Not so easy rider

One of my main goals since I've been here was to find a bike. I've decided it would be so much easier — and cheaper — than riding public transportation. Work is only about three miles from where I live, and most of the way is a bike path along the channel I life on.

I went to a couple of bike shops, but even the used ones are turning out to be pretty expensive, especially because I'm only here for two months. I was walking around tonight, however, and I found one chained to a post with a paper that said "for sale" and a number on it. I called and met the lady who was selling it five minutes later. She dropped the price 10 euros because the front tire was almost flat, though she promised it was new.

Later when riding it home, I came to the conclusion that I just bought a piece of junk. As I road away, a metal piece that guards the chain began clanging. I also realized the front light doesn't work. And the mud guards have shifted and sometimes rub on the tires as well. I keep consoling myself that saving the $20 Euros ($30) that I would otherwise have spent by buying it from a shop was worth it.

I guess we'll see after I fill the "new" tire with air.

Lesson learned: Give it more of a test drive next time.