I was never really able to ride my bike as much as I wanted to when I lived in Lawrence, partly because of the hills but mostly because I'm out of shape. So when I realized I'd be moving to a mostly flat city with lots of stores within biking distance, I was definitely excited.
It's nice out today (no torrential downpours like yesterday) so I decided to make a quick trip to the grocery store. I own a commuter bike (complete with fenders, a platform on the back and a nifty bell with a compass) and I'd purchased a collapsible basket to put on the back, so I figured this was the perfect day to try it out.
My ride to Dillon's went quite smoothly, only taking about 5 minutes. I looked all eco-friendly cruising along with my re-usable shopping bags. Ha! Take that gas-guzzling SUVs, I'm saving the environment! As I locked up my bike I decided to rock the wind-blown slightly glowing look because hey, "green" is in.
I proceeded through Dillon's according to my usual routine- searching for organic and Asian foods they never have, buying way more than is on my list and even though it says "15 items or less" and I have more like 30, going through the self-check-out.
Loading my canvas bag into the basket on the back of my bike, I prematurely applauded myself for a job well done. "See Lindsey? It's easy being green!" I managed to get everything balanced, threw my produce bag over my shoulder and headed back towards home. Everything was going swimmingly until I was half-way out of the parking lot.
You see, I was a little apprehensive about permanently attaching anything to my bike, so I'd used the elastic strap from the back platform to secure the basket. Oops. The basket didn't just slowly slide over, it violently fell to the side, throwing my groceries at a elderly woman walking by.
This happened two more times before I finally gave up, hung my bag over the handlebars and walked my sorry butt home.
I'm melting like my frozen corn. Wilting like my baby spinach. Ego bruised like those blueberries...
Silly bike basket, you haven't defeated me. We're so not finished...
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1 comments:
oh no! I have to admit, I biked around Lawrence for a small amount of time. I lived at 11th and Mississippi, and tried to ride up the hill to go to class and made it about a third of the way and turned back. Out of shape!
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