Dave has been in desperate need for proper ponchos for some time now, so I decided to go shopping for a few that will actually keep him and his wife dry when they confront showers riding their Electras around Portland.
At one store close to my home they were sold out, but there were 3 left in their other store on the other side of town. I asked the teller at the first shop to call the other and have them hold on to it, that I would over there in 30 minutes. Well, it took 20 minutes. No biggie.
Not so for the guys behind the counter.
“You biked all the way over from Oud-West?”
“Uhm, yes? Is that so odd?”
“Well, it’s quite far, isn’t it? And you got here so quickly.”
“Nah, not at all.”
“I guess you’re in good shape, then.”
“Not really, it’s just a bike ride.”
These fellas must have been in their early twenties. Times are changing, I guess. And I’m not as I old as I think I am.
Plus, they don’t know I make any bike ride worthwhile, taking it easy and enjoying the views. Having Mr Freight as an accomplice helps, too. At the end of my ride I stopped to shop at the supermarket, and when I came out with the groceries, putting them in my front crate, a woman who had unlocked hers and seemed reluctant to leave, said: “I really like your bike, it’s beautiful!”
“Thank you. You have to know I’m quite a bike nut, actually. And this is my Ferrari, so to speak.”
“It looks better than a Ferrari, if you ask me.”
That, and the things I saw while cycling for errands made up for another nice day.
I give you the ‘This And That‘ photo set, or toggle to go full screen below:
WHAT TO DO NOW?