
Meet the Schwinn "Jenny," my gorgeous new bike:
I haven't had a new bicycle since I was 16, when my dad bought me one for doing well in my Inter Cert exams. That was the bike I had for the 2 years I lived in Dublin. I rode it everywhere, and when I moved to America I gave it to my flatmate Ann, who had just had her bike stolen.
So now I have this sunny yellow beauty, Eric surprised me by adding a basket for the front and a clip-on flower when they were getting it ready in the back of the shop. I love it!
Eric bought a bicycle too, an Electra Townie, which fits him perfectly. On the way home we popped in to visit Nick and Desiree and the kids. 10-year-old Belle got out her bike and the three of us went riding around the neighborhood. It made me feel like a kid, when it was dusk and you tried to get in one more ride before being called in for homework or dinner.
This week I have taken a 6-mile ride twice (to Sloat and back; Mapquest says it's 3 miles each way.) It's so easy and fun, but I still get my heart rate up. I want to make it a habit. I love my bike!
you are welcome.enjoy your new "Jenny".And please, cycle lots so as to puncture her quickly, as I am free to come back to SFO anytime.I miss Safeway!!!!!and the California air, it did me good.
Posted by: David Rossiter | April 10, 2009 at 02:16 PM
That is a beautiful bike!
Posted by: Meg | April 11, 2009 at 07:13 AM
oooh. jenny! i have the exact same bike (in yellow too!) but it's the 1969 version. a bit creaky, but oh so cool.
i'm so glad your into an art trade!let me know what you like...
my email is [email protected]
etsy [email protected]
britt xx
Posted by: Britt | April 16, 2009 at 07:07 PM
I'm very seriously considering buying a "jenny" of my very own (googling her name is how I found your blog). I live in hilly Missouri and I wondered, in your opinion, does she handle hills in SFO acceptably? Thanks for the answer; I sincerely appreciate it!
Posted by: Brandi | April 26, 2009 at 07:01 AM