Do you name your bikes?

[sgtiger]

I used to think it was kind of silly/cute that Dh named his car when we were dating. He hasn't named any of his cars since. They have been newer with less personality (read: issues). It was General Hirohito or something like that. The Japanese make car counterpart to the General Lee.

Now, here I am doing it with my bikes. My custom Rodriguez Adventurer is named Esmeralda, but is referred to more as Emmy, for her stunning color. Plus I feel "she" is my gem of a bike and the fact that "she" was purchased around my wedding anniversary. Even though it wasn't technically an anniversary present, in my mind, it kind of replaces my original wedding ring that I lost a few years back which had an emerald in it. Also, she's the one on which I can picture myself riding through the European countryside on a fully loaded tour - maybe Nice or Tuscany. (Hunchback of Notre Dame: Esmeralda is the name of the Gypsy woman).

I just purchased a step-through cruiser type bike that for some reason the name Tilly keeps popping into my head when I ride "her." (Okay, the quotes are getting annoying so I'm leaving them out starting now.) She just feels like a she. She's a plain jane of a bike. Not much to look at, but so fun to ride.

I have a mixte, but it doesn't have a name yet. I haven't had the time or funds needed to fix it up properly so it hasn't been ridden. I'm sure once I get to know the bike better, I'll get a feel for what his/her name should be.

I never named my bikes or any other inanimate objects before I really got into riding. 'Course, I was not overly fond of my Terry Classic. It just did not fit me right no matter how much fiddling we did it.

For me, I think has to do with that fact that I'm projecting a bit of myself on my bike because they feel like an extension of my body; which in turn is like an extension of self. So, you could say they are physical representations of my inner personalities. Or something like that.

ETA: I think I only use their names about a third of the time IRL. Usually I just refer to Emmy as my Rodriguez or my tourer.

[indigoiis]

Our 67 Sperry teardrop trailer is called Esmerelda!

[sgtiger]

indigoiis - Cool! Did it come with that name? Or is there a story behind it too?