Plague Diary, In Which I Find Biking Stimulating

[lydy]

 
So, I mentioned that I had been riding the ride-share bikes.  And that's been lovely.  But they are, well, let's just say that they are no better than they should be.  So, I spent my stimulus money on a bike.  I bought an Electra Loft Step-through 7i.  I guess it's a ... hub shift?  I dunno.  Some sort of gearing thing, and I don't speak bike.  But, it's a twist-shift, which is easy to use.  And a step-through, so I can continue to bike in a skirt.  I worry that maybe I should have gotten the smaller frame, as the Electra is supposed to be, and I quote, "flat-foot technology tm".  With the saddle in the lowest position, I still have to stand on my tip-toes to reach the ground.  But she's incredibly comfortable to ride, nimble and responsive.  The phone app I'm playing with, Urban Biker, reports that I am faster on this bike than a ride-share bike, which makes sense, what with her being considerably lighter.

Today, David and I made it all the way to the Greenway, and a little way along it.  I am still only managing 3 to 4 miles, but I have managed to not hurt myself, again, which is great.

The color of the bike is "Green Tea." They had sold out of other colors.  So, I named the bike Jasmine.  And because, in my heart of hearts, I'm still nine, I got a basket.  I mean, how else does one transport frogs, cool rocks, and random wild flowers?  Also, this basket is on a clip that detaches, so one can take it into the market.   I could, you know, bike to the Seward Friendship Co-op and use the basket.  Or, you know, just put frogs and flowers in it.  What evs.

The thing about bicycling that I did not know is that I can titrate the amount of exertion, and get exercise without triggering an asthma attack.  I have said for a very long time that I don't like exercise that makes me breathe hard.  I usually say it as a joke, but it's the god's truth, because I have exercise-induced asthma, and man, that's just the opposite of fun.  But bicycling lets me get exercise without the whole "Oh, god, it hurts to breathe" thing.  And it's more satisfying in several different regards than walking.  It's a little like having seven league boots.

 P.S. I've tried inserting a picture of me on Jasmine, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to make that work.  So, um, just picture me in blue tie-dye, looking smug.

P.P.S.  So, I think I kinda figured it out?  DW, why is this so hard!

 

Comments

[supergee]

The picture came through just fine. Enjoy your bike.

[green_knight]

Yay bike!

[mrissa]

Yay!

[sonia]

Yay happiness with new bike and basket! May you enjoy many miles together!

[haertstitch]

How lovely !
that's a really nice basket

green goes with everything
especially you ;)

its nice how Minneapolis is flat
like Chicago ;) .
think i want a mini electric bike

[thewayne]

Congrats! Sounds like a spiffy velocipede! I've never understood how hub shifters worked, I remember how 3-speeds were the hub shifters of the day, didn't know they had more than three speeds now. I can't say I keep up with bike tech either.

[quadong]

I like "titrate the amount of exertion". Yes, it's awfully hard to run slowly enough that you don't get out of breath, isn't it? But no problem on the bike.

[quility]

Wowsa! That's a nice looking bike! I'm jealous. My bike is aging and I'm hoping my next one will allow me to sit more upright and take the pressure off my wrists. Yours looks like a good position. How does one shop for a bike during a pandemic, anyway?

[lydy]

Online? I originally ordered a Townie from REI, but it was taking too long. The delivery date kept on slipping. And then I saw that Freewheel Bikes had the Loft for sale, so I cancelled the order from REI and ordered the Loft. Then they emailed me and said that the Blizzard Blue bike that I had chosen had sold off the floor before they could update their website, but they had lots of the Green Tea. I emailed back, "any color!" And now, I have Jasmine.

[laramie]

I'm no judge of bikes, but I'm glad you're happy with it - and that's a nice-looking basket!

[quility]

Oooh! Good to know. Thanks! and Congrats! :)