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March 29, 2007

A Tale of Two Bicycles

Over a year ago, I decided I wanted a bike. I haven't had one in years. I was concerned it might be a passing fancy, that the idea of riding a bike would be more appealing than the reality. So, I waited. When Christmas rolled around this past year, I realized that I really DID want a bike. I had a Schwinn when I was a kid, and so I asked Hubby for a nod to retro design Schwinn from the local store.

While he gave it to me for Christmas, we didn't actually go buy it until mid-February. I rode it and loved it. It was blue. I felt a bit like Audrey Hepburn.

The second time I rode it, as I went up a slight incline I decided to switch gears. And the chain and whole gear mechanism popped off and went flying into the road. It was my birthday. I felt like a kid, wanting to cry.

I returned the bike to the store. They had no more like it, but were readily agreeable that it was a defective bicycle, and so issued me a full refund.

At that point, I was despondent. I told Hubby, "I'm just going to advertise on CraigsList that I want an old bike that has been ridden recently and works."

When I went to post a Wanted:Bike ad, I saw that an ad had just been posted for two bicycles just a few hours before. I called. An older couple have been vacationing in Florida for the past month. They had two older Schwinns and have ridden them all month. I called, and they were willing for me to come take a look.

The bikes were just what I wanted--and not just a bike for me, but Hubby as well. Road bicycles, good condition, older, slightly rusted but working. And the styling? Pure vintage. A Suburban and Collegiate. Blue and Yellow. A comfy seat, new brakes.

I felt like it was a special gift from the Lord. Just what I wanted, only better.

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Oh, what a lovely story of God's provision and His intimate knowledge of His children and their needs!

This is fabulous! Enjoy those bikes!

Posted by: kim from hiraeth at March 29, 2007 09:15 AM

i love this post! :) i, too, wanted a bike in the worst way and finally got one when i was 7 months pregnant with jude. it was probably unwise (?) to be riding a bicycle with such a large tummy, but i had faith in my biking skills and never fell off, although i'm sure i looked silly.

sadly, i've not biked since jude was born, mostly because we don't have two bike seats for the boys, and also because henry doesn't ride his bike well enough to ride along with us. we also live in a busy part of town and i think i would have a hard time being safe on a bike in the midst of lots of traffic. :o

congrats, i'm excited for you.

Posted by: mollie greene at March 29, 2007 11:44 AM

God is good, all the time! What a nice reminder that He knows what we need even without us asking for it, and like in your case, only better =)

Posted by: bp at March 30, 2007 11:45 PM

Do we get a picture of you two on your bikes? Please, please, please.

I never get to ride my bike here. I sometimes wonder if people even know what a bicycle is. There is no where safe and people who so dare must have really good insurance!!

My poor bike is covered with cobwebs. Our new home is right next to a real bike trail, so even my boys can ride bikes now.

Posted by: Heatherlee at March 31, 2007 06:23 PM

Awesome story. I've been wanting a bike for a while as well. We gave ours away when we moved to England in '98 and I've missed riding every since.

I got a Harley in 2000, which is great, but not quite the exercise a Schwin or a Huffy might be.

Lord willing, I'll have a great story to attach to my procurement as well. ; )

Posted by: GUNNY HARTMAN at March 31, 2007 07:03 PM