In Memoriam: The bikes we have lost
I was thinking about my old bike this morning, In fact, I realized that not a day goes by that I don't miss her. She was old and rusty, but she was literally made for me. I could sit perfectly straight up on her, and she even had a cup holder for my coffee. $12 out the door at goodwill. She was my fist 3 speed, and I don't think I can ever replace her.
1977 Columbia Sports 3
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...14031094_0.jpg
About 6 months ago I went out to a party. There was a large collection of bikes in the front yard, behind a large ramp that led to the porch, mostly unlocked. Since I hadn't felt like lugging my big heavy chain lock that night, I brought a little wire wrap around master lock instead that I usually used for quick release seats. I locked her up in the bike pile and figured she was safe.
A bit later, I went out front and noticed 2 gang banger-ly dressed young children. One was about 12 years old, sitting on a mountain bike, the other maybe 8, sitting on his handlebars. They were eyeballing the bikes. I even said something to them, I don't remember what. Something about riding on handlebars. I figured she was safe, there was a multitude of party goers out front, they couldn't possibly steal something with so many people there. so I went in the back.
5 minutes later the announcement was made that a bike had been stolen. They had cut her lock and taken her. We rode around a bit looking for her, but she was gone:(
I miss you Columbia Sports 3!
One sweet 1977 Columbia Sports 3
Ivona,
I'm sorry your bike was stolen. I don't suppose there's any hope of returning to the area where the party was and hunting down the young gangbangerly kids, maybe buying your bike back from them?
Old bikes from the Goodwill, flea markets and garbage pickings are sometimes the best loved -- $12 was a great price.
I like the way you put your coffee cup holder on the Columbia Sports 3, a modern touch on an old gal of a bike.
Sometimes older Columbia bikes are advertised on craigslist and elsewhere, if perchance you're interested in another of the same model.
A woman in Jamaica Plain, MA offered a Columbia 3 speed for free in an ad last January -- a long shot, I know:
http://www.neighborsforneighbors.org...a-free-beat-up