I think I may have alluded to the love affair I am having with my bicycle but I definitely haven’t filled you in on all the juicy details yet…
My first Dutch bicycle was a real piece of work. I bought it last summer from a Dutch woman who works in my office building. She had just bought herself a brand spanking new bicycle for 500 EUR (yes, buying a new bike in Holland is highway robbery!) and was happily tossing her old clunker. After seeing the bike--no front tire, no gears, covered in rust--we decided on a price, 10 EUR. I walked away from the deal thrilled to have a genuine Oma fiets, even if it needed a tad of work.
I quickly learned the “rules of the road” (mandatory lights, no helmets, two locks required at all times) and have been cruising around the city on two wheels ever since. Unfortunately my beloved bike gave out one day --I may still blame him--and is now in bike heaven (a.k.a. the bottom of an Amsterdam canal). Luckily, my mom picked up a bargain on Queen’s day, which I've since inherited.
Bicycles in the Netherlands are omnipresent. City officials estimate there are almost as many bicycles (600,000) as people (700,000). To truly experience this city you need to be on a bike, or at least on the back of one. I have spent many a great night on the back of a friend’s bike, pedalling along the canals, discovering an Amsterdam I never knew existed.
And so, the love affair continues…I may have opted for the bus today (due to the sweltering heat—32C!), but I assure you this weekend’s sole form of transportation will be our fiets . (Of course after a couple drinks added concentration is required!)
P.S. Great article on Holland's biking culture found here .
Hello,
Ok so you like your bike, I am in Toronto now and I am amazed at the number of people who ride their bikes everywhere that and the number of condos/apartments that Do Not have parking
For those who know me, living in Toronto has now put in my 4th city in a year, and as of right now I have been living in temporary housing for 6 months and had to move 3 times
Oh Wait...this Just Dazzle's blog.....sorry
Ok Dazzle, so I hope you are doing well!!
I miss many of you folks and hope to talk to many of you soon!
Ciao
hey good work if you enjoy letting the world study your life and personal diary!! I like your bike , very groovy looking, big wheels for distance travel, though, are you sure the seat is high enough, while seated and relaxed your leg fully extended to pedal in down position should be straight not bent at knee . This increases leg power and makes for much more efficient cycling.Love XXOO Ken an Sheesh Hi to MOTown.
