Sunday, August 19 Ride Reports

[Popoki_Nui]

August 19, 1977. I am temporarily bikeless; my Falcon has been stolen. I walk into Oak Bay Bicycles in Victoria looking for a replacement of some kind...hopefully the same level as the Falcon, or maybe a little better if I can afford it.
Alors! On the wall...a genuine Gitane Tour De France. Reynolds 531 throughout. All-French components. One of my friends has this model, and I am in love with it. But how much? End-of-the-model-line: $255 plus tax. I can do that! And thus I ride "Geri", my new TdF home.

Fast forward thirty years. I still have the original sales receipt, and the bike. Components have been swapped out and upgraded. I've repainted her twice. But she's still my faithful ride.

Today's ride was a pleasant 55km outing....no pressure, no goals, just a nice Sunday afternoon ride in the rolling countryside to celebrate thirty great years with my beloved Gitane.

Maybe it isn't that special to anyone reading this, but after so long, and so many comfortable rides and that certain je ne sais quoi that French bikes of the era have, she is very, very special to me. I doubt I'll be around in another 30 years, but I know that --barring some lowlife stealing it, or a bad wreck-- I will always have my Gitane.