[CR]Fixed-Gear - What A Ride !

(Example: Production Builders:LeJeune)

From: "Raoul Delmare" <Raoul.L.Delmare@worldnet.att.net>
To: "C.R. List" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, "Bruce C." <BruceCumberland@comcast.net>
Date: Mon, 19 Apr 2004 10:24:23 -0500
Subject: [CR]Fixed-Gear - What A Ride !

Hey , I just had to mention . . .

The response of the people I passed , to my bicycle , was phenomenal ! There must be something about riding a fixed-gear bicycle which puts a smile on the face of everyone who sees it . The past two days , I heard :

"Dad , look at that !" "Mommy , look , quick !" "Bob , c'mere , hurry !" "Look at THAT !" "I know - I saw it yesterday !"

http://www.hiwheel.com/antique_replicas/hiwheeler.htm

I just got my single-speed fixed-gear back on the road again , this weekend . Yes , I know some experts might not call this one a fixed-gear , or at least perhaps not quite like the fixed-gear bicycles THEY ride :^)

I installed the new front fork on Saturday . Fork problems with one of these bicycles are especially challenging . As soon as the bicycle was together , I went for a very quick ride just as it was getting too dark . The last minutes of the sunset were so beautiful .

The red-bud trees are in bloom here , and the Bradford pear trees . The antique lilac bushes are in bloom , along with the wild plum bushes . The tulips are just slightly past their peak . The scents on the evening air were intoxicating . The intoxicating effect of the fresh air was especially noticeable while I was gasping for breath on the uphills . I knew I was out of shape , but still . . .

Sunday I went for a ride over to a friend's downtown loft ( very quiet on a Sunday afternoon ) . Leaning my bicycle against the red bricks of the more-than-100-year-old building , it made such a pretty picture . I certainly understand why folks like to photograph these bicycles against old brick walls . Riding out , I went into the wind , but mostly down-hill . I rode back mostly up-hill , but with the wind at my back . And , I rode home in a warm little Spring rain shower ! Nature was kind !

:^)

Raoul Delmare
Marysville Kansas