I wasn’t basket weaving, or building a shed, or going bonkers
This [left] was a close up of this [below]
which belongs on the front of the bicycle here – my Christmas present from Liz.
She is a vintage Raleigh Cameo, I think from the 70’s and British built. She was languishing in the back garden of Steph’s old place. The girls put a sign on her, asking about ownership, and after a longish interval with no response, Liz claimed her.
At this point, she was a bit of a wreck – but Liz took her back to her place, and restored her, had new front forks fixed, and got the local bike shop to do a full safety check. It seems that everyone else knew about this restoration project except me!
When we left London last Thursday, she was loaded into the back of the car and we took her up to Cornerstones.
I took her out for a few rides round the village. This is me, returning from the farm [there is a box of a dozen eggs in that messenger bag over my shoulder]
I knew I had a cycle helmet back here so didn’t need to buy that – but felt a basket would be useful for carrying things.
This one came from Halfords Sale. Bob’s bike needed lights, so he bought them – and the 3-for-2 offer meant I got a bike computer as well. Thus far my top speed has been 8mph – most of the enthusiastic pedalling is being done by my left leg, but my right knee is doing its best to keep up. And after so long being unable to run, it is good to feel I am doing some exercise again.
As yet I have not given my bicycle a name. Not sure if I ever will – but I refer to her as my ‘Redeemed Bicycle’. The joy of owning and riding something which had been discarded as an old wreck, but which was lovingly rescued and restored is wonderful. It’s a real thrill to be able to ride round the village – but even more to realise that my daughters share my passion for rescuing and re-cycling.
From what I can see of her colour, and her elegant style, I think she deserves a name! My paternal grandmother was a Ruby, and perhaps that would suit!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations - she looks beautiful, and I am sure you will have lots of fun with her xxx
What a lovely present. I hope that you enjoy many happy miles together! Jx
ReplyDeleteMy suggestion? Hannah, after Hannah More, the social reformer and abolitionist friend of John Newton. You could even wear blue stockings while riding!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have such a thoughtful gift, and one that has been restored with such love and care.
ReplyDeleteHappy (re)cycling!
I'm glad you're enjoying it! It's been great fun restoring her to her former glory, and I know she's gone to a good home. Jon deserves most of the credit for getting her back on the road though! She was built in 1984, making her 29 this year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the date - and I am grateful to you, Jon and Steph for what you achieved between you!
DeleteWhat a fab present!! I also have a basket on my bike like that!
ReplyDeletedont the commandments mention something about not stealing ?
ReplyDeleteYes they do - but the family made every conceivable effort to find the owner of what was a very wrecked bicycle which had been left for over a year in the back garden of private property, behind a locked gate. We presume it was dumped by a previous occupant along with other rubbish when they departed.
DeleteThe Bible speaks also of forgiveness, restoration, redemption - and love for parents [as well as not judging others] These values are important to me, and to my family too.
What a lovely thoughtful gift..to think that someone abandoned that bicycle!
ReplyDeleteJane x
It looks lovely x
ReplyDeleteI had one of these but aren't they heavy! Hard work to pedal too compared with the modern bikes of today.
ReplyDeleteI really wanted this old fashioned 'sit up and beg' [aka Dutch] style, because many of the newer bikes have a higher crosspiece on the frame which I cannot get my dodgy knee across. I suspect the hard work will do me good too!
DeleteWhat a wonderful rescue! I love my bike, and have found that you can get an awful lot of shopping into a basket. Also, last year I had alternating problems with my right ankle and left knee, and the bike kept me mobile when walking was painful - and kept the joints moving without weight on them. I hope you have lots of fun with her :-)
ReplyDeleteLynn P
Go girl, go!
ReplyDeleteLove from Mum
xx
I have a sit up and beg bike and love it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous present. Well done to your daughter for restoring something which had been discarded.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely surprise present for you, Angela. It looks a great bike and you look so happy. Like your cheerful outfit too. Best wishes, Anne (South West)
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a helmet! I love your new wheels! I want one!
ReplyDeleteYes - I DO have a helmet, and since we got back to the Midlands, I have ALWAYS worn it to go riding! I think it is really important that adults set a good example to the children!
DeleteI love your bicycle! It definitely should be named. How about Big Red since RED are the first letters in redeemed?
ReplyDeleteWe have the same bike baskets? This pleases me enormously! Although I know that you will not stop at thinking about making a drawstring bag for yours to keep out the drizzle.... Blog the tutorial when you're done! What a stroke of forage genius! No stealing involved, methinks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic present. Congratulations and happy cycling!
ReplyDeleteOh how beautiful she is! She has to have a name (My current one is called Celeste! Older ones were Rosie and Betty!)
ReplyDelete