someone stole my bike ;((((( [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

suzieqtwa

10-23-2006, 04:24 PM

ChainsOflove

10-23-2006, 04:36 PM

Suzie
This happened to me, too, but it was a brand spanking new cannondale road bike--stolen out of my own apt. garage!!!

It took me two years to get over it and get another road bike.

Don't worry, you'll be okay. Do you have another bike to ride?

7rider

10-23-2006, 04:44 PM

Oh, MAN! That sux. I'm so sorry about that.
I totally understand how you feel - I had a bike stolen, too. :mad:
Some people. Sheesh! Why can't they keep their grubby paws off stuff that doesn't belong to them???
Can your car or home owners insurance pay for replacement value of the loss?
My friends insurance gave me money for the bike (it was stolen from her driveway when I ran it to fill a waterbottle and chat before a ride - 2 minutes and BAM! Gone).
Honestly, it was the best thing that ever happened to me as a cyclist. I just had to get over the shock, anger, and fear (not easy, I know).
Chin up. It's just a "thing" and be glad there was no confrontation over it.

Offthegrid

10-23-2006, 04:45 PM

I'm so sorry. That's awful. {{{ hugs }}}

suzieqtwa

10-23-2006, 05:01 PM

I have homeowners insurance ,and car insurance ...but the total cost of the bike ,and stuff was probably around $800.00 or so, just enough as the deductible would be. I was just so comfortable on that bike. Now I'm taking the big step to a" clip less road bike". I'm filled with anger ,and shock ,and just plain PISSED off. Ill have to pay for a new road bike which I didn't plan on getting till March. I was only gone 1 hour. I need to just get over it ,and look for the positive. The bike shop said people come in crying at least once a week with stolen bike stories. I'm going to try and get fitted to my husbands TREK hybrid which has only been ridden 3 times. Maybe that will work till I get the road bike. Its a size bigger than mine was ,but I'm 5/9 with long legs ,so it may work. Thanks for your responses. I'm just so angry.

mtkitchn

10-23-2006, 05:09 PM

What a lousy deal. What the heck is wrong with people, anyway?:mad:

light_sabe_r

10-23-2006, 05:11 PM

Bastards!

Did you give a photo of it to the police too??

After I locked my keys in the car did I realise HOW easily it was to get into my car. Even though I have left my bike in my little hatch I've always had it covered.

the other thing is my bike's got so many PINK nail polish spots on the red and silver CHIPPED paint now that if it did get stolen i would be able to identify it.

mary9761

10-23-2006, 05:13 PM

I'm so sorry to hear about your bike. I know I would be heartbroken as well. My Little Navigator That Could and I have been through a LOT together.
((((((((((HUGS))))))))))

bike4ever

10-23-2006, 05:14 PM

So sorry to hear about your bike being stolen.

Did you have the serial number? If so, did you give it to the police? The police in St. Louis notify pawn shops of the stolen bike with accompanying serial number. Also, can you get an image of the bike with a specific description of all of your extras? I'd suggest you take these to your local LBS. Eventhough many shops do not buy used bikes, the average criminal doesn't know this and will walk in off of the street to try and sell it.

chickwhorips

10-23-2006, 05:24 PM

so sorry to hear about that!

idiots! they need a good swift kick in the shin! what are people thinking. unbelievable.

big hugs!

suzieqtwa

10-23-2006, 05:27 PM

It did have a serial # ,and I did take it to "The Bike Gallery" in Portland where they sent it to all the other shops. I feel sick in my stomach . I had it perfect for me. Who ever stole it left the cut lock ,and bungee cord on my Jeep tire. I know Ill never see it again. It was my first bike ,but it is "just a thing ,and life goes on. I'm sure Ill have lots of new adventures on my new Trek 2.1 when I get it. I just need to get over it ,and I cant. ; ((((( The police also have the Serial #. They told me at least 20-50 bikes a day get stolen.

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-23-2006, 05:29 PM

Suzie,
I feel so badly for you! :mad: :( :(
I would want to KILL if someone stole my bike!! Such a CRUMMY NASTY thing to do.
I've read that you really need a Kryptonite U-bolt type lock to lock your car onto a rack. I am pretty paranoid about someone stealing my bike, and I understand how upset you must be. I am upset just thinking about your bike.

Now....
Keep in your mind thoughts about how much you are going to LOVE your sparkling sleek fast NEW bike!!!!

Kitsune06

10-23-2006, 05:45 PM

once bikeportland.org is up, there's a place to report stolen bikes. Keep a close eye on Craigslist in the meantime. It's so awful to have a bike stolen, and the people who do are such jerks.
Take care and positive thoughts for you.

Aggie_Ama

10-23-2006, 05:45 PM

UGH!!! People who steal bikes are just nasty, evil people. I got my bike stolen in fifth grade and it was horrible. It was a beautiful Huffy 10 speed. It was so traumatic and that time it was my fault, I couldn't open the garage so I left it in front of the house three weeks before Christmas. My parents tried to tell me so poor kid probably got it for Christmas from parents who were desperate. Even though my Nanny and Pawpaw bought me a new one a week later, I was hurt. They no longer made the bike I had and no bike we could find compared. (((hugs))) I never loved another bike until I got my current road bike. At least you will not have to wait 12 years!!

suzieqtwa

10-23-2006, 05:53 PM

I'm calming down a bit ,but when I go into the garage ,and its not there I feel like I want to cry...Lisa,you knew me when I found out I couldn't run anymore ,and just bought the bike. I couldn't even ride up the hill...I was so frustrated. I've came a long way on that bike (4 months) ,and I will learn to ride a road bike . Who ever took it I'm sure sold it real quick. It was nice ,and fully loaded. Im just soooooooooooo SAD !!!! Thanks again for all the sympathy. I need HUG. Ok , Ill quit whinnying.

Bad JuJu

10-23-2006, 06:07 PM

Oh, that just sux! I'm so sorry for you. It's not even so much the money (though that IS an issue) as the time and effort you spent making the bike just right for you. I'm sure your heart just sinks every time you think about it and all the good miles you did together. I've never had a bike stolen but I have had a pretty wonderful guitar stolen, and I think the feelings of loss and sorrow and violation hurt me worse than the monetary loss.

Remember that old saying: when one door closes, another one opens (I'm usually not that sappy, but it seems called for in this situation). Now, on to new things--your new road bike. Sooner than you expected, but hey, life doesn't follow a script.

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-23-2006, 06:10 PM

...Lisa,you knew me when I found out I couldn't run anymore ,and just bought the bike. I couldn't even ride up the hill...I was so frustrated. I've came a long way on that bike (4 months) ,and I will learn to ride a road bike.

So that shows that frustration with something can often lead you in wonderful new directions- and so it shall be with your next bike! :)
Hey, you and I have BOTH come a long way on our bikes in 4 months! ;)
Suzie, you will LOVE your road bike. Just be sure to be careful and patient about getting one that fits you well. Try out a LOT of them if you can, the more you test ride the more likely you will feel the difference between one that fits and one that doesn't. Expect it to feel different from your hyrid upright-position bike.

You're lucky to have a guy who totally supports your biking. And think how sad that some people wouldn't even be able to get a new bike if theirs was stolen. :(

CyclChyk

10-23-2006, 06:22 PM

Tho I can't relate to having a bike stolen from my vehicle, I can relate to having my car broken into and things stolen from it. They even stole the change I had in my coin seperator (they did leave the pennies tho). Yes the items could be replaced but what pissed me off most was "what the h*ll gave them the right to take MY stuff?" Who the h*ll did they think they were?? They had no regard for me or my feelings or stuff or my situation. They simply didn't care. I remember feeling like my vehicle was so dirty that I took it into a car wash and then wiped the inside down completely before I went into work. My DH thought I was a bit crazy for that part but everything just felt so dirty.

I am so sorry you had to experience this. {{{{{hugs}}}}}

Trek420

10-23-2006, 07:04 PM

My namesake, my Trek420 was lifted from my own home. Went downstairs because I really needed a ride (going through a nasty break up at the time...) and no bike :(

I went on to get a new bike I've never forgotten the 420 and I would love to have it back.

Check Craigs, get the word out, post pictures in LBS. You never know you may see your baby again.

Ask AG, she actually did-her hubby saw her mountain bike (which if it wasn't so sad it was lifted would be funny to think of a male bike thief on her bike, AG is my height or shorter. I'm thinking like circus clown cycling for the guy)

I'm sure my Trek was sold for the cost of a hit of crack (and I think I know who it was). If I saw him on it or near it I would (and could) do serious damage and the only thing that would stop me is...there's no cycling in jail :cool: Though it is a good way to meet women...nah, never mind.

In the back of my mind I always think one day I'll round a corner and see my fully customised unique unmistakeable Trek but know if I did she'd be in such poor shape. The Trek was roughly 10 years old and I was constantly asked if it was brand spanking new, I took good care of her.

There is a special place in H*** for bike thieves, no other sport is your equipment like part of your body. So go on, get a new bike, don't take your eyes off it and let G**, karma, the Great Pumpkin sort it out.

May he get door'ed:mad:

BeeLady

10-23-2006, 07:13 PM

So sorry to hear about your bike being stolen. Major bummer.:(

Hope you can recover from the shock, etc. soon and get some new wheels!

suzieqtwa

10-23-2006, 07:22 PM

Thanks TE sisters !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My eyes are red from crying ,so I'm going to bed. I feel like someone died. I'm sure it was sold for meth . Sad huh!!!! Bad JU JU you are right...when one door closes another one opens. If I hadn't destroyed my ankle I never would have bought my first bike. I thought my life was over when I found out I couldn't run anymore. Look forward to doing my first metric on my new road bike in April...speaking of...Bad Ju Ju how was your ride????/

Bikingmomof3

10-23-2006, 07:44 PM

Oh Suzie, I am so sorry to hear your bike was stolen. ((((((Suzie)))))

Running Mommy

10-23-2006, 07:59 PM

Oh man I feel for you!! I think it's the feeling of being violated that makes it so bad. Yeah it's just an "object"... But bikes become more than just an object to us. It's like losing a part of you. Man that just stinks!!

I actually have a story that takes the cake on bike thievery...
My friend Rayne is a Phoenix firefighter. He had his bike LOCKED IN HIS TRUCK, parked INSIDE the firestation, and it was stolen while they were out on a call!! Someone actually came INTO the station and stole it!!! Now THAT is cajones!!!
And stealing from a firefighter no less??!! Sheesh! What is it with people??!! :mad:

pooks

10-23-2006, 08:01 PM

Suzie -- I'm so sorry, and angry on your behalf!

But stop beating yourself up for being upset. Of COURSE you're upset. There will be a time to "just get over it," but right now is the time to be upset. It just happened!

I hope you wake up feeling better, but if you don't -- well give yourself another day or two before you start demanding that you move forward.

Popoki_Nui

10-23-2006, 09:52 PM

I'm calming down a bit ,but when I go into the garage ,and its not there I feel like I want to cry.. Im just soooooooooooo SAD !!!! Thanks again for all the sympathy. I need HUG. Ok , Ill quit whinnying.

You are NOT whinnying! You have every right to feel sad and violated. I empathize totally with you; my beautiful old Falcon was stolen right out of my (very private, enclosed) back yard many years ago. I rode that bike thousands of miles. I overhauled her, painted her, fussed and fawned over her, and one day she was gone. I was CRUSHED. And PISSED. I have never forgotten that feeling.
Big warm (((((hugs)))), and deepest sympathy to you. Yes life goes on, but the loss you feel is very real.

~Sherry.

lph

10-24-2006, 02:55 AM

That SUCKS! I had my own beloved Trek stolen once, and went berserk. Luckily it was an "impulse theft" in a small neighbourhood and I guessed it, so I turned into Raving Mad Bike Police and tracked it down. I was sooooooo pissed!

Good luck getting over it. Don't channel it into road rage...

Thistle

10-24-2006, 03:17 AM

Oh Suzie that sucks so much :mad: :mad: I dont even know what to say. Just sending you hugs.

SouthernBelle

10-24-2006, 04:57 AM

Let me join in sending my sympathy. :mad:

margo49

10-24-2006, 05:34 AM

Had my first bike stolen when I was 12 and have never forgotten the feeling or the bike.When I was messenger-ing in London in the early 80's I would leave it around at drops and pick-ups and nothing would happen to it. My touring bike too. They were both perfectly inconspicuous - perfectly maintained but that was only obvious to a fellow-biker.
I really feel for you because a bike is so much a part of us.
It will take you a few days to regain your emotional equilibrium, so be patient with yourself as you find yourself overcome by it all every now and then.

mimitabby

10-24-2006, 06:08 AM

About a month ago, I was downtown, on my way to Elliott Bay Bike when I saw a guy holding a nice looking mountain bike and trying to sell it to a couple tourists for twenty bucks. I started yelling at him. Don't you try and sell that bike you stole from someone!!
He scudded away... and the tourists looked very relieved.

I am sorry about your bike. (all of your bikes, actually) We've noticed an unfortunate trend in Seattle. THere is less and less $$ for law enforcement, so unimportant crimes like theft are being ignored because there aren't enough cops to do the jobs. When my husband's laptop was stolen out of his truck
they didn't even want to come to the scene to make a report. They wanted to do it over the phone.

hiker chick

10-24-2006, 07:09 AM

Sympathies for the theft of your bike. :( It is beyond infuriating to have something -- anything -- stolen or vandalized. :mad: I hope there is a particularly hot little spot in hell for those people. They are predators. They do not care the least bit who they steal from and the hardship they cause their victims.

Makes me long a little bit for a Saudia Arabian-style remedy in the criminal code. Perhaps if bicycle thieves had to fear having their feet cut off...

I'm from Hood River, Oregon, and appalled by what I've become accustomed to living with in DC for nearly 20 years. When I first moved out here, to northern Virginia, three juveniles tried to steal my scooter. A gallant neighbor chased them down, called the police and I gladly filed charges and cashed the checks (for damages) drawn on their parents' accounts that the court forced the kids to fill out.

My roommate's puppy was stolen out of the backyard. Two weeks, several search posses and hundreds of dollars later, we paid ransom to get her back (she lived 14 undramatic years after that, with me) and I never left her unattended, anywhere, ever again (except inside the house, guarded by a security system).

After moving into the city, I learned to never lock convertibles, removed the stereos every night, left the empty glovebox open and still three tops were slashed. One night walking home from work at 7:00p, one block from my house, I was attacked in an attempted smash-and-grab. Turns out I was attached enough to my purse to hang on until some good samaritans chased that creep off.

After a multi-year personal respite from crime, last month on a beautiful Saturday morning, I walked out to my car to head out and do errands, only to be greeted by a missing side window -- smashed to smithereens (nothing inside taken and nothing visible to take). The silver lining in that instance was that in cleaning out the car before taking it in for repair, I found the CDs I thought I'd lost months before. :) Since those were beloved roadtrip mixes, that was some compensation for the $300 window and half-a-day spent getting it replaced.

This year I've gotten into biking. Three new mountain bikes sit in my house (one for me, one for friends and one rigged for my dog to pull). I am mindful of their vulnerability to theft when transporting them or out in public. But I have not been careful enough. I'm more than a little concerned that I will be mugged for a bike one of these dark nights, which is why I carry pepper spray in a bento box on the top bar. If they don't stick a gun in my face, I plan on fighting them for the bike.

For me, the only salve for the pain of being robbed has been time elapsed and confidence that the criminals are miserable SOBs who likely will be caught someday, for some crime. And at some point their loser lives will catch up with them, if it hasn't already. I don't know how those people live with themselves. I am beyond sick and tired of living with them.

Thank you for sharing your story, which may spur others to take further steps to protect their bikes. And I hope you can get a new, even better bike, very soon. You've earned your anger and deserve a great new bike.

:)

suzieqtwa

10-24-2006, 07:36 AM

Good morning.................I woke up round 3 am ,and couldn't go back to sleep. I think its more RAGE and ANGER ,of someone taking something that wasn't theirs ,and selling it dirt cheap for a hit of crack ,I'm sure. I do feel violated. That hybrid was me...I had it all fixed up for me. Yes, its like loosing part of yourself. I had planned on buying a road bike ,but I didn't want it to have to be this way. MIMI...the cops called me ,but didn't have time to come over and take a police report. HE asked me to do it online ,and send it in. I guess they are overwhelmed by other stuff. I will be more careful with my new bike ,and I hope I prevent someone else from getting their bike stolen.
I have no idea how to ride a road bike,its going out of my comfort zone ,but I hope to learn quickly, In the mean time I have my husbands TREK hybrid which I think it too big. The bar just about hits my crotch when I'm standing flat...maybe 1 inch room?
I really cant afford a road bike now ,but they have a 90 day same as cash. I think with all the stuff I need it should cost around 2,000. I'm going clip less..ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh A trek 2.1 WSD

kaybee

10-24-2006, 07:57 AM

Susie, so sorry your bike was stolen. It just makes you feel so powerless, doesn't it? Any chance Santa can make it up to you? ;)

KB

liberty

10-24-2006, 08:48 AM

Suzie - what kind of car do you drive? Did you say a Jeep? I tend to put my bike in the back seat of my car (Ford Contour), as I don't have a secure car rack yet. But now I am wondering if that is even safe enough. Haven't had any problems yet. But it has crossed my mind a time or two... I try to cover it up with the front windshield sun-blocker thingy. I guess if someone tries hard enough they can get at anything... Glad you weren't hurt. You are irreplaceable!

mimitabby

10-24-2006, 08:50 AM

I have no idea how to ride a road bike,its going out of my comfort zone ,but I hope to learn quickly, In the mean time I have my husbands TREK hybrid which I think it too big. The bar just about hits my crotch when I'm standing flat...maybe 1 inch room?
I really cant afford a road bike now ,but they have a 90 day same as cash. I think with all the stuff I need it should cost around 2,000. I'm going clip less..ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh A trek 2.1 WSD

Suzie
that's a great bike! It has taken me months to get used to riding a road bike.
I understand completely. it's a learning experience.
if i can do it, you can too. as to going clipless, i will try it this winter on a wind trainer... good luck to you and i am sorry about your loss.

Dianyla

10-24-2006, 10:36 AM

once bikeportland.org is up, there's a place to report stolen bikes. Keep a close eye on Craigslist in the meantime.
Seconding the recommendation to add your bike to Jonathan Maus' Stolen Bike List (http://www.bikeportland.org/stolenbikes). There's also a new feature that he's started called Finetoothcog (http://finetoothcog.com/) which is actually up even though bikeportland.org's website is down at the moment. It's still in development but the basic idea is that Finetoothcog will comb through http://portland.craigslist.org/bik and look for your bike being sold.

All of mechanics at the various excellent LBS's here in town (Bike Gallery, River City, etc) keep an eye on the Stolen Bike List. So if someone brings in your bike to get it serviced it might be recognized and recovered.

Best of luck to you!

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-24-2006, 12:02 PM

I have no idea how to ride a road bike,its going out of my comfort zone ,but I hope to learn quickly, In the mean time I have my husbands TREK hybrid which I think it too big. The bar just about hits my crotch when I'm standing flat...maybe 1 inch room? .....I'm going clip less..ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Suzie, Sure it will take a few adjustments to get used to a road bike....but it's just a BIKE, remember. Think of the difference between sitting up straight in your chair and then leaning forward with your hands on your knees instead.

Keep in mind that you don't HAVE to go clipless if you don't want to. Or you can get 2 sided pedals so you can start "regular" and then try out the other clipless side anytime you want to practice. I don't use clipless, and I have a great time riding my road bike! I go 40 mile rides with no problems despite not having clipless. Clipless are pretty much essential for racing/competing though, that's for sure. If you "compete" with your husband they would help! I ride for fun and fitness, so I care more about having fun than increasing my speed, etc.

If you have an inch to spare in standover height on your DH's bike, that's plenty. Adjust the seat height and fore-aft position now, you should be just fine temporarily.

Think of this: your bike is just the TOOL that you use to fly over the face of the earth at high speeds on your own power, freeing your soul. YOU are the power, not the bike. Try to envision that you will use various TOOLS (bikes) during your lifetime as you fly across the earth surface on your own body power. I know it's hard to envision a bike as merely a tool, because we all DO get very attached to our beloved bikes. But it helps to keep in mind that it is WE who are the important element here, the driving force. They can't steal THAT off your car rack. ;)

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-24-2006, 01:30 PM

I'm thinking my last post was stupid because if someone stole my bike I would trying to calm myself with the "it's just a tool" thoughts, but in reality I would be FURIOUS and so, so, upset.
I guess you need to just feel awful about it right now Suzie- you have every right to cry your eyes out. Crying helps us heal too, so might as well get it all out. I'm so SORRY that creep took your bike. :( :( :( Time will heal.

Trek420

10-24-2006, 01:47 PM

Lisa S.H "I'm so SORRY that creep took your bike. :( :( :( Time will heal"

yes, time wounds all heels. I hope he gets two flats then bonks then.....

DarcyInOregon

10-24-2006, 01:52 PM

I can understand Suzie's pain. When your bike is stolen, and especially when it is the first bike, it is like you are raped. It is a nasty feeling. When someone does harm to your loved ones, your pets or your bike, the anguish is unbearable.

Here is a good link that shows options for locking the bike based on the crime severity of your neighborhood. Keep in mind, though, that Suzie does not live in a high crime area, that her bike was most likely stolen by somebody passing by in a pickup truck, with bolt cutters. Perhaps the solution for locking the bike onto the car's carrier is to use a heavy cable, plus a U-Lock.

http://www.kryptonitelock.com/inetisscripts/abtinetis.exe/PublicArticleFind@Public

Darcy

BleeckerSt_Girl

10-24-2006, 01:58 PM

Darcy, that link is not working for me.

pooks

10-24-2006, 04:31 PM

Suzie, I hope you're feeling better today, and even more, I hope you stumble across somebody with your bike!

What kind of bike rack did you have?

Tali

10-24-2006, 04:58 PM

[QUOTE=When your bike is stolen, and especially when it is the first bike, it is like you are raped.[/QUOTE]

And I must say, that analogy is not working for me.

Suzie, I'm very sorry your bike was stolen. A violent, physically invasive crime against a person is just not the same. Not even close. Being robbed is bad enough, but not equatable to rape in my book. No offense, Darcy, nor Suzie.

hiker chick

10-24-2006, 05:31 PM

I'm thinking my last post was stupid because if someone stole my bike I would trying to calm myself with the "it's just a tool" thoughts, but in reality I would be FURIOUS and so, so, upset.

LOL! :) I thought maybe my Saudia Arabian-style cut their feet off pitch was a little extreme and hesitated to post it, especially since I haven't posted much else. But the truth is, after Buck was stolen, discovering my convertibles had been slashed and the latest episode with the smashed side window -- cutting feet off pales in comparison to the fate I wished for the thieves.

If there were a security system that would electrocute puppy thieves, car thieves, bike thieves and home intruders... I'd consider it a public service. Not a lethal shock, necessarily, but at least make their hair sizzle.

Suzieqtwa -- perhaps revenge fantasies would be therapeautic.

And I need to train Gidget, my new pup, how to use a tazer.

pooks

10-24-2006, 05:36 PM

LOL! :) I thought maybe my Saudia Arabian-style cut their feet off pitch was a little extreme and hesitated to post it, especially since I haven't posted much else. But the truth is, after Buck was stolen, discovering my convertibles had been slashed and the latest episode with the smashed side window -- cutting feet off pales in comparison to the fate I wished for the thieves.

When my dogs were stolen (or more likely, released from the yard) I had just gotten through reading THE GODFATHER and wanted so desperately to have a godfather to go to who would inviscerate the bastids who did it.

That's why they don't let us wreak our own vengeance, I guess. (wink)

The dogs were found and all was happy ever after.

KSH

10-24-2006, 05:48 PM

I'm so upset I can hardly write this...I took my bike in for an adjustment ,and went to work...only for a couple hours. I locked it on my car. The parking lot is on a busy intersection ,and only a few feet from the entrance door I go in. I went to show someone the bike ,and it was gone. I was in shock. That hybrid had everything on it...fenders ,a computer ,full set of tools ,tire etc............. I feel violated. I filed a police report ,but Ill never see it. My husband told me to go pick out that road bike I wanted...Trek 2.1 ,but its just the point someone stole my bike. I cant get on with my night.............................I'm so mad. I just need to vent.
Suzie

OH! How upsetting! I would be so pissed!

I am so paranoid of my bike being stolen... so I bought a car where I can fit the bike inside the car. Even then... I won't leave it in my car overnight for fear of someone breaking into the car to steal it.

Well... even though it's very sad that it was stolen... you do get to get a new bike to replace it... and the road bike you want! That's exciting!

suzieqtwa

10-24-2006, 05:55 PM

Hey sisters,
I'm doing much better today. I got on my husbands Trek ,and although my legs are completely straight when I'm pedaling ,it should work for a couple of weeks till I get my new bike. My bike was like a old friend ,even though I only had it 4 months. I felt so comfortable on it (but I didn't at first). The Bike Gallery told me to bring it in,( the Trek) ,and they would adjust it to fit me the best they could.
I was looking at all the bikes on my way home from work tonight to see if someone was riding mine...no luck. Thanks for all the lost bike sites. I know the road bike is going to be out of my comfort zone....I cant afford a bike , all the accessories ,and a trainer ,so Ill have to resort to parking lots ,and lots of bruises to learn.
Lisa ,thanks for the words of wisdom. I also ride for fun ,and fitness...but I still compete against myself. I plan on doing century's etc...but no racing. I want to learn clip less when I first get the bike ,otherwise Ill get to comfortable with the straps ,and wont want to switch. I'm also terrified of flats on a road bike. I went to a class ,but never tried it myself. I do think I would panic if alone when it happened.
MIMI...why is the bike so hard to learn on? How long have you been riding.
I'm not going to let the looser who stole my bike steal my life.....I don't want to be depressed,so I'm going to just try ,and let it go ,and think about my new bike.
As far as the insurance...it would be a wash if I claimed it. I still have that 500.00 deductible on my car ,and house. Yes, I have a Jeep ,and I had the rack the goes into your spare tire. I had a pretty thick cable lock on it. I guess I'm Nineveh.
I'm going to try a couple of bikes tomorrow.....Ill let you know. : )))

hiker chick

10-24-2006, 06:12 PM

When my dogs were stolen (or more likely, released from the yard) I had just gotten through reading THE GODFATHER and wanted so desperately to have a godfather to go to who would inviscerate the bastids who did it.

That's why they don't let us wreak our own vengeance, I guess. (wink)

The dogs were found and all was happy ever after.

Thank goodness you got the dogs back! I could not bear for anything to happen to Gidget. I carry Mace to protect her from dogs off leash and, more importantly, thieves. (you would not believe how often I'm asked on the street how much she cost) Hell hath few furies like a woman whose dog is stolen. Let alone all your dogs! :eek:

I was carrying Mace the night I was attacked walking home from work but, alas, the Mace was in my pocket when I needed it. Does no good there, ladies, keep it in your hand when you're out alone or feel threatened. I was tackled, about 20 feet from a very dark alley. Fortunately, I heard him running behind me and heeded the gut feeling that they were not the footsteps of a harmless jogger. So I turned, braced myself and recalled a security course ("Refuse to be a Victim," for anyone who is interested) directive that if attacked like that outside you should yell "FIRE!" "FIRE!" "FIRE!" And so several people came running out of their rowhouses. He ran off. Cops were quick to respond, but not quick enough.

I was traumatized, of course. Shaken. But not angry. Don't think I ever got angry about that. Too consumed with being scared and relieved to have survived serious injury (and kept my purse, too) and left the next week for a long-planned month in New Zealand (that was great therapy). Didn't walk to work for the next year and have never again carried a purse in the neighborhood after dark.

The robberies and vandalism, on the other hand, elicited pure fury in response. In those instances, no emotion was siphoned off for other feelings, like relief.

No, property crime is not rape, that is an inartful comparison. But theft is a violation. And how one perceives it is based in large part on their own experiences and situation.

I would be particularly livid if my newest bike were stolen. I adore that bike.

:cool:

twin

10-24-2006, 06:19 PM

I am sorry your bike was stolen. It is awful that people do such mean things. I worry about that happening.

Jo-n-NY

10-25-2006, 05:27 AM

Hi Suzie,

I just saw your post. I have been more of a luker than a poster over the past few months.

I just want to add that I am also so very sorry to hear of your mishap. It truely angers me also how people can just go out a grab and take what does not belong to them. Even though I am always looking at new bikes notches up from what I have, I really love my bike and would be very sad if someone took it. Yes, it is the whole principle of the action. I believe in what goes around comes around, hopefully they will get theirs someday.

Good luck in finding a NEW bike and try to enjoy the test rides and anticipation of finding your very special new bike.

~ JoAnn

cherinyc

10-25-2006, 09:54 AM

Gosh - I am just seeing this post today, and I am so sad and ANGRY for you Suzie. I feel the same as the others - basically that I just can't comprehend how people can be so w/ out a conscience. I couldn't live with myself if I ever did something like that to someone, so......I guess that's what sets us apart, huh? Feel better angel!!! Everything DOES happen for a reason, and I know that because of your terrible mishap, I am going to be a little less naive, and a little more cautious. I am sure you have helped someone else in this manner as well - and possibly saved them from a theft.

Question to everyone - if they can put a microchip in a dog - or on a cell phone, or a car - that will track it if lost/stolen....can you get the same for a bike? Just a little nodule that can attach to your derailer or frame or something. I can't see why not?

My thoughts about having my bicycle stolen, are that my bike is a very personal thing to me. Much less than my car which I've had much longer. To build a relationship with my bike has proved much more difficult than many things. So many give and takes - and respect has gone into being able to ride her for 72 miles (my longest). It explains why you are so hurt Suzie.
I'm so so so sorry. But you will overcome it. Be strong!