Okay, so I have a confession…I have a soft place in my heart for vintage Schwinn bikes. In fact, I own three. Meet my rides:
I fixed up this cute red one with the the oh so stylish white tires, she lives at our beach house…
The tandem bike gets lots of use at the beach house too! It’s a favorite of the kids and our pup loves to ride in the front basket.
My third Schwinn is a boys bike (my son’s favorite) and I love the old vintage details, like the original seat with the big springs – not too kind on the derriere but the look is too cool! This beauty has been restored and also holds residence at the beach.
With my own life shifting towards downsizing, getting around by bike really makes sense to me, plus it’s just plain fun! These bikes have such character and style. I purchased them all through fund raisers held by the Lake Oswego Rotary Club lobster feed and the TRASH BASH which is hands down the best spring party in Manzanita! Both the Bike Gallery and Mike’s Bikes have helped me restored my bikes, they smile when I come in.
My love affair with bikes started 25 years ago, when I acquired by very first road bike. I was managing the Mt. Shop downtown and The Bike Gallery was conveniently located next door. The mechanic Mike turned me onto a used Raleigh racing road bike tricked out with campagnolo gear. Back then, I biked to work – from the Lloyd district to downtown and that was before all the cool new bike paths!
My next bike was a mountain bike – a Specialized, named “Epic” and painted RED, of course! (I was trying to impress my future husband who was an avid biker!) It worked.
When I travel, I almost always rent a bike. It’s a fantastic way to really experience the city. This shot was on a river bridge in Prague.
Riding in style is a must. I prefer to ride wearing a skirt…it’s oh-so European and feels very feminine. Most of the women there bike in heels too!
Images via weheartit
Portland is one of the most bike friendly cities in the United States. We even have a local real estate agent who sells homes via her bike!
So dust off that bike that is haunting your garage and get out there! Biking is a great way to reduce your carbon imprint, get exercise and it saves you money!
I’m hunting for my next city bike, I’m thinking it might be the Electra Amsterdam royal…any suggestions? I’m thinking of test riding it in heels!
I would love to hear from you – What do you ride??
Happy Wednesday!
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